Why Kenishaa Francis says ‘Parasakthi will run only because of Ravi Mohan’

Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara and released in theatres on January 10, is a Tamil political drama based on real events linked to the 1965 language agitation in Tamil Nadu. Starring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead and Ravi Mohan as the antagonist, alongside Sreeleela and Atharvaa, the film explores student movements, identity politics and resistance.

Written by Sudha Kongara and Arjun Nadesan and produced by Aakash Baskaran, the film features music by G. V. Prakash Kumar. The film has received mixed early responses, with praise for performances and key emotional moments, but criticism for its screenplay and execution.

Singer Kenishaa Francis, who has been rumourly linked to actor Ravi Mohan, made strong remarks about his performance in Parasakthi after watching the film on its release day. Speaking to the media, she said the film would succeed in theatres only because of Ravi Mohan, regardless of whether he played a hero or a villain.

“Whether he plays a hero or a villain, the movie would run in theatres only because of him,” Kenishaa said, adding that she did not think there was a bigger actor than Ravi Mohan in the film. Ravi plays the antagonist in Parasakthi, which is directed by Sudha Kongara and also stars Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela and Atharvaa.

Kenishaa said Ravi Mohan had worked on the role for nearly six months and felt the film appeared to have been crafted primarily around his character. “After watching the film, I get the impression that the film has been made just for him. Evergreen, ever best. He is Number One in this movie,” she said.

She also admitted that she initially found it difficult to watch Ravi Mohan in a villain’s role but felt that his character dominated the second half of the film. “In the second half, there is nothing beyond his character,” she added.

Commenting on the delay in the film’s censorship clearance, Kenishaa said the issue should be viewed with balance. “We have to respect the government and the law. None of us are working against the law. They are right in their own way and the creators are right in their own way,” she said, noting that misunderstandings often arise in such situations. She added that now that the certificate had been granted, audiences were enjoying the film and that “nothing else matters”.

Kenishaa also echoed Ravi Mohan’s earlier comment on the postponement of Jana Nayagan, saying Pongal would truly begin only when Vijay’s film releases.

Parasakthi, which hit theatres on January 10, has received mixed first-day reactions from audiences and critics. While some viewers praised its performances, music and emotional moments, others criticised the screenplay and execution, calling it an average watch despite a strong subject.