Sudha Kongara says there is no competing with Vijay amid Jana Nayagan row

Filmmaker Sudha Kongara has spoken candidly about the turbulence surrounding her latest release Parasakthi, addressing censorship challenges, online abuse, and comparisons with Jana Nayagan, the much-anticipated film featuring Vijay.

In an exclusive interaction, Sudha Kongara made it clear that she does not see Vijay as competition, even as both films became part of a heated public conversation due to censor delays and political interpretations.

On censorship and creative compromise

Sudha Kongara revealed that Parasakthi went through a second round of scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification. She said that while any cut is painful for a filmmaker, her focus remained on ensuring the film reached audiences without diluting its narrative strength.

Drawing from past experience, she noted that negotiations with the censor board are sometimes unavoidable. According to her, the final audio edits suggested by the board did not disrupt the emotional or thematic flow of Parasakthi, allowing the film to retain its core message while meeting certification requirements.

‘How do you compete with Vijay?’

Reacting to questions around whether Parasakthi was competing with Jana Nayagan, which faced its own censor hurdles close to release, Sudha dismissed the idea outright.

She described Vijay as an actor she deeply admires, calling herself one of his biggest fans. Emphasising respect over rivalry, Sudha said it was impossible to view a superstar of Vijay’s stature as competition. She also expressed empathy over Jana Nayagan facing censor issues just days before release, calling it an ordeal no filmmaker deserves.

On online harassment and abuse

Sudha Kongara also addressed the online harassment she faced during the film’s release window. She clarified that she is not personally active on social media and relies on her associates to manage official posts. Despite this, abusive messages and threats still reached her.

She rejected claims that the attacks came from Vijay’s fan base, stating that genuine fans would not resort to such language. The filmmaker described the abuse as deeply disturbing, especially messages that targeted her character rather than her work. She reiterated her belief in freedom of speech but drew a clear line between criticism and harassment.

Politics, ideology, and Parasakthi

Responding to allegations that Parasakthi promotes political propaganda, Sudha maintained that the film is balanced and rooted in historical context rather than party politics. She explained that the narrative spans from the promises of Jawaharlal Nehru to the period when Hindi became an official language, seen through the lens of student movements influenced by Dravidian thought.

She stressed that political parties and direct ideological preaching were consciously avoided, with the focus instead on social realities and personal journeys.

On language and imposition

Sudha Kongara also spoke strongly against linguistic imposition, calling it inherently undemocratic. She said language can empower or alienate individuals, and forcing people to learn a language they do not connect with creates exclusion rather than unity.

While she supports learning new languages when required by circumstance, she argued that imposing a “foreign” language within one’s own state undermines cultural comfort and identity.

As debates around censorship, politics, and fan culture continue, Sudha Kongara’s remarks underline a larger conversation about creative freedom, respectful discourse, and coexistence in India’s film industry.