Parasakthi (1952 Film)

Parasakthi (1952 Film)

Parasakthi (English: The Goddess) is a 1952 Indian Tamil social melodrama film directed by R. Krishnan and S. Panju, under the banner of National Pictures. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan in his debut, while Pandari Bai, Sriranjani Jr., S. S. Rajendran and S. V. Sahasranamam appear in supporting roles. It was produced by P. A. Perumal Mudaliar and funded by A. V. Meiyappan of AVM Productions, and is based on a stage drama titled Parasakthi, written by Pavalar Balasundaram. The film narrates the misfortunes that befall the members of a Tamil family during World War II, and how the members face their individual fate, and get reunited at the end.

The screenplay and dialogues for Parasakthi were written by M. Karunanidhi, who would later become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The film's soundtrack was composed by R. Sudarsanam. Parasakthi was released on 17 October 1952, during the festive occasion of Diwali, and ran into trouble because of its portrayal of Brahmins and Hindu customs and practices in poor light. The elitarian society including the then ruling State government even demanded the film to be banned. Nevertheless, the film was critically acclaimed, with critics praising its dialogues and the actors' performances in particular. The film also become a commercial success, and had a theatrical run of over 200 days. Parasakthi also acquired cult status, and later became a trendsetter for dialogues and acting in Tamil cinema.