ponniyin selvan movie review in tamil

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Last Updated : 30 Sep, 2022 10:45 AM

Published : 30 Sep 2022 10:45 AM Last Updated : 30 Sep 2022 10:45 AM

பொன்னியின் செல்வன் 1 Review: நிதானமாகப் பயணிக்கும் காட்சி அனுபவ விருந்து!

சோழ சாம்ராஜ்யத்தை சூழும் வஞ்சக இருள் விலகியதா, இல்லையா என்பதுதான் ‘பொன்னியின் செல்வன் பாகம் 1’ படத்தின் ஒன்லைன். சோழ நாட்டில் சதி நடப்பது ஆதித்த கரிகாலனுக்கு தெரியவர, தன் நண்பன் வந்தியத்தேவனிடம் அங்கு நடக்கும் விஷயங்களை தன் தந்தையிடமும், தமக்கையிடமும் சொல்லுமாறு ஏவுகிறான். ஆதித்த கரிகாலனின் ஆணையை ஏற்று சோழநாடு செல்லும் வந்தியத்தேவன் அங்கு நடக்கும் சூழ்ச்சியை அறிந்துகொண்டு, அரசனிடமும், இளவரசியிடமும் உண்மையைச் சொல்ல இறுதியில் எதிராளிகளின் சூழ்ச்சி கைகூடியதா, இல்லையா என்பதுடன் வந்தியத்தேவனின் பயணத்தில் நடக்கும் பிரச்சினைகளின் தொகுப்பு தான் 'பொன்னியின் செல்வன் 1'.

பலரும் படமாக்க முயன்ற கல்கியின் 'பொன்னியின் செல்வன்' நாவலை திரையாக்கம் செய்துகாட்டியிருக்கிறார் இயக்குநர் மணிரத்னம். அவருடன், இளங்கோ குமரவேலும், ஜெயமோகனும் இணைந்து திரைக்கதை எழுதியுள்ளனர். கல்கி தன்னுடைய கற்பனை வளத்தை எழுத்துகளில் நுழைத்து நாவலை படிக்கும் வாசர்களின் மன ஓட்டத்தில் பிரமாண்ட காட்சிகளை அரங்கேற்றியிருப்பார். வந்தியத்தேவனின் பாதைகளை அவர் விவரிக்கும்போது நாமும் வந்தியத்தேவனின் பின்னால் அமர்ந்து செல்லும் உணர்வை நாவல் கொடுக்கும். அப்படியான அந்த எழுத்துகளுக்கு திரைவடிவம் கொடுக்க தன்னால் முடிந்த அளவுக்கு முயன்றியிருக்கிறார் மணிரத்னம். அவை சில இடங்களில் கைகொடுத்தும், சில இடங்களில் இடறியுமிருக்கிறது.

நாவலை வாசித்தவர்கள் கட்டமைத்திருக்கும் கற்பனை உலகை எட்ட நினைத்திருக்கும் இயக்குநர் மற்றும் படக்குழுவின் முயற்சி மெச்சத்தக்கது. ஆனால், வாசிக்காதவர்களுக்கு கதையும், மாந்தர்களும் புதிது எனும்போது, அவர்களுக்கான டீடெய்லிங் மிஸ்ஸிங். அதேபோல நாவலை அப்படியே படமாக்காமல், படத்தின் கால அளவிற்கேற்ப பல இடங்கள் கத்தரிக்கப்பட்டு சுருக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.

படத்தின் பலமே அதன் தேர்ந்த நடிகர்கள் கூட்டம்தான். ஆதித்த கரிகாலனாக விக்ரம். நந்தினியை நினைத்து உருகும் காட்சிகளிலும், களத்தில் புழுதிபறக்க எதிரிகளை களமாடும் காட்சிகளிலும் ஆதித்த கரிகாலனுக்கான உருவமாக காட்சியளிக்கிறார். இடத்திற்கேற்ப தன்னை தகவமைத்து, சாமர்த்திய வீரனாக வந்தியத்தேவன் கதாபாத்திரத்தில் கச்சிதமாக பொருந்துகிறார் கார்த்தி. ஆழ்வார்கடியானான ஜெயராமுடன் அவரது கெமிஸ்ட்ரி நன்றாகவே கைகொடுத்துள்ளது. அமைதியாய் செல்லும் காட்சிகளில் தன்னுடைய ஒன்லைனர்களால் சிரிக்கவும் வைக்கிறார்.

இளமை தளும்பும், இளைய இளவரசனாக ஜெயம் ரவி ரசிக்க வைக்கிறார். ஐஸ்வர்யா ராய், த்ரிஷா தெளிந்த நீரோடையைப் போல திரைக்கு அழகூட்டி கல்கியின் வர்ண்ணைகளுக்கு நியாயம் சேர்க்கின்றனர். அதிலும் குறிப்பாக, இரண்டு பேரும் எதிரெதிராக சந்தித்துக்கொள்ளும் காட்சிகள் சிலிர்ப்பு.

ஐஸ்வர்யா லக்‌ஷ்மியின் பூங்குழலி நடுக்கடலில் கப்பலுக்குள் மிதக்கும் மீனாக ஈர உடையுடன் ஈர்க்கிறார். ஆழ்வார்க்கடியான் நம்பி கதாபாத்திரத்திற்கு உயிர்கொடுத்திருக்கும் ஜெயராம் தலைமுடி ஸ்டைல், நடை, உடை, உடல்மொழி என மிரட்டலான நடிப்பை வெளிப்படுத்தியிருக்கிறார். தவிர பிரகாஷ்ராஜ், சரத்குமார், பார்த்திபன், பிரபு, ரஹ்மான், நிழல்கள் ரவி, விக்ரம் பிரபு, ஜெயராம், கிஷோர் தேர்ந்த நடிப்பில் கவனம் பெறுகின்றனர்.

'கருவூலத்தை பார்த்து மயங்கிட வேண்டாம்' என ஐஸ்வர்யா ராய் சொல்லும்போது, 'வைர சுரங்கத்தையே பார்க்கிறேன்' என மறுமொழியுதிர்க்கும் வசனம் ஜெயமோகன் டச். ஆதித்த கரிகாலன் - நந்தினிக்கான குட்டி ஃப்ளாஷ்பேக் ஈர்ப்பு. இரண்டாம் பாதியில் கப்பலில் நடக்கும் சண்டைக் காட்சிகள், தோட்டாதரணியின் கலை ஆக்கம் படத்தின் தரத்தை கூட்டுகின்றன. ரவி வர்மனின் ஒளிப்பதிவில் பிரமாண்ட காட்சி அனுபவம் கண்களுக்கு விருந்து. குறிப்பாக விக்ரம் ஐஸ்வர்யா ராய் குறித்து சிலாகிக்கும் காட்சிகளில் நிலையில்லாமல் முகத்துக்கேற்றபடி நகரும் கேமராவும் அது உருவாக்கும் அனுபவமும் புதுமை. ஆனால், போர்காட்சிகளில் பிரமாண்டமில்லாதது ஏமாற்றம்.

ஐஸ்வர்யாராய்க்கு, த்ரிஷாவுக்கான தனித்தனி பிரத்யேக பிண்ணனி இசையை கோர்த்ததன் வழியே அந்தக் கதாபாத்திரங்களுக்கான மூட்-ஐ உருவாக்கி கொடுத்துள்ளார் இசையமைப்பாளர் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான். 'பொன்னிநதி', 'சோழா சோழா' இறுதியில் வரும் மனதை உருக்கும் பாடல் மற்றும் பின்னணி இசையில் படத்துக்கு ஆன்மாவை அச்சுபிசகாமல் பார்வையாளர்களுக்கு கடத்துகிறார்.

மொத்தத்தில் நிதானமாக நகரும் திரைக்கதை, சில இடங்களில் பிசகும் சிஜி, நாவல் வாசிக்காதவர்களுக்கான முழுமையில்லாத காட்சிகள் என சில குறைகள் இருந்தாலும், ரசிகர்களுக்கு காட்சி அனுபவ விருந்து படைக்கிறது பொன்னியின் செல்வன்.

அன்பு வாசகர்களே....

இந்த ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில் வீட்டை விட்டு வெளியே வராமல் நமக்கு நாமே சமூக விலகல் ( Social Distancing) செய்து கொள்வோம். செய்தி ஊடகங்களின் வழியே உலகுடன் தொடர்பில் இருப்போம். பொதுவெளியில் இருந்து தனிமைப்படுத்திக் கொண்டு கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுப்பதில் நம் பங்கை முழுமையாக இந்த சமூகத்துக்கு அளிப்போம்.

CoVid-19 கரோனா தடுப்பு / விழிப்புணர்வு கையேடு - இலவசமாக டவுன்லோடு செய்து பயன்பெறுங்கள்!

- வாசகர்கள் நலனில் அக்கறையுடன் இந்து தமிழ் திசை

தவறவிடாதீர்!

•   பல கெட்டப்; அதிரடி ஆக்சன்: வெளியானது கார்த்தியின் ‘சர்தார்’ பட டீசர்
•   இளையராஜாவுடன் இசையிரவு 3 | ‘இதயம் ஒரு கோயில்’ - எனை ஆளும் ஆருயிர் ஜீவன்!
•   “நந்தினி கதாபாத்திரம்... எனக்கு பொறாமையாக உள்ளது” - நடிகை மீனா
•   ‘நானே வருவேன்’ படத்தை சூசகமாக கலாய்த்த பார்த்திபன் - ‘ரியாக்ட்’ செய்யாத சக நடிகர்கள்

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Ponniyin Selvan Movie Review: An Aesthetic Depiction Of The Literary Masterpiece

One thing people were sure of as soon as Maniratnam announced his Magnum Opus was that it would be visually a feast. As Vikram had pointed out in an interview, Maniratnam brings a certain humidity into the visuals, and there is always that cool and watery vibe to the frames. Ponniyin Selvan 1 tops his previous projects in terms of how it looks.

The longing we get when we watch the Game of Thrones or Peaky Blinders , wishing we get something similar from our own creators, has been satisfied. I know I sound very excited but the film does deliver what it promised. There is drama, there is realistic acting, there is the visual ecstasy, and there is intrigue.

Story And Performances

The film sticks to the narrative direction of the novel and doesn't try to rearrange the sequences much and I loved that. The journey begins with Vanthiyathevan starting off with messages from Aditha Karikalan, the Crown Prince of the Chola Kingdom, to his siblings, Kundavai and Arulmozhi, and his father, and King Sundara Chola. The film pretty much covers this part, and by the time it's done, part 1 comes to an end.

Karthi as Vanthiyathevan brings the enthusiasm and kiddish charm of the character perfectly. He is the boyish flirt that is smart and energetic, and always ready to be there when he is needed. Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi AKA Ponniyin Selvan brings the majestic and stoic air that the prince carries. Vikram as Karikalan is convincing as the frustrated and angry Crown Prince who can't wait to burn the world in rage.

Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali is adorable. She plays the role in all its glory. Her feelings for the prince Arulmozhi, her natural tomboyish vibe, and how she interacts with Vanthiyathevan, have all come out really well, and she finds a way to your heart comfortably.

Trisha as Kundavai, and Aishwarya Rai as Nandhini have managed to bring the princess-y air quite well. Trisha succeeds in portraying the ambitious Kundavai with all her flaws and pride while Aishwarya Rai manages to thrill you with her magic like a sorceress.

Like the typical Marvel fan, I was waiting for a post-credit scene. The crowd pushed me around so much that I could not stay until the credits ended. I hope I did not miss one if there was any.

The Visuals

Every frame is literally a potential wallpaper. The tone, and the angles and the geography suck you into the screen, and you could almost watch the film just for the locations they have explored.

The editing is mature, without unnecessary cuts and prolonged scenes. The pace of the film takes us into the more relaxed and calmer reality of the era.

Ravi Varman behind the camera needs to take a bow for his breathtaking visuals, and Mani Ratnam definitely deserves monumental praise for the way the film looks.

What Works And What Doesn't

Story obviously works. It's one of the greatest pieces of Tamil literature. Screenplay works too, as it maintains the narrative of the novel quite sincerely. Performances work very well. The making is gorgeous and steals your attention.

What doesn't work is that the film doesn't have the space to breathe and take it slow. That's probably because 5 volumes of the novel are being squished into two installments.

There is also the fact that some of the actors are much older than the characters that they have played. Although this is something only those who have read the novel would feel, it does affect the way the interactions play out.

A masterpiece that manages to quench our thirst for a historical fiction feature film rooted in Tamil history, and it also gets onto the list of the flagship works in the genre globally. You can't afford to miss this beauty. Watch in the theatres!

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‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part One’ Review: Promising Tamil Franchise Kicks Off With Faithful Take on a Literary Classic

Director Mani Ratnam's blockbuster adaptation of Indian author Kalki Krishnamurthy’s bestselling series of historical novels launches the beloved tale on a suitably massive scale.

By Shalini Dore

Shalini Dore

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Tamil filmmaking legend Mani Ratnam takes on the formidable task of adapting Indian bestseller “Ponniyin Selvan” as a two-part epic, the first of which released to excellent box office at home and abroad on Sept. 29. Streamlining the source material considerably, this impressive franchise starter — co-written by Ratnam, Jayamohan and Kumaravel — remains mostly faithful to Kalki Krishnamurthy’s five novels, first serialized in the 1950s in the Tamil magazine Kalki before being translated into multiple other languages, including English.

In the 11th and 12th centuries, Southern India was ruled by the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, Hoysalas and other dynasties. The film opens with the Chola crown prince Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) and his army being victorious on the field. Aditha sends his faithful aide, Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi), to see what is happening in his father’s palace where Chola chieftains are gathering for a secret meeting.

Vandiyadevan soon falls in with a religious man, Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (Jayaram), another spy who also provides some comic relief. Together, they discover a plot to take the crown from the ailing king Sundara Chola and give it to his nephew, who had been passed over. Among those trying to use Vandiyadevan is the beautiful Nandini ( Aishwariya Rai Bachchan ), who uses her looks to get her husband, commander Chinna Pazhuvettariyar (R. Parthiban).

Things get more involved as the film goes along, of course, but Ratnam keeps the different strands moving at a fast enough pace so that you don’t notice the nearly three-hour running time. Nor does it matter that the titular Ponniyan Selvan doesn’t make an appearance until nearly the intermission.

DP Ravi Varman does justice to the sweep of the story, while CG battle scenes are staged like set-pieces from the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, a comparison underscored by Rahman’s soaring music. The below-the-line work is top-notch throughout — not just with camera and music, but also in the production design (Thotta Tharani). The Cholas were famous for the temples they built, with the Thanjavur temple standing even now as a testament to their artistry.

Augmented with excellent visual effects, sets representing the city of Thanjavur, the new city of Kanchi and Sri Lanka, bring to life Kalki’s prose that enchanted so many readers. Similarly fine attention to detail went into the costume design, hair and makeup, as well as the jewelry (pieces of which are now offered on sale) for not only the princes and other nobles but also the ladies from Nandini to the princess Kundavai (Trisha Krishnan).

Ratnam has always had a knack for drawing out the best performances from Rai Bachchan (with whom he collaborated on “Iruvar,” “Guru” and “Raavanan”), doing so once again in the star’s first screen role since 2018, even if her dialogue is spoken by Deepa Venkat. In the role of Vandiyadevan, Karthi brings exuberant action to the film; Ravi charms as Arunmozhi; and Vikram and Parthiban exhibit dangerous intent. Rai Bachchan is suitably scheming, as is Krishnan as the princess who only cares about the Chola kingdom and is jealous (with reason) of Nandini’s beauty and ability to beguile.

The film ends on a cliffhanger. While not yet shot, Part Two has been announced and is expected to be released in 2023.

Reviewed at Norwalk AMC Theaters, Los Angeles. Oct. 9, 2022. Running time: 166 MIN.

• Production: (India) A Red Giant Movies release of a Madras Talkies, Lyca Prods. production. Producers: Mani Ratnam, Subaskaran Allirajah.
• Crew: Director: Mani Ratnam. Screenplay: Mani Ratnam, Jayamohan, Kumaravel, based on the novel "Ponniyin Selvan" by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Camera: Ravi Varman. Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad. Music: A.R. Rahman
• With: Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwariya Rai Bachchan, Trisha Krishnan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jayaram, Vikram Prabhu, Sarath Kumar, R. Parthiban, Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Nassar. (Tamil dialogue)

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• Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1
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Mani Ratnam finally brings the dream of many Tamil filmmakers alive with this spectacular adaptation that superbly captures the intrigue, thrills and page-turning quality of the books.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 Movie Review: Mani Ratnam's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan is spectacular

• Times of India

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Tamil Trailer

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Ponniyin Selvan Part-1 | Tamil Song - Ponni Nadhi (Lyrical...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Ponge Nadhi (Lyric...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Malayalam Song - Ponni Nadhi (Ly...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Chola Chola (Lyric...

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Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Malayalam Song - Rakshasa Maaman...

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Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Kannada Song - Devaralan Aattaa

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Bibin Solomon 450 days ago

Kannan Jagannathan 487 days ago

I am disappointed by the movie. I grew up on the novel, and like so many of my age, read it a number of times in the 60s and 70s from bound volumes that my mother had made from the serialized publication in the early 50s. I just reread it after watching the movie to make sure that it wasn’t some vague nostalgia from 50 years ago. No it is not. The writing still sparkles. The writing has poetry (I don't mean just quotations of poems, Kalki's prose was poetic), subtlety of characters with complex contradictions beautifully captured in prose. All that was missing in the movie. Instead, it was black and white (metaphorically). The powerful women of the novel - Nandini, Kundavai, Poonkuzhali, Sembiyan Madeviar - are all flattened. The men of great allure in the novel - Vandiaythevan, Arulmozhy, Sendan Amuthan - have no allure in the movie. Just dull looks and bodies, and in the case of the first two, mere modern-day Tamil movie swashbuckling cartoons. Yes, Azhvarkadiyan is portrayed perfectly, but that is about it. One of Kalki’s characters describes Vandiyathevan as "Brhaspati in wisdom, Saraswati in learning, Manmata in Beauty, and Arjuna in accomplishing ends". Sorry, Karti doesn't cut it. Yes, the CGI is great, and compensates a bit for the lack of poetry. But not enough.

Daniel Constantine 1 495 days ago

The movie totally lacks life since the actors such as Karthi do not speak classical tamil. He simply doesn't fit in this ancient role with his too casual and contemporary acting. I wish they provided a zero rating option to totally trash this movie.

Muhammad Nezar M N 3186 500 days ago

Just an Average one. Overrated

Kaung Myat 502 days ago

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• This film marks the first collaboration of uncle-nephew duo Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. Arjun is the son of Anil’s brother Boney Kapoor. Share
• This film marks the first collaboration of uncle-nephew duo Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. Arjun is the son of Anil’s brother Boney Kapoor.
• This is the second time Arjun Kapoor is playing a double role, the first being Aurangzeb (2013).
• The song ‘Yamma yamma’ from ‘Shaan’ is sampled in the song ‘Partywali Night' for the film.

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Ponniyin Selvan I movie review: Aishwarya Rai is a revelation in Mani Ratnam’s masterful adaptation of classic

Ponniyin selvan i movie review: mani ratnam has managed the unthinkable--adapt the literary classic with finesse and impact. all actors do their parts well but aishwarya rai is a revelation..

There’s a reason why Mani Ratnam is called a master storyteller. In Ponniyin Selvan I , based on the eponymous novel by Kalki, the veteran filmmaker shows who’s the boss, and in what’s easily his most ambitious film ever, he passes with flying colors. Mani Ratnam achieves the unthinkable with his film adaptation of the Ponniyin Selvan which he presents with enough thrills, intrigue and drama to keep you pinned. Also read: Ponniyin Selvan I release live updates: Mani Ratnam film set to be highest-opening Tamil film of 2022

The story is majorly centered on Vanthiyathevan (Karthi), who is entrusted by Aditha Karikalan ( Vikram ) with the task of delivering important messages to his father Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) and his sister Kundhavi (Trisha). As per the message, plans are being laid out by princely state kings to bring down the empire. It becomes Vanthiyathevan’s duty to find out what the evil plans are and who’s orchestrating everything to tarnish the glory of the Chola Empire. Upon investigation, it is learnt that Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) is the mastermind behind the efforts to bring down the Chola dynasty. But what has turned Nandini into a revenge-seeking princess remains a mystery.

If you’re walking into Ponniyin Selvan expecting an SS Rajamouli-style action spectacle, you might be disappointed. Mani Ratnam relies more on drama to create the tension and it works to a large extent. The film definitely needed more high moments to make you root for the characters, especially someone like, say, Arulmozhi Varman ( Jayam Ravi ), who is the successor of the Chola kingdom. It’s such a powerful character but he gets a very bland introduction scene that falls flat.

Thankfully, the masterful writing makes up for the lack of more crowd-pleasing moments. It’s really commendable of Mani Ratnam and his team of writers to pick crucial moments from the five-part novel and turn them into captivating scenes for the big screen. Some of the film’s most crucial scenes involving key characters of the story have been so well adapted for the screen. For instance, every scene involving Aishwarya Rai (who is a revelation) is so well written that it leaves a lasting impact.

Mani Ratnam extracts solid performances from each of his actors. Irrespective of their screen time, each actor stands out and it’s a treat to watch them bring out their best. Aishwarya Rai as Nandini has to be the pick of the actors as she has very little to say in terms of dialogues but has so much to express with her eyes and she nails it so convincingly.

Karthi as Vanthiyathevan keeps the mood in an otherwise serious film very lively with his slightly exaggerated but strong performance. Vikram as Aaditha Karikalan lands a very emotional part and as a tragic hero delivers a measured performance. Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi Varma only appears in the second half but has enough scenes to score and leave a mark. One of the reasons the film leaves the intended impact is because of the superb casting which includes good work by the supporting cast as well. As usual, AR Rahman brings out his A-game in yet another collaboration with Mani Ratnam.

Ponniyin Selvan I

Director: Mani Ratnam

Cast: Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha Krishnan, Sarath Kumar, Jayaram and Sobhita Dhulipala

• Ponniyin Selvan
• Aishwarya Rai
• Trisha Krishnan

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review: பொன்னி நதி பார்க்கலாமா? பொன்னியின் செல்வன் போகலாமா? நச் நச் விமர்சனம்!

Ponniyin selvan 1 review in tamil: இயக்குநர் மணிரத்னம் இயக்கத்தில், விக்ரம், ஜெயம்ரவி, கார்த்தி என ஒரு நட்சத்திரப்பட்டாளமே நடித்து  இன்று வெளியாகியிருக்கும்  திரைப்படம் ‘பொன்னியின் செல்வன்..

Mani Ratnam

Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Prabhu, R Sarathkumar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman and Radhakrishnan Parthiban.

இயக்குநர் மணிரத்னம் இயக்கத்தில், விக்ரம், ஜெயம்ரவி, கார்த்தி என ஒரு நட்சத்திரப்பட்டாளமே நடித்து  இன்று வெளியாகியிருக்கும்  திரைப்படம் ‘பொன்னியின் செல்வன்’. மிகப்பெரிய எதிர்பார்ப்பை ஏற்படுத்திய படம் எப்படி இருக்கிறது என்பதை இங்கு பார்க்கலாம். 

கதையின் கரு: 

‘பொன்னியின் செல்வன்’ என்ற நாவலை வந்தியத்தேவன் கதாபாத்திரம் வழியாக, நமக்கு கடத்த முயன்றிருக்கிறார் இயக்குநர் மணிரத்னம். போரில் தனது வெற்றிக்கு தோளோடு தோள் நின்ற வந்தியத்தேவனை, கடம்பூர் மாளிக்கைக்குள் நடக்கும் சதியை தெரிந்து வருமாறு அனுப்புகிறார் ஆதித்ய கரிகாலன்.

அவரது கட்டளையை ஏற்ற வந்தியத்தேவன் தனது குதிரையான செம்பனை அழைத்து கொண்டு, அங்கு நடக்கும் சதியை லாவகமாக அறிந்து கொண்டதோடு, அதனை பல தடைகளை தாண்டி சுந்தரச்சோழனான பிரகாஷ்ராஜிடம் கொண்டு சேர்க்கிறார்.

இதற்கிடையே நந்தினியாக வரும் ஐஸ்வர்யாராய் அரங்கேற்றிய அந்த சதியை தெரிந்து கொண்ட குந்தவை (த்ரிஷா) இலங்கையில் இருக்கும் அருண்மொழி வர்மனை அழைத்து வரச்சொல்லி வந்தியத்தேவனை அங்கு அனுப்புகிறார். இறுதியில் வந்தியத்தேவன் அருண்மொழிவர்மனை தஞ்சைக்கு அழைத்து வந்தானா இல்லையா... நந்தினி திட்டமிட்ட சதி என்ன ஆனது என்பதே மீதிக்கதை. 

கதாபாத்திரங்கள் எப்படி? 

பொன்னியின் செல்வன் நாவலை படமாக்க வேண்டும் என்ற தனது 70 வருட கனவை, மிக நன்றாகவே திரையில் காட்சிப்படுத்திருக்கிறார் மணிரத்னம். படத்தின் அச்சாணி வந்தியத்தேவன் கதாபாத்திரம்தான். அந்த கதாபாத்திரத்தில் நன்றாகவே பொருந்தியிருக்கிறார் நடிகர் கார்த்தி. 

பல இடங்களில் வந்தியத்தேவனாகவே நம்மை மகிழ்விக்கும் கார்த்தியின் நடிப்பில், நாம் முன்பு பல படங்களில் பார்த்த அவரது மேனரிசங்கள் வருவது சற்று ஏமாற்றமாக இருந்தது. நந்தினியாக ஐஸ்வர்யாராய். அவருக்கே வார்த்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது போன்ற கதாபாத்திரமாக நந்தினி கதாபாத்திரம் அமைந்திருக்கிறது. அவரது பேரழகும், வஞ்சம் நிறைந்த கண்களும் கடக்கும் காட்சிகள் அத்தனையும் சிலிர்ப்பு. 

ஆதித்ய கரிகாலனாக வரும் விக்ரம், அவருக்கே உரித்தான பாணியில் கதாபாத்திரத்தின் மூர்க்கத்தனத்தை வெளிப்படுத்தி இருக்கிறார். ஆனால் ‘சோழா சோழா’ பாடலில், “ரெமோ”  சிம்பிளை கொடுத்திருப்பதை ஏற்க முடியாது. 

குந்தவையாக த்ரிஷா.. அழகும், ஆட்சியை காப்பாற்றியே ஆகவேண்டும் என்ற எத்தனிப்பு நிறைந்த அந்த கதாபாத்திரத்தை சிறப்பாகவே செய்திருக்கிறார்.. பொன்னியின் செல்வனாக வரும் ஜெயம் ரவி கொடுக்கப்பட்ட கதாபாத்திரத்திற்கு நியாயம் செய்திருக்கிறார். இன்னபிற கதாபாத்திரங்களாக வரும் பெரிய பழுவேட்டையரையர், சின்ன பழுவேட்டையரையர் உள்ளிட்ட அனைத்து கதாபாத்திரங்களும் கவனத்தை ஈர்த்து இருக்கின்றன.

ரியல் ஹீரோ யார்?

படம் உருவாக்கத்தில் மணிரத்னம், ஜெயமோகன், ரவி வர்மன், ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் போன்ற பல ஹீரோக்கள் இருந்தாலும்,  உண்மையில் நம்மை தஞ்சை தேசத்திற்குள் கொண்டு செல்வது கலை இயக்குநர் தோட்டா தரணியின் வேலைதான். அரண்மனை,கப்பல், போர்க்களம் என அவ்வளவு வேலைப்பாடுகள். அனைத்தையும்  துரோணாச்சாரியாராக இருந்து சிறப்பாக செய்திருக்கிறார். 

அடுத்த பலம் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான்.. பாடல்கள் அனைத்திலும் அவர் பெரும் உழைப்பை கொடுத்திருப்பது திரையில் தெரிகிறது. ஆனால்  ‘சோழா சோழா’  ‘ராட்சஸ  மாமனே’ பாடல்களில் இசைக்கேற்ற காட்சிகளை இன்னும் அழகாக பொருத்தியிருக்கலாம். 

ஜெயமோகனின் வசனங்கள் பல இடங்களில் நன்றாகவும், சில இடங்களில் அந்நியமாகவும் தெரிகிறது. இறுதியாக மணிரத்னம்.. உண்மையில் இப்படி ஒரு அனுபவத்தை, இந்த வயதில் கொடுத்தே ஆக வேண்டும் என்ற பிடிவாதத்திற்கு முதலில் பாராட்டுகள். போர் சம்பந்தமான காட்சிகளில் கதையை சொல்ல ஆரம்பிக்கும் மணி, அவருக்கே உரித்தான ஸ்டைலில் இறுதி வரை கதையை நகர்த்தி இருக்கிறார். 

ஐஸ்வர்யாராய் அறிமுக காட்சிகள், விக்ரம் ஐஸ்வர்யராய் சந்திக்கும் இடம், அரண்மனை காட்சிகளை கையாண்டிருப்பது, பாடல்கள், இறுதியில் கடலில் நடக்கும் போர் என எல்லாவற்றிலும் மாஸ்டர் மணிரத்னத்தின் டச் இருந்தது. ரவிவர்மனின் ஒளிப்பதிவு அபாரத்திலும் அபாரம். கதாபாத்திரங்களின உணர்ச்சிகளை அழகாக கடத்திய மணி திரைக்கதையில் ஹை கொடுக்கும் காட்சிகளை கொண்ட்டாட்டமாக கையாள்வதை மிஸ் செய்ததும், அதிகமான வசனங்களால் கதை சொல்ல முயன்றதும் படத்தின் பலவீனம்.

தலைப்பு செய்திகள்

ட்ரெண்டிங் செய்திகள்

ட்ரெண்டிங் ஒப்பீனியன்

பர்சனல் கார்னர்

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‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ review: A deeply respectful adaptation of a Tamil literary classic

Mani ratnam’s period epic is based on kalki krishnamurthy’s magnum opus ‘ponniyin selvan’..

Mani Ratnam’s screen adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s literary classic Ponniyin Selvan has been at least a couple of decades in the making. Krishnamurthy’s novel, which was published in a five-volume set in 1955, is a sprawling work of historical fiction based on real characters and events from the tenth century.

Ponniyin Selvan: I (part two will be released in 2023) distils the essence of Krishnamurthy’s gargantuan epic: the Chola empire is under threat from disgruntled courtiers and former rulers of the realm. Part one sets up the characters who matter the most in a narrative seething with treacherous murmurings in dark corners and grand battles on the land and the sea.

Ratnam’s screenplay, co-written with Elango Kumaravel and Jeyamohan and neatly structured by editor R Sreekar Prasad , presupposes a familiarity with Krishnamurthy’s hugely popular books. The ailing Chola emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) has named his first-born Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) as his heir. Aditha stacks up the battlefield victories that consolidate his father’s rule.

Aditha’s brother Arunmozhi (Jayam Ravi) is holding another military front in present-day Sri Lanka. Arunmozhi is the “Ponniyin Selvan” of the title, or the son of Ponni (another name for the Cauvery river). Their sister Kundavai (Trisha) rules in her father’s stead.

Trouble emerges on two fronts. The powerful siblings Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (R Sarathkumar) and Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar (R Parthiban) are plotting to replace Aditha with the prince Madurantaka (Rahman). Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar’s wife Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) has skin in this succession game, with a personal connection to Aditha that neither of them has forgotten. A faction of the Pandyas, who were defeated by the Cholas in battle, is also lurking about.

An emissary doubles up as the glue that binds together the plot strands. Aditha’s trusted lieutenant Vandiyathevan (Karthi) journeys across the land taking messages from one dynast to the other. Along the way, Vandiyathevan befriends the Vaishnavite priest Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (Jayram), gathers information on the Pazhuvettaraiyar betrayal, and falls serially in love.

Women have pride of place in the narrative. Kundavai, whose brains are as dazzling as her looks, is a keen participant in royal affairs. The boatwoman Poonguzhali (Aishwarya Lekshmi) plays an important role in protecting the Cholas from harm. These proto-feminist women are counterbalanced by Nandini, an archetypal enchantress who uses her beauty to her advantage.

Ratnam’s reputation for precise and economic storytelling holds him in good stead when it matters the most. Whether it’s the first sighting of a battle-hardened Aditha riding through the mist or Nandini seen through a semi-parted curtain, Ratnam needs only a single moment to establish an entire character graph.

Ravi Varman’s jumpy camera looks down on the proceedings and winds between characters as they hop from one location to the next. There is no shortage of action sequences to keep the adrenaline flowing. AR Rahman’s martial background score is plastered over moments big and small. But it’s in the two-handers that the film is most vividly alive.

There are pairings both extant and in the making, as well as rivalries between people who have fallen out. Nandini and Kundavai have a polite slanging match, delivered through fixed smiles and arch words. Nandini’s relationship with her much older husband is conveyed with a meaningful look and a well-placed gesture.

Vandiyathevan, the trump card of both the novel and the film, is the most mobile of the characters, charming nearly everyone he meets with his mischievous demeanour. Apart from forging bonds with Aditha, Azhwarkadiyan and Arunmozhi, Vandiyathevan meets a series of impeccably styled women. It is through Vandiyathevan’s wonderstruck eyes that we gaze upon the eye-watering costumes (by Eka Lakhani) and the jewellery (from Kishandas and Co in Hyderabad).

The power dressing and Thota Tharrani’s sumptuous production design ensure a pageantry parade. But even at the end of 167 minutes, the themes of Ponniyin Selvan: I are still coming into view.

Part one is nearly all preface, and doesn’t extend beyond the obvious dictum about corrosive ambition. Ratnam’s deeply respectful approach to the novel, which includes the use of formal Tamil speech, cancels out a contemporary update on the political manouvering. We will have to wait for part two to learn if Ponniyin Selvan: I has a position at all on the consolidation of empire, as do recent historical fiction films and shows.

A comparison with SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali is correct only in that both films view power from the perspective of the palace, rather than what lies beyond it. The performances and staging in Ratnam’s film are in a realistic register, without the eye-rolling bombast of Baahubali .

And yet, there is no equal just yet of the iconic “Fuck-the-king!” moment from Game of Thrones. That show’s examination of how power play affected dynasts and commoners alike has no place in Ratnam’s conventionally classic and risk-free vision.

A ‘timeless epic’ with an eye on the big and the small: Mani Ratnam on ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

A magic that touches you inside’: The ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ book that has inspired Mani Ratnam’s film

• Ponniyin Selvan: I movie review
• Mani Ratnam

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 movie review and box office collection LIVE updates: Mani Ratnam's directorial mint more than Rs. 230 crores so far

Directed by Mani Ratnam, 'Ponniyin Selvan' is a historic epic drama adapted from the novel. The story revolves around the rise of Chola Empire. Starring Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead roles, the music for the movie is composed by AR Rahman. The film has huge expectations from audience and it is expected that the movie will break all the set records in the box office till date. Read Less

'Ponniyin Selvan 1' box office collection day 3: Mani Ratnam's directorial mint more than Rs. 230 crores so far

'Ponniyin Selvan 1' has surpassed Rs 200 crore worldwide on its third day of theatrical run and the film has reportedly grossed Rs 230+ crores in 3 days. Read to know more

Audience for 'Ponniyin Selvan' is much different from other movies

Fans took to social media to identify that apart from the movie buffs and critics, 'Ponniyin Selvan' has a lot of new watchers including young children and senior citizens. An internet user noted that he noticed a lot of elderly people watching the movies in theatres.

"Thank you #Manirathnam sir for believing in me

Aishwarya Lekshmi

Official: Film crosses box office earning of Rs 80 crore

'Ponniyin Selvan' makes a biggest opening

The box office collection of 'Ponniyin Selvan' has reportedly crossed Rs 40 crore in India on day 1 of film release.

'Poniyin Selvan' Kerala box office collection on day 1!

According to reports the Malayalam version of Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyn Selvan' made a gross of Rs 2.5 crore in Kerala. It is expected that the film would have a made a total box office collection of Rs 50 crore globally.

'Ponniyin Selvan' Hindi box office collection

The magnum opus of Mani Ratnam was released in theatres on September 30 in five different languages. Reportedly, the Hindi version of the movie made a gross of Rs 1.5 crore at the box office.

"Loved #ps1 #PonniyinSelvan1 I literally was upset when the credits started rolling! Wat ?!

Throwback to when 'Ponniyin Selvan' trailer was screened at Las Vegas

#PonniyinSelvan - First Tamil Trailer to be Screened in Las Vegas, America 🇺🇲🔥 TAMIL CINEMA'S PRIDE shining Oversea… https://t.co/FsScyNVNT1 — VCD (@VCDtweets) 1664130313000

Actress Aishwarya Lekshmi thanks Mani Ratnam for 'Ponniyin Selvan'

Thank you #Manirathnam sir for believing in me 🤍🙏 #PS1 #PonniyinSelvan1 #PonniyinSelvan https://t.co/GMXhAm8Crh — Aishwarya Lekshmi (@aishwaryaleksh7) 1664522835000

"Thank you #ManiRatnam sir… for #PonniyinSelvan1 ….thank you for inspiring .. relentlessly pushing boundaries …and making us proud"

Prakash Raj

Fans say comparing 'Baahubali' and 'Ponniyin Selvan' is absurd

As 'Ponniyin Selvan' released in theatres on September 30, Twitter had a trending topic 'Baahubali' vs 'Ponniyin Selvan'. Fans and movie audience who watched both the films compared the visuals, graphics and storyline. However, a few internet users found it absurd and not necessary and requested other movie audience to not make the comparison as both the films are much different in genre. A Twitter user wrote, "#PonniyanSelvan is a magnificent piece of Period CINEMA (Proper Cinema, not Movie) with an outstanding cast. For period cinema lovers, it doesn't get any better than this. Comparing it with Bahubali is just amateurishly silly."

Mani Ratnam says he owes it to Rajamouli's 'Baahubali' for the idea!

Mani Ratnam also in an interview with a news daily reportedly said that Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali’ created a road for the film to be made into two parts so it will be easy for the audience to consume it. He added that he owes it to the ‘RRR’ director as otherwise, the crew would have tried to fit the entire film in one part making it impossible to shoot and edit.

"Over to you now

Sobhita Dhulipalal

'Ponniyin Selvan' is already a record breaker in Malaysia

A HISTORICAL MOMENT! 150K 💥 #PonniyinSelvan1 The Resurgence of the Cholan Era BEGINS 🔥🔥🔥 A @LotusFivestarAV RELEA… https://t.co/AsQngXhBDt — Lotus Five Star AV (@LotusFivestarAV) 1664512994000

'Ponniyin Selvan' Telugu versions too go houseful for today's night

#PonniyanSelvan1 Telugu booking for night all screens shows sold out in Tirupati Telugu version and Chitoor also so… https://t.co/e0h8ahp5C2 — Varun (@varusath2003) 1664545386000

#PonniyinSelvan is an Epic made so well by #ManiRatnam sir. A story read for decades has been presented brilliantly.Fantastic performances from @chiyaan @Karthi_Offl @actor_jayamravi #AishwaryaRai @trishtrashers @realsarathkumar @prakashraaj @rparthiepan. A must watch Film

Dhananjayan

'Ponniyin Selvan' crosses $1 million mark in the USA

#PonniyinSelvan creates history in USA 🔥 USA Premieres alone crosses $1M+ and counting 🔥 Watch this epic only on… https://t.co/xXmG5v1Hmy — Sarigama Cinemas (@sarigamacinemas) 1664502785000

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Ponniyin Selvan - Part 2 (U/A) 28/Apr/2023 History, Action 2hrs 44mins 49seconds

Critics Review

Magnus opus.

Ponniyin Selvan will be a magnum opus in many ways. Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2 will go down in history for reasons beyond just box office collections. Ponniyin Selvan team has done their part. Now do your part. Go watch it in theaters. (more)

Source: Movie Crow, MovieCrow

Ponniyin Selvan 2 is a Vikram, Aishwarya Rai show

In fairness, the climactic portions are hugely impacted by this emotional high, as the events that follow Karikalan's death cannot match the suspense and the drama the narrative held until then. And Mani Ratnam seems to realise this too, and decides to have a war scene in the end to amp up the drama to give us an adrenaline rush. But the more underwhelming moment is the climax. Even in Kalki's book, we get a rather low-key ending, with one too many twists, but here, while the writers sensibly give us a more agreeable twist, they fail to pack a punch with the speech that Arulmozhi delivers in the end to make the ultimate sacrifice. (more)

Source: Suganth, Times Of India

Mani Ratnam delivers worthy adaptation, Karthi, Vikram and Aishwarya are a hit

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 is immersive and visually stunning. Aided by brilliant performances and sharp dialogues, this is indeed a solid sequel. And for those who haven�t read the book, the film still offers a great experience. (more)

Source: Janani, India Today

Ponniyin Selvan 2 lives up to its billing because of Mani Ratnam's conviction, and the technical supremacy.

The film is as good as the first part, and Mani Ratnam has done justice to the book, collectively through both the parts. While there is always a feel that things are a bit slow paced, this is probably what the film needs. It engages you till the end while the entertainment quotient is lesser than the first part. Nevertheless this is an experience one cannot afford to miss. (more)

Source: Behindwoods, Behindwoods.com

Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' is more dramatic, sadder and more serious in tone, and a meaty conclusion to the two-part epic

About Part 1, I said that Mani Ratnam and his fantastic team beautifully capture the essence of Kalki's characters, and that the film infuses a period story with a sense of lived-in reality. It's the same here. The writing � by Mani Ratnam, Elango Kumaravel and Jeyamohan � is a model of concision without confusion. The emotional bonds are strongly reinforced within minimal screen space. Nothing feels stagey. There's no forced rhetoric. But for the time period, these people could be us � only, our lives aren't exquisitely edited by Sreekar Prasad and set-designed by Thotta Tharani. The two films' design alone is worth a review. Look at how the pure and peace-loving Arunmozhi is always shown in shades of white, as opposed to the darker hues that define his tortured brother. Mani Ratnam released his first movie on January 7, 1983. Forty years on, he continues to challenge himself and his viewers. Sometimes he fails, but he is on a ro (more)

Source: Galatta, galatta.com

Mani Ratnam finally takes some creative liberty and it works

The end is shockingly different from the books, and that is going to be one of the scathing criticisms against the film from the purists. Along with it, the complaints will also be about the underrepresentation of beloved characters like Poongukuzahli and Vaanathi. That�s the cost of translation. That�s the cost Mani has paid for being true to his craft. It will take another minute for someone to arise from Tamil cinema to make perhaps a series that would do more justice to the sprawling novel, but till then we have Mani Ratnam�s Ponniyin Selvan. (more)

Source: Kirubhakar Purushothaman, Indian Express

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Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, ponniyin selvan: part ii.

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Now's not the best time to appreciate "Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” the back half of a highly anticipated Tamil language adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy ’s revered multi-volume historical drama. The indeterminate future’s probably the moment for this sequel, by which time S.S. Rajamouli's influence might not seem as important to contemporary Indian pop cinema, and Indian movie lovers can (maybe) see with clearer eyes the many imitators of "Baahubali," Rajamouli’s trend-setting two-part mythopoetic fantasy.

Adapting “Ponniyin Selvan” has been a dream project for a few Indian filmmakers, including writer/director Mani Ratnam , who’s best known to American cinephiles for helming the epochal 1998 Bollywood romantic drama “Dil Se.” Ratnam has also admitted that his two-part version of “Ponniyin Selvan” could not have been made without the inspiration and success of “Baahubali.” It’s easy to see why based on “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” a sequel that, like Rajamouli’s “Baahubali: The Conclusion,” often feels like an involved-but-satisfying de-escalation of the first movie’s dramatic tension. You can’t enjoy “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” without having already seen “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I,” not unless you’ve read Krishnamurthy’s books.

Some good news, which is also bad news: many viewers have probably already read Krishnamurthy’s popular epic, which was originally serialized in “Kalki” magazine throughout the early 1950s. Anyone who hasn’t read the book, but still wants to see “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” on a big screen should know that “Part I” was more about the itinerant Vanar prince Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi) than the beloved title character (Jayan Ravi)—a nickname for the 10 th century Chola dynasty Prince Arunmozhi—or his hothead older brother Aditha (Vikram).

Arunmozhi and Aditha necessarily take more central roles in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” and so do the other main subjects of “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1,” like the princes’ troubled and presumed wicked stepmother Nandini ( Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and their treacherous rival Madhuranthakan (Rahman). Everybody suspects Nandini of scheming to betray her husband—and also murder Aditha, who also suspects and has romantic tension with Nandini.

There’s more Nandini in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” and a lot more supporting characters who either support or defy her, like the Chola chieftains who not-so-secretly back Madhuranthakan, or the Chola princes’ many advisers, like their sister Kundavai ( Trisha Krishnan ) and, oh yeah, Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan. Vallavaraiyan, an itinerant fabulist, zips around “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I” without a formal invitation; he negotiates facetime with various high-powered characters using token favors—a sword, a signet ring, and hand-written messages—and effectively unites the many threads of Krishnamurthy’s sprawling narrative.

In “Part I,” Vallavairyan embodies the Byzantine, freely-associated story-telling traditions that clearly inspired both Ratnam and his two Tamil-speaking co-writers. What arguably puts “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2” over the top, as an overburdened sequel to a long-gestating adaptation, is Ratnam’s characteristic visual acuity, his co-writers’ careful attention to detail, and his mega-watt ensemble cast’s performances. Nandini, in particular, seems more like an emotionally complex character in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” than she did in the last movie. And both Arunmozhi and Aditha smolder more often, though only Vikram gets to show off with equally angsty dialogue like, “Happiness and peace elude those who hate themselves.”

All of the low-key craftsmanship that went into the otherwise high-toned “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I” is still present in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” which was shot concurrently with the last installment over 150 days from 2019 through 2021, and then split in two a la “Baahubali.” Ratnam’s characters have less time indulge in romantic sighing and unrequited romance, though he does make the most of those scenes. I won’t spoil your enjoyment by telling who gazes longingly at whom, since being led around by the nose is a good part of the fun in both “Ponniyin Selvan” movies. That also makes judging “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” a little difficult right now, since it, like “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I,” will likely appreciate with time.

There’s probably nothing in this sequel that could not have also been done by the makers of the many other recent “Baahubali”-inspired mytho-historic epics, so there’s not much that essentially distinguishes “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” as “A Mani Ratnam Film,” as an opening credit says. Then again, it’s a relief to see that “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” looks and moves as well as it does, even if one suspects that it will also hold up when it inevitably surfaces on streaming services like Prime Video, where you can still catch up with “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I.” Ratnam and his collaborators stick the landing on their gargantuan pot-boiler, and while Krishnamurthy’s world may not look as grand as it seemed, either in the moviemakers’ heads or on the page, it is big enough to get lost in.

In limited theatrical release now.

Simon Abrams

Simon Abrams is a native New Yorker and freelance film critic whose work has been featured in  The New York Times ,  Vanity Fair ,  The Village Voice,  and elsewhere.

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Film credits.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023)

165 minutes

Vikram as Aditha Karikalan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini / Oomai Rani

Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varman

Karthi as Vanthiyathevan

Trisha Krishnan as Kundavai

Prabhu as Periya Velaar

R. Sarathkumar as Periya Pazhuvettarayar

Sobhita Dhulipala as Vanathi

Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali

Vikram Prabhu as Parthibendran Pallavan

Prakash Raj as Sundara Chozhar

• Mani Ratnam

Original Music Composer

• A. R. Rahman

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review (2023)

• 28 Apr 2023

Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' is more dramatic, sadder and more serious in tone, and a meaty conclusion to the two-part epic

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Cast & Crew

Mani Ratnam has credited SS Rajamouli several times as the reason he was able to finally make Ponniyin Selvan : the mega-success of the Bahubali films made it possible for other creators to think of stories in terms of two-parters. And,

together, what these two filmmakers have demonstrated is that these two-part, larger-than-life stories can exist at either end of the cinematic spectrum. They can be thunder. They can also be a whisper. There are hardly any raised voices in Ponniyin Selvan 2 , and save for a couple of action/battle scenes, this may be the quietest epic I've seen. The zingers are quiet, like Nandini's whiplash-retort to Ravidasan that he can never hope to accomplish something that she herself is unable to. The confrontations are quiet, like when Aditha Karikalan keeps mocking Periya Pazhuvettarayar as " thatha " and " paatta ", as if to rub in the age difference between the senior man and his wife, Nandini.

The humour is quiet, like when the young Nandini's guardian tells the young Kundavai, " Ini aval aranmanai-kul kaal eduthu vaikka maattaal ." I smiled thinking of the grown-up Nandini, who became the queenliest of queens. The stunning set pieces are quiet, whether it's a sea of Buddhist monks surrounding Arunmozhi or a group of Pandiyas pouring into the Chola palace through an air vent. The emotional moments are quiet, like when the three Chola siblings are reunited – it's one of many fabulous pieces of choreography with close-ups in a film filled with close-ups. With his superb cinematographer Ravi Varman, Mani Ratnam amps down the aural drama and amps up the visual drama. Even by this director's legendary standards, the staging is something else… or should I speak Twitter-ese and say " vera level ". Ponniyin Selvan 2 is an intimate movie, both literally (all those close-ups) and figuratively. After the thunderous end to the first part, where Vandhiyathevan and Arunmozhi sank in the sea, some might expect PS-2 to pick up right there. We do open with an image of water, but this water is still, quiet , and this visual takes us someplace else, to someone else's story.

As for the film's story, it revolves around the plot hatched by the Pandiya rebels in PS-1. They want revenge for the murder of their king, and they decide to eliminate all the top Cholas. Around this, the various sub-threads kickstarted in Part 1 are tied together – say, Maduranthakan's dream of becoming emperor, or who the Oomai Rani is and how she is connected to all these goings-on. Several scenes are so good – like the one where Vandhiyathevan meets Kundavai again – that you wish for separate spin-off films with just these characters alone. The big show-down between Aditha Karikalan and Nandini is another stunner, though at the other end of the emotional spectrum. If that was playful romance, this is painful – and again, it's shot mostly in tight close-ups. This is a narrative filled with talk, and Mani Ratnam keeps finding ways to film these conversations in diversely dramatic ways, with the camera rarely fixed. (Some visuals even seem like callbacks to Raavanan 's boat collision or Iruvar 's scene of Prakash Raj lying down and talking about romance.)

Inevitably, with the same highlights-reel approach as Part 1, there are things I missed. I wished for more of the Laurel-Hardy interplay between Vandhiyathevan and Nambi. But like I said, each character is so well-etched by Kalki that a series of spin-off films – or a PS Cinematic Universe – may not be a bad idea at all. Unlike Part-1, this is heavier, sadder – it's more of a Shakespearean drama, with failings and failures. (Even the scheming Nandini falters.) AR Rahman's songs are aptly fitted into the background, and I especially loved how a bunch of them were used over the childhood romance of Nandini and Aditha Karikalan, and how Chinnanjiru nilave reappears as a small sarangi piece in the midst of the operatic score behind the operatic scene between these characters as grown-ups. Vikram and Aishwarya Rai are both brilliant throughout – as are Karthi, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, and Jayaram, and this time, I was happy to see Lal and Prabhu register as stronger presences.

About Part 1, I said that Mani Ratnam and his fantastic team beautifully capture the essence of Kalki's characters, and that the film infuses a period story with a sense of lived-in reality. It's the same here. The writing – by Mani Ratnam,  Elango Kumaravel and Jeyamohan – is a model of concision without confusion. The emotional bonds are strongly reinforced within minimal screen space. Nothing feels stagey. There's no forced rhetoric. But for the time period, these people could be us – only, our lives aren't exquisitely edited by Sreekar Prasad and set-designed by Thotta Tharani. The two films' design alone is worth a review. Look at how the pure and peace-loving Arunmozhi is always shown in shades of white, as opposed to the darker hues that define his tortured brother. Mani Ratnam released his first movie on January 7, 1983. Forty years on, he continues to challenge himself and his viewers. Sometimes he fails, but he is on a roll now, and the Ponniyin Selvan films are easily among his grandest achievements.

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• About The Author
• More From Author

Baradwaj Rangan

National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, former deputy editor of The Hindu and senior editor of Film Companion, has carved a niche for himself over the years as a powerful voice in cinema, especially the Tamil film industry, with his reviews of films. While he was pursuing his chemical engineering degree, he was fascinated with the writing and analysis of world cinema by American critics. Baradwaj completed his Master’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations through scholarship. His first review was for the Hindi film Dum, published on January 30, 2003, in the Madras Plus supplement of The Economic Times. He then started critiquing Tamil films in 2014 and did a review on the film Subramaniapuram, while also debuting as a writer in the unreleased rom-com Kadhal 2 Kalyanam. Furthermore, Baradwaj has authored two books - Conversations with Mani Ratnam, 2012, and A Journey Through Indian Cinema, 2014. In 2017, he joined Film Companion South and continued to show his prowess in critiquing for the next five years garnering a wide viewership and a fan following of his own before announcing to be a part of Galatta Media in March 2022.

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• 27 Apr 2023

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two

Arulmozhi Varman continues on his journey to become Rajaraja I, the greatest ruler of the historic Chola empire of south India. Arulmozhi Varman continues on his journey to become Rajaraja I, the greatest ruler of the historic Chola empire of south India. Arulmozhi Varman continues on his journey to become Rajaraja I, the greatest ruler of the historic Chola empire of south India.

• Mani Ratnam
• Sruti Harihara Subramanian
• Divya Prakash Dubey
• Kalki Krishnamoorthy
• 101 User reviews
• 28 Critic reviews
• 6 nominations

• Aditha Karikalan

• Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan

• Arunmozhi Varman

• Oomai Rani …

• Poonguzhali

• Azhwarkadiyan Nambi

• Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar
• (as Sarath Kumar)

• Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar

• Periya Vellar Boothi Vikramakesari

• Sundara Chozhan

• Madurantakar

• Sambuvuraiyar

• Veerapandiyan

• Parthibendra Pallavan
• Sruti Harihara Subramanian (Promo Videos Director)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia Parthibendra Pallavan's character has a unique armor in this film - made of scaled leather, shiny and much like a snake's scaly skin. Perhaps, this is an indication of the Pallavas' mythical link to the "Nagas" in history.
• Goofs Aditta Karikala went to warfare at the age of twelve, and the child artist who depicts him looked much older while depicting this.

Parthibendra Pallavan : Aditta, you are the future of the Chozha kingdom. To protect that future, Nandini Devi invited you to Kadambur

Aditha Karikalan : To Kadambur? To the place of conspiracy? Are you the messenger for this? Has that plotter captured you too? Have you fallen into her magic net?

Parthibendra Pallavan : Aditha! I am your lifelong friend. I have entered the battlefields for you. If needed, I'll enter again... For my friend's future, for the future of Chozha kingdom, you need to come with me

Aditha Karikalan : Parthiba... What did she say? Tell me exactly

Parthibendra Pallavan : That you would come if she was the one who invited

• Soundtracks Aga Naga Song Composed, Produced and Arranged by A.R. Rahman Singer: Shakthisree Gopalan Lyrics: Ilango Krishnan

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 44 minutes
• IMAX 6-Track
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Surround 7.1
• Dolby Atmos

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Ponniyin selvan: part ii, common sense media reviewers.

Intense Indian epic sequel has violence, gore, and suicide.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Threats and challenges must be faced with courage

Vanthiyathevan continues to be loyal to the Chola

This historical Indian epic sequel continues narra

There are flashbacks of a character drowning. Elab

Some romance involving a tragic love story but not

"Fool," "scoundrel," "snake," and "shut up."

Parents need to know that Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is an epic Indian sequel, set during the reign of the Chola empire in India, with violent scenes and bloody injuries and death. It follows the threats and challenges the Chola rulers face after Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) is presumed drowned. There is…

Positive Messages

Threats and challenges must be faced with courage and determination. Teamwork is important to win a battle. What appears on the surface might not necessarily be the truth.

Positive Role Models

Vanthiyathevan continues to be loyal to the Chola rulers and goes to great lengths to protect their lives and well-being. Mandakini courageously sacrifices her life to protect a Chola leader. Arunmozhi Varman, also known as Ponniyin Selvan, strongly leads his army in battle.

Diverse Representations

This historical Indian epic sequel continues narrating the story of the Chola empire and its celebrated rulers. It presents diverse religious practices, coronation ceremonies, and tribal cultures. Whereas Queen Nandini was shown to be intelligent, strong, and courageous in the first film, here she is more defined by heartbreak and grief. All characters are Indian and the film is in Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil with English subtitles available.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

There are flashbacks of a character drowning. Elaborate action sequences where characters injure or kill others with knives, swords, and arrows. Long battle scenes with blood and gore. Heated hand-to-hand brawls take place and a person is slapped. Someone is held captive in chains. An animal is beheaded in a ritual worship. A person is choked and there are multiple chase sequences. In numerous scenes, people's throat's are slit. An elephant aggressively flings an individual causing their death. Someone's arm is chopped off during battle. Two instances of suicide; one when someone submerges themselves in water and another when someone stabs themselves with a knife.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Some romance involving a tragic love story but nothing untoward shown.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is an epic Indian sequel , set during the reign of the Chola empire in India, with violent scenes and bloody injuries and death. It follows the threats and challenges the Chola rulers face after Arunmozhi Varman ( Jayam Ravi ) is presumed drowned. There is significant violence, blood, and gore during the various battle sequences. Knives, swords, and arrows are used to hurt and kill many. There are hand-to-hand fights; characters are slapped, choked, chased, chained, and have their throat's slit. In a ritual, an animal's head is chopped off. An elephant attacks someone, leading to their death. During an intense combat scene, someone's arm is cut off. A person commits suicide by drowning themselves and another one stabs themselves in the chest. In a flashback scene, a character is shown nearly drowning at sea. The film has some romantic themes as it narrates the tragic love story between two characters. Language includes "fool," "scoundrel," "snake," and "shut up." The film is in Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi with English subtitles and is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy's novel, Ponniyin Selvan . To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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What's the Story?

In PONNIYIN SELVAN: PART II, when Arunmozhi Varman ( Jayam Ravi ), also known as Ponniyin Selvan, is presumed to have drowned at sea, the Chola rulers face threats and challenges from all sides. Will they come out strong amidst enemy forces, particularly with the Queen of Pazhuvoor, Nandini's ( Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ) determination to exact her revenge?

Is It Any Good?

Director Mani Ratnam once again takes the reins to this historical Indian sequel that brings together different genres of action, drama, romance, and tragedy on an epic scale. Ponniyin Selvan: Part II has complex layers and features detailed storytelling, neatly building on the foundation laid out in the first part . It is long, however -- nearly three hours -- and as such, some of the (at times graphic) violence can feel repetitive. Furthermore, while the character of Queen Nandini remained central and significant in the first film, here she is reduced to a tragic fate of heartbreak and grief. Nevertheless, the cast's wholesome performances and A. R. Rahman's unforgettable tunes add to a memorable viewing experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the violence in Ponniyin Selvan: Part II . How did it make you feel? Did you find it entertaining or over the top? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others ?

Which characters displayed traits of courage , perseverance , and teamwork ? Why are they such important character strengths to have?

Have you seen Ponniyin Selvan: Part I ? How did this sequel compare?

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 28, 2023
• On DVD or streaming : May 26, 2023
• Cast : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , Karthi , Jayam Ravi
• Director : Mani Ratnam
• Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian directors, Female actors, Indian/South Asian actors
• Studio : Red Giant Movies
• Genre : Action/Adventure
• Topics : Book Characters , History , Music and Sing-Along
• Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
• Run time : 164 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : March 15, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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After Dulquer, Jayam Ravi exits Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam project 'Thug Life': Reports

Kamal Haasan's upcoming film with Mani Ratnam, 'Thug Life', has encountered some setbacks. Shooting for the movie commenced in Chennai a few weeks ago. However, the project is currently facing a major cast change.

Initially, the film boasted an impressive ensemble, including Dulquer Salmaan and Jayam Ravi. Unfortunately, Dulquer had to exit the project due to his busy schedule. Now, recent reports suggest that Jayam Ravi has also left the movie. The reasons cited for his departure are delays in production and scheduling conflicts.

The announcement of 'Thug Life' had generated considerable excitement, as it marked the long-awaited reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. The duo last collaborated on the timeless classic 'Nayakan' in 1987. Since then, these two legends of Tamil cinema have pursued separate paths in their careers. However, following the successes of 'Vikram' and 'Ponniyin Selvan', they decided to team up once again for 'Thug Life'. The initial teaser for the film was captivating, further adding to the anticipation.

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