Watch Parasakthi

Parasakthi is a 1952 Tamil-language drama film that deals with a wide range of social issues, including the caste system, female oppression, and religious intolerance. Directed by R. Krishnan and S. Panju, the film stars Pandari Bai, Doraiswamy, and Shivaji Ganesan in prominent roles. This film marks the debut of Sivaji Ganesan, who went on to become one of the greatest actors in Tamil cinema history.

The film opens with Panchali (Pandari Bai), a Dalit woman, being abused by an upper-caste landlord. A young lawyer named Gunasekaran (Sivaji Ganesan) witnesses this atrocity and takes up Panchali's cause. Impressed by Gunasekaran's sincerity and dedication, Panchali decides to tell him her life story.

Panchali was born in a lower-caste family and was married off to a man who was mentally unstable. Her husband died soon after, leaving her all alone to fend for herself. Unable to make ends meet, she becomes a servant in the house of an upper-caste man named Ammavasai (S. V. Sahasranamam).

One day, Ammavasai's son Rangasamy (Doraiswamy), a vain and haughty man, tries to molest Panchali. When she resists, he throws her out of the house. Panchali is then taken in by a group of Dalit activists who are fighting against the caste system. There she meets a man named Murugesan (M. K. Radha), who is her exact opposite in temperament but shares her passion for justice.

Together, the group fights against caste oppression and discrimination. However, their efforts are met with strong resistance from the upper-caste groups, who are not willing to give up their privileges. The story then takes several twists and turns, with Gunasekaran joining their cause and becoming a vital member of the group.

The film is most notable for its powerful social commentary and its focus on the marginalized sections of society. It also has some excellent performances, especially from Pandari Bai and Shivaji Ganesan. The movie's music is also a standout, with the iconic "Kaalangalil Aval Vasantham" song becoming an instant hit.

Another interesting aspect of the film is its dialogues, which are still remembered as classic lines in Tamil cinema. For instance, Gunasekaran's dialogue "உலுகாம ஒருவன் உலகில் வாழ்ந்து பிறக்கமற்றது" (A person who is not sensitive to the pain of others does not deserve to live in this world) has become an oft-quoted phrase even today.

Overall, Parasakthi is a must-watch film for anyone interested in Tamil cinema history or socially relevant cinema. It is a testament to the courage and perseverance of the marginalized sections of society and their quest for justice and equality.

Parasakthi is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.