January 10, 2026: Sudha Kongara’s much‑anticipated period drama Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela and Ravi Mohan, hit theatres on Saturday ahead of the Pongal weekend. But even before audiences settled into their seats, the film found itself at the centre of a linguistic and cultural storm. A leaked list of censor modifications, surfacing online shortly after the film received a UA certificate, revealed that a contentious term had been muted, triggering backlash from Telugu viewers.
The word in question, “golty,” has long carried a derogatory undertone when used by some Tamil speakers to refer to Telugu people. Though its origins are debated, some say it’s simply “Telugu” reversed, others link it to caste‑based stereotypes, the term is widely recognised as a slur. Its appearance in the leaked list was enough to ignite a wave of criticism across social media platforms.
The reaction was swift. Telugu users on X and Reddit accused the filmmakers of disrespect and double standards, especially since the director herself comes from a Telugu‑speaking background. Several posts demanded an apology, while others called for a boycott of the film altogether. Many expressed disappointment that actors who enjoy strong support in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would be associated with such language.
Not everyone agreed with the outrage. A section of fans argued that the leaked list lacked context and that the term may have been used in a light‑hearted exchange between characters. Some pointed out that similar usage has appeared in other Tamil‑dubbed films without sparking comparable uproar. Still, the debate has continued to intensify, overshadowing the film’s release weekend.
Censor Leak Overshadows Parasakthi’s Pongal Release
Parasakthi marks Sudha Kongara’s return to Tamil cinema after the acclaimed Soorarai Pottru and its Hindi remake Sarfira. Set in 1960s Madras, the film follows a young man’s resistance to Hindi imposition, a politically charged backdrop that already places the narrative under scrutiny. The film was initially expected to clash with Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, which was postponed due to its own censorship hurdles.
As the festival weekend unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will impact Parasakthi’s box office performance or fade as audiences engage with the film’s broader themes.