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Ponniyin Selvan 1 review: Mani Ratnam’s largely faithful and brilliant adaptation has no dull moments

Ponniyin selvan 1 movie review: mani ratnam understands kalki's novel is a mainstream page-turner, so he retains its flavour and neither intellectualises it nor dumbs it down..

The toughest aspect of adapting Ponniyin Selvan into a film is how to condense a magnum opus spanning 2000 pages into a 2.5 hour movie. It’s a tough choice — what to use and what to discard. Here’s where Mani Ratnam wins. He cuts through the faff (honestly, there’s a lot in the text) and takes only things that move the story forward. Covering about two-and-a-half books of the five-part series, Ponniyin Selvan 1 tells the story that takes place in multiple places. With Sundara Cholan’s (played by Prakash Raj) failing health, a coup is staged to prevent prince Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) from becoming the next king. The young prince, who is away from the capital, sends his friend Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan (Karthi), a spy and a messenger from Kanchi, to find the traitors. This is just one piece of the jigsaw, with other plotlines involving Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) in Sri Lanka and Kundhavai (Trisha) in Pazhayarai. While it’s tough to even write a pithy synopsis of the 5-part novel, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan finds time and space to include the best of the original and add two immersive war sequences.

The war sequences, however, make PS 1 the most commercial film of Mani Ratnam’s career. The obvious purpose of the two sequences is to pander to the increasing thirst of audiences for larger-than-life war moments on screen post-Baahubali. Ratnam, however, refuses to take the easy way out — the battle sequences look real and authentic instead of just being the introduction scenes of the heroes. The filmmaker consciously takes this path despite having a story that can easily be exploited for “fire and water” moments.

Mani Ratnam makes the drama more engrossing than the sword fights. The meeting of Nandini ( Aishwarya Rai ) and Kundhavai (Trisha) is sparkling, Aditha Karikalan’s monologue about Nandini is memorable, and Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan’s hopeless pick-up lines are more enjoyable than sinking ships and burning forts. Take the scene where Pazhuvettaraiyar brothers (Sarathkumar and Parthiban) meet Sundara Cholan. The king knows the two, who have been faithful friends of the kingdom, are plotting against him. How do you show this pain without dialogue? Here’s how: the king is undergoing acupuncture treatment and the doctors are piercing his ‘back’ with needles as he speaks to the traitors. It is an evident symbolism, but subtle and effective. Similarly, we have pretty everyday dialogues sans the usual Mani Ratnam touch. The director has said earlier he was worried about the dialogues as he wanted them to be pure Tamil but not dramatic and archaic. Tamil writer Jeyamohan turned out to be the right man for the job. The lines seldom sound odd to the viewer who doesn’t speak that old Tamil anymore.

Another thing that is majorly in favour of the film is the effective performances. Like in the novel, Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan steals the show effortlessly. Karthi lives up to all the expectations — he is effortlessly charming as a glib flirt and at the same time, you see him as a brave warrior. I don’t know if anyone other than Mani Ratnam could have done justice to all the hype Kalki created about Nandini Devi. Yes, it is played by Aishwarya Rai, but her scenes are a study in perfectly presenting a character — the seductive music and soft focus are as sensuous as the actor herself. Mani Ratnam has indeed created Kalki’s ‘Maya Mohini’ on screen.

On the other hand, Jayam Ravi and Trisha surprise you as Ponniyin Selvan and Kundhavai, respectively. What were perceived as odd choices turn out to be the perfect ones. Ravi radiates the affable energy of a level-headed prince, who is in control of things. Personally, I felt the most heroic moments went to Trisha as Kundhavai, and not for a second she fails to live upto them.

Another hero of the film has stood behind the camera. It would be a cliche to say ‘every frame of cinematographer Ravi Varman looks like a painting’, but what can you do when it is the truth? From Nandini relaxing in her palace before meeting Vanthiyathevan to the extreme long shot of Poongkuzhali’s boat in the vast ocean to the entry of Aditha Karikalan on his horse, many such frames in PS1 are worthy enough to be hung as paintings. It’s one thing to make shots scream ‘grand’ and another to shoot the innate grandness of things. Ravi Varman’s work obviously belongs to the second category.

The difference between Mani Ratnam’s brand of commercial films and the rest becomes evident with Ponniyin Selvan. He doesn’t make demi-gods out of his heroes, they are just kings. Also, the filmmaker respects the audience. When Kundhavai sends Vanthiyathevan to Sri Lanka, the film takes a huge leap. The next time when we see Karthi, he is in a boat in the ocean. He trusts audience intelligence to fill in the gaps and that’s why PS 1 is rewarding. He also understands that Ponniyin Selvan is itself a mainstream page-turner that panders to the audience. Hence, he neither dumbs it down nor intellectualizes it. Instead, he retains the flavour of the widely-enjoyed book in this thoroughly enjoyable film.

Ponniyin Selvan movie cast: Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Jayaram Ponniyin Selvan movie director: Mani Ratnam Ponniyin Selvan movie rating: 4 stars

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Ponniyin Selvan - 1 Review: Exhilarating And Enriching, With Impressive Performances By Vikram And Cast

Ponniyin selvan - 1 review: the sprawling, spectacularly mounted film is an ambitious, near-flawless adaptation of a much-loved literary work.

A still from Ponniyin Selvan 1 trailer. (courtesy: Tips Tamil )

Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, Karthi

Director:  Mani Ratnam

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Shrinking a complex five-volume novel into a two-part movie is mean feat. It takes gumption. A whole lot of it. If any director has that attribute in the requisite measure, it is Mani Ratnam. Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 , a period epic that is vast in scale and varied in visual scope, is proof.

The sprawling, spectacularly mounted film is an ambitious, near-flawless adaptation of a much-loved literary work that demonstrates exactly why it has been a movie project so daunting that the likes of M.G. Ramachandran and Kamalahasan could only make abortive attempts at putting it together.

Needless to say, the tale makes huge technical and artistic demands on Ratnam and his cast and crew. They prove equal to the onerous task of attaining the magnitude, the pacing and the stylistic flourishes that the story demands and available image-making technology allows.

That certainly does not mean that the veteran director surrenders himself lock, stock and barrel to the lure and power of computer-generated imagery. Ratnam is too good a craftsman and storyteller to over-rely on the razzle-dazzle of the kind of unbridled visual effects that have driven recent Indian blockbusters such as Baahubali, RRR and KGF.

Ratnam does not resort to sensory or visceral overdrive, drawing strength instead from the smart script written by him, B. Jeyamohan and Elango Kumaravel and from a cast of actors at the top of their game. PS-1 is a treat for the eyes as much as it is for the mind.

He abjures VFX excesses and grounds the historical fiction in a realistic zone to achieve the goal of capturing the massive sweep of Kalki Krishnamurthy's cult 1955 novel that traces the era of the Cholas.

It has taken six and a half decades for the story to make it to the big screen. The wait has been worth it. The Tamil-language PS-1 has versions dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam running in theatres nationwide.

In the 167-minute Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 , some passages seem a tad rushed because the introduction of a panoply of characters and the exposition of historically dense details have to be crunched into a couple of three-hour films.

Editor A. Sreekar Prasad, whose oft-proven skills are tested to the severest, ensures that the story has just enough breathing spaces for it not to keel over into occasional incomprehensibility.

Once the prelude is out of the way and all the major characters have been lined up, PS-1 gets into the swing of things. It presents a phenomenally smooth ride through an exciting series of events - fierce battles, palace intrigue, lost love, vanquished soldiers seeking revenge, brave resistance - that records the high points of Chola history in a manner that is both tangible and texturally immersive.

The most noteworthy aspect of PS-1, besides the consistently impressive performances by a cast led by Vikram and brilliantly propped up by Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi and Trisha, among others, is the production design by Thotta Tharini and the well-considered choice of locations lensed brilliantly by cinematographer Ravi Varman. The story unfolds in spaces that are eye-popping without being fantastical in the way that settings of historical epics of this nature usually tend to be.

PS-1 invokes the spatial attributes of the tenth century to perfection - be they structures made of stone, interiors of forts and palaces or ships and boats out at sea. But at no point do the images look like they have been crafted on the computer. PS-1 is a marvellously tactile film that stays rooted in a specific period without having to create improbable, cardboard cut-out sets suspended somewhere between a puerile understanding of design and a puerile imagination.

Similarly, the film's dramatis personae - the ailing Emperor Sundar Chola (Prakash Raj) and his three offspring, Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan (Vikram), his younger brother Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi, who appears late in the film in the guise of the titular character) and sister Kundhavai (Trisha), and their aides and adversaries within and without the kingdom - are never less than human.

They deal with palpable emotions even as they grapple with challenges of grand proportions. The characters, be they Chola royalty or men of common stock, sound believable even when they are in declamatory mode, moving seamlessly from uncommon wisdom to chatty banter.

With the air of outright make-believe masterfully reined in, PS-1 is a historical saga that draws the audience in without resorting to the conjurer's art. Its magic lies purely in its layered cinematic qualities.

Mischief is afoot in the expanding Chola empire with Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), wife of the scheming finance minister Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (R. Sharathkumar), having vowed to destroy the kingdom. She holds a personal grudge against her one-time lover Aditha Karikalan.

The conspiracy, of which the finance minister's brother and the Tanjore Fort's in-charge Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar (Radhakrishnan Parthiban) and a host of royal chieftains are a part, is aimed at overthrowing Sundar Chola and putting his nephew Madurantaka (Rahman) on the throne.

Sensing the grave danger that lies ahead, Aditha Karikalan sends his best friend and trusted aide Vandhiyathevan (Karthi, who steals almost the entire first half of the film thanks to the character's gift of the gab and amorous antics) with a message for Emperor Sundar Chola.

The courageous and cheerful Vandhiyathevan dodges elements in the court of the king as well as of survivors from a defeated Pandiyan army who are out to avenge their slain king Veerapandyan.

While power-hungry or jilted-in-love men to a great deal of the talking, PS-1 is true to the source material in that it accords equal significance to the women in the story. Besides the beauteous and strong-willed Nandini, the tough and clear-headed Chola Princess Kundavai plays an important role as the story progresses.

Kundavai is not only sent by her father to pacify her elder brother Aditha Karikalan, she also instructs Vandhiyethevan to travel to Sinhala kingdom with a message for her brother Arulmozhi. Two other women in the plot - Vaanathi (Sobhita Dhulipala), who dreams of marrying Arulmozhi, and boatwoman Samuthirakumari (Aishwarya Lekshmi) - do not have as much to do in this part of the magnum opus. More is probably in store for them in the sequel.

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Action-packed and eventful, the first part of the drama winds up at a point of the story that leaves many questions unresolved and points to what could form the core of Ponniyin Selvan - Part 2, scheduled for release in 2023. The film inevitably packs too much into too little time but it never fails to look and sound - A.R. Rahman's songs and background score constitute the backbone of the sound design - like a meticulously conceived and executed work of cinema.

PS-1 i s both exhilarating and enriching. Another dose would be just perfect.

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• Ponniyin Selvan Movie Review In Hindi

मूवी रिव्यू

फिल्म रिव्यू : पोन्नियि‍न सेल्वन पार्ट- 1 (PS 1)

क्रिटिक रेटिंग, पाठकों की रेटिंग, अपनी रेटिंग दें.

रेकमेंडेड खबरें

अगला रिव्यू

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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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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 Part 1 Movie Review: Mani Ratnam's epic adaptation is family friendly GOT

Director mani ratnam’s ponniyin selvan: part 1 starring karthi, chiyaan vikram, aishwarya rai bachchan, trisha and jayam ravi is an epic period drama that is technically sound. however, the film might end up underwhelming for book lovers, says our review..

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• Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 hit the theatres on September 30.
• Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Karthi and Jayam Ravi play lead roles.
• The second part will hit the theatres in 2023.

Cast & Crew

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Release Date: 30 Sep, 2022

The long wait is finally over! Director Mani Ratnam’s ambitious film, Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1, hit the screens today, September 30, amid much fanfare. The film, a historical fiction, is adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic Tamil literary novel that encapsulates the power struggle that rattled the Chola Dynasty. Has the film lived up to the expectations? Will it satisfy the book lovers?

A comet appears in the sky and it is the bringer of bad news. Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj) is ailing and has announced his eldest son, Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram) as the crown prince. However, the people of the Chola kingdom and Sundara Chozhar’s second child, Kundavai (Trisha) thinks that her younger brother, Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) will make a great king.

Aditha Karikalan sends his friend and trusted aide Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) to Kadambur based on the tip-off he received. He wants Vanthiyathevan to find out the plan that’s brewing and report it to Sundara Chozhar and Kundavai. A power struggle ensues as Sundara Chozhar’s brother’s son, Madhuranthagar (Rahman), also eyes the throne. Meanwhile, there’s Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (Sarathkumar), who is married into the Chola kingdom to avenge the death of her husband, Veera Pandiyan (opposite faction). Who will succeed in their mission forms the first part of Ponniyin Selvan.

The five-part book of Ponniyin Selvan, written by Kalki Krishnamurthy is verbose and with utmost detailing. The first part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan documents the important moments that take place in the first three parts of the book. Technically, Ponniyin Selvan is top-notch. Be it Ravi Varman’s brilliant cinematography or AR Rahman’s excellent score, the film sucks us into the world that Mani Ratnam has created with so much detailing.

But when it comes to the story, Ponniyin Selvan might be an underwhelming affair for those who have read the books. Since, Mani Ratnam has crammed three parts together in one film (with a run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes), most of the characters except Karthi’s Vanthiyathevan do not get much screen time. The story jumps from Thanjavur to Pazhayarai to Sri Lanka and so do the characters. But, for those who haven’t read the books, the film warrants utmost attention as there are multiple characters at play and multiple timelines crossing over.

Mani Ratnam’s adaptation of the epic is high on VFX and does not follow the usual template of a period film. He takes his own sweet time to build the world of Ponniyin Selvan and throws in crucial details through his characters matter-of-factly. There are several high moments sprinkled throughout the film. Be it Vanthiyathevan’s meet-up with Nandini or the epic Nandini-Kundavai face-off, Aditya Karikalan’s monologue or Arunmozhi Varman-Vanthiyathevan’s climax fight - you get grandeur-laden visuals, backed by strong storytelling. The dialogues, especially Vanthiyathevan and spy Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (Jayaram) work well as they manage to bring relief with their clever wit.

Apart from Karthi and Jayaram, it is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s show all the way. Through Nandini, she proves why she is best suited for the role as she charms us right from the first frame. Similarly, Trisha’s Kundavai has a strong presence throughout the film. However, in a few moments, her performance doesn’t add up to the hype. Chiyaan Vikram as Aditya Karikalan is a volatile prince, who lets his emotions take over and the actor has done a perfect job in capturing the vulnerabilities. Jayam Ravi, who plays Arunmozhi Varman, in the film, gets introduced in the second half and manages to hold our attention.

Aishwarya Lekshmi’s Poonguzhali character is a bit of a let-down as not much importance is given to her. So is Sobhita Dhulipala’s Vanathi. Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Vikram Prabhu, Kishore, Lal, Arjun Chidambaram and Ashwin Kakumanu deliver their best in the little screen time they received.

After the performances, AR Rahman’s brilliant background score stands out and elevates every single moment. The way Ravi Varman lit up the screen inside the palaces and in the forests of Sri Lanka proves why he is the best. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 ends on a high as it reveals the identity of an important character. That sets the tone for the second part, which will release in 2023.

3 out of 5 stars for Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. Published By: shweta keshri Published On: Sep 30, 2022 --- ENDS --- ALSO READ | Before Ponniyin Selvan's release, here are the 10 important characters you should know about

‘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

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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.

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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 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

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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 1 movie review: Mani Ratnam film is a visual spectacle that is a little less magical than the book

Ponniyin Selvan 1 is a brilliant experience that doesn’t chase the same high as other recent commercial films did. The spectacle lies in the setting and the story of the film that unravels beautifully.

Language: Tamil

Cast: Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayaram

Director: Mani Ratnam

Star rating: 3.5/5

After many years of dreaming and visualising, Mani Ratnam’s adaptation of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan released. I must say that the film with its impressive star cast and stunning music and visuals is a landmark film for the industry. It has a lot going for it, and that includes the performance of brilliant actors such as Karthi and Vikram in their respective roles as Vandhiya Thevan and Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan. Then the women, Aishwarya Rai as Nandini, Trisha as Kunthavai and Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali have gone above and beyond, pulled all stops to bring alive these characters that only existed in the imagination of the fans of the book.

One of the most asked questions at the moment is if Mani Ratnam has done a good job adapting the Tamil epic Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki. The short answer would be, yes. The director has managed to bring the world imagined by Kalki onto the screens. Pazhaiyaarai, Thanjavur and Lanka as imagined in the books are now on screen, however, the camera shots don’t indulge in showing us this world. From the get-go, it is the people of this world and their story that the director seems interested in shining a spotlight on. The director doesn’t exactly skim on showing us some of the cultural themes present in the book though. For instance, the Kuravai Koothu that takes place at the Kadambur Sambuvarayar palace has been retained, and beautifully so. It is captivating and vibrant, with AR Rahman ’s brilliant music to accompany it. But again, it is all fleeting. So before we can really get invested in it, the moment has passed.

This is also similar to the conversations that occur between Nandini and Kuthavai, or Vandhiyathevan and Azhwarkaddian. You see the magic lies in their sparring words. The film does capture that magic, especially the war of words between Azhwarkaddian and Vandhiyathevan. However, it is short-lived.

It has been stated multiple times that the film is only an abridged version of the book because it wouldn’t have been possible to pack in the details of all five books in two parts. So, if we did leave the missing details aside, there is one thing that the film lacks as a whole. That is the indulgence that each character gets to grow into themselves. Be it Kunthavai who we first meet as a caring friend who then transforms into an intelligent and witty princess or Vanthiya Thevan who is savvy with his words and humour. The film was able to capture the essence of these characteristic traits, but not in as much depth as the book. As a result, the film does feel a little less magical in comparison to the book.

Yet, why Mani Ratnam remains a master is also clearly visible as well. For instance, the scene of Adhitha Karikalan speaking to his friend Parthibendran about why he cannot forget Nandini. The way that shot was captured, it indicates the restlessness of the Crown Prince’s heart. We can feel how deep his emotional wounds caused by Nandini is. He is shaky, he is disoriented by the love that he feels for this woman who clearly betrayed him. He numbs his emotions through his vices, and yet, he is incapable of forgetting. So even as the music plays in the background, even as he sways and slurs, his intoxication does nothing to erase the memories of Nandini from his heart. This is also portrayed by intercuts of scenes from his present, and ones from that fateful night years ago. This depth and the flair with which Vikram has captured the essence of his character makes Aditha one of the most impressive in the first film.

As much as Ponniyin Selvan is about its Chola Kings, the story is also about the women who live in this same world. Especially Nandini. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini is so brilliant that now, it will be hard for us to imagine anybody else in that space. She captures the brittle fear, that alluring beauty and seduction, and hiding behind it all is her intelligence. The one that will aid her in getting what she wants. It is not as simple as revenge against the crown Prince really. It goes much deeper and it is nice to see Nandini step forward, and show the world that she has now put herself before anyone else. The throne? She doesn’t want to be a puppet master and stay behind in the shadows. She wants it for herself and the love that we see in her eyes for that throne is unmatched. Can a man really compare to so much power? Nandini seems to disagree because she plays them all to get what she wants.

In the book as well as the movie, the character of Kunthavai and Nandini are opposing. Even their physical traits are described as contrasting beauties. So while Nandini is fire and ice, all at once, Kunthavai is nothing but calm and composed. The wheels are always turning in her head, and she is sharp, but she is unflappable. The film captures her wit with just one scene. This is where she throws a wrench in Senior Pazhuvettaraiyar’s plan of gathering the Chieftains against crowning Aditha Karikalan as the King. It is entertaining and quite sly of her, and the characteristics quite suit Trisha who looks gorgeous all throughout the film.

Finally, coming to Ponniyin Selvan himself, portrayed by Jayam Ravi . This is where I truly felt that the film was rushed a bit too much. It was a roller coaster ride from the moment Arunmozhivarman aka Ponniyin Selvan realized that there was a conspiracy at play to imprison and capture him. From then, until the end, it was one big occurrence after another all without breaks. As the dominoes fall, the climax rolls out and in what is probably the most dramatic revelation, Ponniyin Selvan’s guardian angel is revealed.  Who is she? Why is she so protective of Arunmozhivarman? That is something that the next part of the film will reveal in 2023. There is so much that can be said about the film in comparison with the book, especially about the women and the space that they occupy, but that honestly deserves a piece all by itself.

Priyanka Sundar is a film journalist who covers films and series of different languages with special focus on identity and gender politics.

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'Ponniyin Selvan: I' movie review: Calm down, Mani sir

Updated on: 30 September,2022 11:00 PM IST  |  Mumbai Mayank Shekhar | [email protected]

• Text  

It doesn’t help that you first hear the name Ponniyin Selvan itself, I guess, only in the final quarter of the film

A still from the film

Ponniyin Selvan I Dir: Mani Ratnam Cast: Karthi, Vikram, Jayam Ravi Rating: 1.5/5

This film traverses breathlessly, at breakneck speed, between way too many scenes, and set-pieces — from horses in battle, armada on high seas, to swashbuckling sword-fights — without a second for any kinda staging of emotions, whatsoever.

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The audience isn’t supposed to simply soak in the stuff on screen. So much so that you begin to believe after a point, that maybe a lot of footage has been lost, and the movie has been stitched together, with only the high-points left over.

Either that. Or the filmmakers are totally unable to contain the enthusiasm for the material at hand. They devote themselves entirely, therefore, to simply cover page after page of the original text. Remaining, in turn, far too faithful to the book this film is adapted from. God knows, that hardly ever works — take Midnight’s Children, the film, for the most popular literary instance.

The eponymous novel we’re referring to here is Kalki Krishnamurthy’s period/historical fiction from the 1950s. I’m told Ponniyin Selvan is a classic in Tamil literature; also household text for those familiar with the language. Not me, evidently. As a viewer, that makes me someone who might be clueless about, say Mahabharat, before watching it first time on. And that makes context-setting, on the part of filmmakers, all the more essential.

Also Read:  BTS stars! Pratiksha Prashant reveals what went behind making Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Trisha's jewellery for Ponniyin Selvan

It doesn’t help that you first hear the name Ponniyin Selvan itself, I guess, only in the final quarter of the film. It’s the nickname for the younger prince of Chola kingdom, Arulmozhi (Jayam Ravi), and he’s been around all through. The parts with the elder prince Karikalan (Vikram) seem more engaging, but they’re too few and far between.

Both these warrior princes are fighting random battles in two different parts of the world, while a conspiracy to take over the kingdom by the second-level elites is being hatched in another part.

The fine king (Prakash Raj) is clearly chilling back home. Yet, it’s not that the film is centred on these characters, as much as a soldier-spy Vandiyadevan (Karthi), hanging with a useless sidekick, asked to warn the king of his throne slipping away.

Between folks mentioned above, and indeed the princess, queen, treasurer, his wife (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), the commander-in-chief, and so many others that the movie goes back and forth with — what do you really make of the first part of Ponniyin Selvam, shortened to PS1? Very little, beyond the fact that soon as you settle into a character/scene/scenario, the movie simply moves on.

Making this, along with Mani Ratnam’s Kadal (2013), and Raavan (2010) before that, the hardest for me to penetrate as an audience. Katru Veliyidai (2017) was of course another (crappy/toxic) story altogether.

Ratnam is at his best, as was mostly the case in the ’90s and early noughties, when he keeps it straight and simple — as with OK Kanmani (2015), more recently. Same with his partnering composer, AR Rahman. PS1 is credited as an ‘AR Rahman Musical’. Doesn’t bode well, that I have not a single tune even casually buzzing in my head from it. I know you need to hear ARR songs a few times, before passing comment. Would I? Don’t know!

And yet, it hardly takes a keen eye to observe/laud the effort put into this visually captivating canvas — in terms of locations, lighting, VFX, production design; scale, basically. It’d be unfair to summarily dismiss PS1 as BS1, and get on with it. You do a double-take sometimes and look up, alright — especially the combat sequences, with (Ravi Varman’s) camera pacing through crowds, with actors in sharp close up, faces covering the giant full-screen.

The only time the camera does calm down for a bit is to admire the beauty of actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. No complaints there, as she opens an electronically-operated door to the Chola Dynasty treasures of late 10th century!

Only there’s hardly much in that part either, as of the others, to glue you to what happens next. Maybe the story is just not leaping off the pages, as it should? Or perhaps a lot of the prose/poetry of this picture is lost in translation — and that I watched the version dubbed in Hindi?

Also, to let you in on an unnecessary detail: I kinda watched Ponniyin Selvan twice, back-to-back. First day, first show, at 8.30 am, that I was late for, so I missed the first ten minutes, and couldn’t tell anything of what was going on.

I snoozed through that show, to start again, right after, at noon. And couldn’t tell so much of what’s going on still. Only relieved once the double-bill ended with the announcement of the film’s sequel, slated for 2023. Watching PS2 as intently, of course, would be victory of hope over experience. Unless I decide to read the book this time on — but then what’s the point, Selvan?

Also Read: Raju Srivastava's daughter pens a note to Amitabh Bachchan

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Ponniyin Selvan: Part-1

Release date: 30 september, 2022 -->, ponniyin selvan: part-1 movie.

Based on a novel by Kalki Krishnamoorthy, the film revolves around the power struggle of the Chola empire during the 10th century. It is a story of Sundar Chola’s two sons – Aditya Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram) and Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi). They become the targets ...  of a group which is led by Paravateshvar (R. Sarath Kumar). To ensure that they don’t lose the battle against those who are plotting to oust them, Sundar then asks his sons to visit him Tanjore. Aditya Karikalan does not want to visit Tanjore as his first love Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), lives in Tanjore and is now married to Paravateshvar. Sundar’s second son Arunmozhi Varman decides to visit his father in Tanjore, but a murder plot is set up against him by another group (Pandya king’s personal guards).

Photos (15)

Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai on Mani Ratnam & AR Rahman: “I love their bond, their relationship” | PS-1

Articles (71).

EXCLUSIVE: Trisha Krishnan and Karthi share their experience of working with costume designer Eka Lakhani in Ponniyin Selvan

Mani Ratnam opens up about avoiding Baahubali-like moments in Ponniyin Selvan 1; says he wanted to show characters realistically

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opens up on playing Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Ponniyin Selvan; says, “Beautiful coincidence na”

Top Indian worldwide grossers of 2022: KGF 2, RRR, and PS-1 grab the Top 3 spots; Brahmastra only Bollywood movie in Top 5

Ponniyin Selvan-1 crosses Rs. 200 cr. mark at Tamil Nadu box office; goes past Rs. 460 cr. mark at the worldwide box office

Mani Ratnam directorial Ponniyin Selvan-1 emerges as 2nd All-time highest Tamil grosser at the worldwide box office

Ponniyin Selvan Box Office: Mani Ratnam directorial becomes the first Tamil film to cross Rs. 200 cr. milestone at the Tamil Nadu box office

Ponniyin Selvan Box Office: PS-1 joins the Rs. 400 cr club; becomes the third Tamil film after 2.0 and Vikram to achieve this

Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 surpasses Vikram in Tamil Nadu to emerge the HIGHEST grossing film of ALL TIME

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office: PS-1 beats 2.0; emerges as all-time highest-grossing Tamil film at the North America box office

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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 Review - Engaging big scale epic minus the drama!

Published date : 30/sep/2022.

Ponniyin Selvan Review -  Engaging big scale epic minus the drama!

Bharath Vijayakumar

While art itself is subjective, the extent of variation becomes more prominent when it comes to movie adaptations of novels. For those familiar with the source material, it certainly is close to impossible to refrain from drawing comparisons in their mind. It is a constant battle between the images you have in mind and what is presented on screen. Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan (2 parts) takes up the herculean task of adapting a novel that runs for five volumes with over 2000 pages. So, a lot of creative liberties are bound to be taken in what is a highly condensed version.

We have a voiceover (as in the trailer) explaining the history that leads to the chain of events in Ponniyin Selvan: I. There is a silent power struggle happening in the Chola Kingdom and we are pulled into this battlefield. It is not one that involves warring men with swords on either side but a battlefield that has power hungry and scheming men and women devising cunning plans sitting inside forts and palaces.

PS 1 focusses on introducing the primary characters and their equations with each other. The film is predominantly driven by plot points, and we are only given a briefing behind the emotions that is driving the actions of these characters. For those familiar with the book, it is bound to be a little disappointing but ironically, they have the advantage of filling in the gaps. But for those who haven’t read the novel, I am not sure how much of an impact PS 1 would have as a drama.  For a drama to work, you really need to be invested with the characters and their emotions.  With the lack of time to establish this, Mani Ratnam opts for a fast-paced narrative where the action quickly jumps across places. The film breezes through nicely whenever we have Karthi on screen as Vallavaraiyan Vandhiyadevan, the sweet-talking spy with a visual appetite for women. Karthi is really good here. He plays someone who actually does over the top things with a mischievous grin. This is a very difficult thing to do. If he keeps it too real and simple, it could be boring and take away the essence of the character. If he goes overboard, it could end up being annoying. But Karthi gets the balance spot on. Among the other actors, Aishwarya Rai gets it right as Nandhini with her presence. The book keeps describing a lot about her, (predominantly her physical attractiveness) every time it focusses on her. This is a spot-on casting decision, given the kind of image we already have about the actress. And the actress makes Nandhini work. The others have relatively lesser to do or have lesser screen time in PS 1. Everyone fits the bill, but I guess one has to watch the second part as well to see how much of an impact they make in their respective characters. I was pleasantly surprised by Sarathkumar though. Vikram showcases his inner turmoil effectively in that scene where he recollects a crucial event from his past. 

The film never touches a dramatic high except in that little reveal leading to the sequel. Creative liberties and constraints aside, the scene between Nandhini and Kundhavai should have really worked much better. Since the kind of animosity that these two characters have for each other is hardly established, this scene passes off without the fireworks it should have created. The whistles in the auditorium were for Aishwarya Rai and Trisha and certainly not for the face-off between Nandhini and Kundhavai. And the introduction of Arul Mozhi Varman is such a nice ‘mass’ moment in the book. What we have here is a very generic introduction (war scene) for the character. Similarly, one interesting aspect of Vandhiyadevan in the book is that he keeps getting into trouble inadvertently and this also helps him to gather crucial information from unexpected quarters. But here he is just carrying out the instructions given to him. Yeah, I get it that some of you might get annoyed with these comparisons with the book, but I really thought that these aspects could have been incorporated better.

A.R. Rahman’s songs really work well. The visuals too are pleasant. The war sequences don’t create much of an impact because of the absence of an emotional involvement in our part. They come across as perfunctory action episodes.

Bottomline:

Your experience could largely vary depending on your familiarity with Kalki's novel. PS 1 is largely condensed, and plot driven. So, the emotions of characters and the significance of crucial events don’t register as impactfully as one would have liked. But it also has some other things going for it. It delivers on the joys of watching a big scale movie with a studded star cast. Most importantly, it remains engaging despite the lack of high moments and has us anticipating the second part!

Rating:  3/5

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Home » Reviews » Box Office Reviews

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Review (Hindi): Mani Ratnam’s Magnum Opus Fails To Break Kollywood’s Jinx At Ticket Windows

Ponniyin selvan 1 box office review (hindi): the magnum opus is another failed attempt in the name of pan-india cinema. read on.

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Review (Hindi) –

Star cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Chiyaan Vikram, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar & others

Director: Mani Ratnam

Producers: Mani Ratnam & Subaskaran Allirajah

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Review (Hindi): Expectations

Blame him or thank him, SS Rajamouli has set a standard for period/event films. Be it Bahubali, Bahubali 2 or RRR, his films have always managed to grab the attention of one and all due to the making as well as the promotions. Rajamouli’s RRR released a few months back and we saw how the film got everyone talking just before its release. If not up to that level, one still expected a sort of aggressive marketing of Ponniyin Selvan 1, considering it’s a film helmed by a veteran like Mani Ratnam. However, except for a few media events, the makers didn’t really put the efforts which were needed for an expensive film like PS 1.

Keeping the promotions aside, even the trailer of Ponniyin Selvan I didn’t really get everyone talking. No doubt, the film has been enjoying a good pre-release buzz down South, but when it comes to the pan-India scene, the biggie lacked that kick which is much needed for an event film. On top of that, Vikram Vedha’s competition made the film look like a touch-and-go affair.

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Review (Hindi): Impact

Contrary to poor awareness about PS 1 in the Hindi belt, the film took a surprisingly decent start at several places. The morning shows had decent to good numbers (not at every place though). It’s mainly due to Mani Ratnam’s name or Chiyaan Vikram’s popularity among the Hindi audience. Also, the factor of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seems working to an extent. This could have been a good situation as it leaves the film to cover the ground on Saturday and Sunday with healthy jumps. However, in this case, the content has failed in impressing the majority of the ticket-buying audience, thus eliminating big jumps from the picture. On the other side, there’s Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan’s Vikram Vedha, which has received a thumbs up from most of the audience.

It’s clearly visible that no matter how big the Kollywood industry is, it has failed in making a mark theatrically in the Hindi belt. It’s a sad truth that a well-made film and a worldwide blockbuster like Vikram didn’t do that well among the Hindi audience. In the past, several Tamil dubbed biggies failed to leave any mark with Valimai and Beast being the best examples. 2.0 is the only well-known exception that worked tremendously at the box office, which had Akshay Kumar playing an important role.

Unlike Telugu and Kannada films, Tamil films are yet to crack the success formula and break the box office jinx in the Hindi belt. Mani Ratnam’s PS 1 is another unsuccessful attempt!

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Review (Hindi): Final Verdict

On the whole, Ponniyin Selvan 1 doesn’t have the merits to stand in front of a competitor like Vikram Vedha, which is interestingly a remake of a Tamil film. Even if released solo, the film didn’t have any chance to earn well at the box office. In the current situation, PS 1 will earn anywhere between 10-15 crores , which are dissapointing numbers for such a huge film.

Must Read: Vikram Vedha Movie Review: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan & Team Prove Why Bollywood Has Gone Nowhere, You Were Just Diverted By Keyboard Warriors!

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