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Ponniyin Selvan 1 on Amazon Prime Video Review: A Gorgeous Time Machine That Forces You To Leave The Books At Home

Director: Mani Ratnam

Writers: Mani Ratnam , Jeyamohan, Kumaravel (Screenplay)

Based On: Kalki Krishnamoorthy's novel

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

As someone who grew up detesting the blessed souls who claimed “the book was better”, it’s unfortunate to have realised that there will come a day when you have to use the same line, albeit to your own heartbroken self. In hindsight, it appears that reading Kalki’s epic five-part novel running up to the release was a misjudgement given how fresh the images have remained and how big the characters had become. But this was never an eventuality I had not considered. I knew the risks of going into a film knowing almost everything that’s going to happen. I also knew the risk of expecting the film to stick to the structure the book followed, forcing you to wait for the big moments that were rousing, hoping for the film to do the same. 

But this was a Mani Ratnam film after all. “Story” is hardly the focus of one’s expectations and it was not like knowing the Mahabharata or the Satyavan Savitri myth lessened the blow Thalapathi (1991) or Roja (1992) left you with. I mean, he’s the dude who made a leaky-roofed loft in Kasimedu look like a boho-chic hipster cafe in Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004). Imagine what he could do with lion-faced ships, 10th century palaces, some of the most beautiful actors in the world and a shipload of money. 

Beyond one’s imagination is the least one expects from filmmakers like him and it’s perhaps this weight that has pressed down on a few scenes that did not do more than just efficiently translate text to screen. In a sense, you find yourself going back to an adjective you never imagined using while writing about a Mani Ratnam film. “Straightforward” is the word and you don’t quite understand why the brilliance of the reimagined sequences didn’t extend to the rest of the film. 

One such was the ingenious use of AR Rahman’s ‘Chola Chola’, a song that’s easy to picture as a standard-issue victory anthem. Having won a battle that further extends his hold over his kingdom’s norther frontier, prince Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) is dancing with his soldiers, floating in and out of an endless supply of “somras”. Yet the moment is hardly the mirthful celebration of strength and masculinity. In essence, the effect is quite the opposite as the song segues into the maddening eyes of a warrior who’s trying to wash away his bloodstained hands with even more blood. The song behaves like a counterpoint, cheering on the Chola clan even as its crowned prince bleeds under his crown of thorns. His face wears these battle-scars, none as obvious as the one left behind by a broken heart and what follows is a superbly-staged and edited sequence that ends with the defeat of a rival king, but the mood is anything but triumphant. It is brutal, vivid and inescapable like a recurring nightmare that has become much larger as a result of years of regret. Through Vikram’s brilliant monologue, we witness a tragic figure being punished by the same ‘dharma’ he hoped to uphold.  

Ravi Varman chooses to shoot this sequence too with the same restless, handheld energy he maintains through most of the first half. Expect when he needs to, either to establish the majesty of these kingdoms or the landscape these people are fighting for, there’s hardly an overuse of wider shots. So when we follow Vandhiyathevan (Karthi) through the crammed streets of Thanjavur or when secret conversations are framed within the palace’s corridors, the camera is constantly shaking as though it’s taking quick breaths along with its subjects. This may at first feel odd given how similar period films love to keep frames static and wide to seduce you with scale. But in Ponniyin Selvan , despite its scale, the idea seems to have been to shoot it with the rough edges of a Latin American film. 

Not that Ravi Varman doesn’t get his moments to flex. A gorgeous top angle shot from inside Nandini’s (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) private chamber is impossible to take your eyes away from and so are the many, many shots in the second half set in Ilankai, where’s it as much hell for the characters as it is heaven for us viewers. Yet these feel like b-roll outtakes when we compare them to the scenes featuring the two astonishingly good-looking ladies, Nandini and Kundhavai (Trisha). We discover them through the eyes of Vandhiyathevan, but you need to observe these gorgeous scenes to understand just how much more the film does to elevate the reams of text Kalki writes to describe their beauty. It feels like a matter of fact that entire kingdoms and civilisations would risk everything after being fully seduced by their beauty. 

 This is a strange feeling because a lot of what you know about these characters isn’t quite earned by the film itself. Except for characters like Aditha Karikalan and Azhwarkadiyan (a delightful Jayaram), it’s the myth of these characters (and hype) that make them larger in our heads than they are in the movie. If one felt the meeting between Nandini and Kundhavai would be the film’s biggest highlight, chances are that you’re going to feel disappointed. Which means that to fully enjoy Ponniyin Selvan is to also fully succumb to this one particular vision of one particular director. This process might take a little long, but once you submit, it gets a lot easier to immerse yourself into its own world rather than the pre-fabricated one you entered the hall with. 

On one hand, this might make you feel a tad underwhelmed when it chooses to introduce Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi, perfectly cast) in full, furious glory rather than the surprisingly understated entry (as a mahout) he gets in the book. But in other instances, these switches result in exhilarating moments like when Kundhavai single-handedly changes the course of history, with one powerful dialogue electrified with legit 10th century swag.

Featuring great performances from everyone, including those who get just a scene or two, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 , builds the world, introduces us to its residents and then leaves us with a clear separation between book and movie. It also helps that there’s little room for traditional mass moments or extensive action scenes just for the sake of it. More than a movie, it leaves you with the feeling that you’ve been on an adventure. It might take a little getting used to but who said travelling back a millennium would be easy?

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‘Ponniyin Selvan: 1’ movie review: Epic story gets Mani Ratnam’s royal treatment

Kalki’s source material of ‘ps:1’ is rich with myriad characters, and mani ratnam gleefully picks them all up to give it a cinematic touch, thanks to some powerhouse performances from his all-star cast.

September 30, 2022 12:22 pm | Updated 11:53 pm IST

A still from ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 , Mani Ratnam's latest multi-starrer, has a unique problem: comparison.

Also read: Mani Ratnam’s  Ponniyin Selvan  opens to positive reviews and packed cinema halls

People who have read Kalki’s original, that is widely considered the greatest novel written in Tamil literature, will probably be championing their favorite characters among the leads, or waiting for their cherished sequences to unfold on screen. Audiences who have no connection with the book will probably think about Baahubali, or even the recent RRR considering the grand war sequences featured.

It is to the director's credit that he manages to satisfy both ends of the spectrum.

Mani Ratnam’s latest period drama, is essentially about a power struggle: Emperor Sundara Chola’s (Prakash Raj) health is failing, necessitating a new leader for the Chola empire. There are quite a few contenders, the lead among them being his son Aditha Karikalan (Vikram). But Sundara Chola also has another son, Arunmozhi Varman ( Jayam Ravi ) and a daughter, Kundavai ( Trisha ).

Karthi in a still from the film

The choice for the throne isn't going to be easy, because there are other people vying for it: Periya Pazhuvettariyar (Sarath Kumar), the second most important person in the empire, and his group of advisors, are backing another candidate for the hot seat. What will happen?

This story can unravel through many avenues, but writer Kalki — and filmmaker Mani Ratnam now — choose to narrate it through the eyes of Vanthiyathevan (Karthi). His only connection to the story is being Aditha Karikalan's friend, but he is the primary gaze through which the film unfolds. When Vanthiyathevan learns something new, he looks wide-eyed. Just like us. Travelling all over delivering important messages, he sets off in all earnestness, but also has fun along the way. Vanthiyathevan is us, the audience, peering curiously into a film that packs in valour, greed, honesty and treachery in equal measure.

Ponniyin Selvan: 1

The source material is rich with myriad characters that undergo a rollercoaster of emotions, and Mani Ratnam gleefully picks them all up to give it a cinematic touch. It helps that he has a power-packed starcast. Karthi almost steals the show, especially in the first half, kindling a feeling of joie de vivre, thanks to his zesty acting style (“Un vaal oda naaku koormai,” someone tells him, indicating that he’s a smooth talker). Vikram packs a powerful performance; watch him bawl during a sequence in which he sadly reminisces about a skeleton from his past. Jayam Ravi has an easygoing, understated approach to his character, while still maintaining the dignity associated with royalty.

And as Nandini and Kundavi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Trisha get their Tamil accents right... but the face-off scene between them needed more tension. Aishwarya Rai looks a million bucks, and also shines in the few scenes that showcase glimpses of her character’s villainy, but there’s a lot more to be fleshed out. We’ll wait for the next instalment.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in ‘Ponniyin Selvan: 1’

The issue with an epic of this kind is that all characters, except the leads, get little prominence. You keep wondering about Poonguzhali (Aishwarya Lekshmi) and her connection to the main plot, as you do with some of the other characters who make fleeting appearances. Only Jayaram as Azhawarkadiyan Nambi leaves a mark, especially because of his character traits and loud behaviour. Another issue is the presence of a dozen important characters and the spoken Tamil of yore, which will prove to be a challenge to follow for the average viewer.

But what the audiences will follow — and probably marvel at — is the film's ability to take you into a world from many centuries ago. Be it the rich sequences inside the kingdom or the magnificent battle set pieces, Ponniyin Selvan: 1 has you invested in the big screen, though one feels that the ocean segment in the second half could have been staged better. Thota Tharani's production design is a highlight, as is Ravi Varman's camera that almost runs alongside the characters; the quick-motion shots from atop a horse are as classy as those basked in beautiful sunlight. AR Rahman's music, a staple in Mani Ratnam films since their evergreen Roja , is experimental, and amps up the war sequences, while the songs are placed in a way that aids the story narrative.

Trisha in ‘Ponniyin Selvan: 1’

That Mani Ratnam has pulled off a subject that MGR and Kamal Haasan dreamt of making , is no mean feat. But then, who is the real Mani Ratnam? Is he like Karthik ( Alaipayuthe ) or Amarkant ( Dil Se ...), the one getting his characters to be full of life and romance, akin to the way we felt when we were in love? Or, is he like Surya ( Thalapathi ) or Velu Naicker ( Nayakan ), people who have weighty choices and decisions to make? In short, avaru nallavara kettavara ?

In PS: 1 , he has to deal with both in equal measure. For every ounce of goodness he shows in Arunmozhi Varman, there's a scheming Nandini to balance it. For every second of earnestness in Aditha Karikalan, there are moments of fun that Vandhiyathevan provides. Ponniyin Selvan: 1 is 167 minutes of powerful storytelling backed by visual splendour.

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 is currently running in theatres

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• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I

Vandiyathevan crosses the Chola land to deliver a message from the Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan, while Kundavai attempts to establish political peace as vassals and petty chieftains plot ag... Read all Vandiyathevan crosses the Chola land to deliver a message from the Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan, while Kundavai attempts to establish political peace as vassals and petty chieftains plot against the throne. Vandiyathevan crosses the Chola land to deliver a message from the Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan, while Kundavai attempts to establish political peace as vassals and petty chieftains plot against the throne.

• Mani Ratnam
• Sruti Harihara Subramanian
• Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
• 366 User reviews
• 23 Critic reviews
• 6 wins & 23 nominations

• Aditha Karikalan

• Arunmozhi Varman

• Vanthiyathevan

• Periya Velaar

• Periya Pazhuvettarayar
• (as Sarath Kumar)

• Poonguzhali

• Parthibendran Pallavan

• Sundara Chozhar

• Alwarkkadiyan Nambi
• Sembiyan Maadevi

• Madhurantakan
• Sendhan Amudhan

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

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Did you know

• Trivia Director Mani Ratnam and music composer A.R. Rahman did not work with lyricist Vairamuthu on this film, following the latter's #MeToo allegations and controversy. This marked the end of the longest director-composer-lyricist trio in Tamil Cinema, which began since A.R. Rahman's debut on Mani Ratnam's Roja (1992).
• Goofs The Marwari breed of horses were used for shooting this film. A horse had died in shooting too. In history though, the fastest horses in the world were imported from Arabia for warfare in the Chozha cavalry.

Parthibendran Pallavan : I heard you died at Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar's hands, after getting caught

Vanthiyathevan : I think that I haven't died yet indeed

Parthibendran Pallavan : Your tongue is sharper than sword

Vanthiyathevan : One day you can try my sword's sharpness as well

• Crazy credits Vanthiyathevan was supposed to be a spy in various scenes, and depicted in ordinary garb in the novel. However, he's always in an armor.
• Alternate versions In Singapore, the film initially received an NC16 classification due to moments of violence occurred in the film. It is also noted that the Hindi version also received the same classification. The distributor opted to edited the moments of violence in order to lower the rating from NC16 to PG13. Both PG13 edited versions became the standard versions to release in theaters of Singapore.
• Connections Referenced in The Kapil Sharma Show: Ponniyin Selvan Special (2022)
• Soundtracks Ponni Nadhi (Tamil) Music by A.R. Rahman Lyrics by Ilango Krishnan Vocals by A.R. Rahman , A.R. Reihana & Bamba Bakya

User reviews 366

• harshkumarrocks
• Sep 27, 2022
• How long is Ponniyin Selvan: Part I? Powered by Alexa
• September 30, 2022 (India)
• Ponniyin Selvan: I
• Pondicherry, India
• Lyca Productions
• Madras Talkies
• Zeal Z Entertainment services
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• ₹5,000,000,000 (estimated)
• Oct 2, 2022
• $21,888,295

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 47 minutes
• Dolby Surround 7.1
• Dolby Atmos
• IMAX 6-Track
• Dolby Digital

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Ponniyin Selvan: Part I

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Watch Ponniyin Selvan: Part I with a subscription on Prime Video.

Critics Reviews

Cast & crew.

Mani Ratnam

Aditya Karikalan

Arulmozhivarman

Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan

Aishwarya Rai

Kundavai Pirattiyar

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PONNIYIN SELVAN PART 1 MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 is a film written by Mani Ratnam, Elango Kumaravel, B Jeyamohan and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film is based on Kalki's magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan and has Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Vikram Prabhu, Sobhitha Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Jayaram and others in the lead roles. PS is bankrolled by Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran under the banners Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions respectively.

Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) has just won a battle against the Rashtrakutas up north, and sends his friend Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) to deliver a message to his sister Princess Kundhavai (Trisha) and father Sundara Chozhan (Prakash Raj). The film follows the adventures of Vanthiyathevan, as he is assigned more duties by Kundhavai, and Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi). Meanwhile, there's a conspiracy happening at Thanjavur involving the Chozha Throne and the chieftains headed by Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (Sarathkumar) and his brother Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar (Parthiban).

Probably the most exciting element about Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 is the story itself. Upon watching the film, one might finally get the answer to the question why is Ponniyin Selvan one of the best selling novels in the country. Right from the word Go, there is a natural tension that is present in each scene, keeping us on the edge of our seats.

When we watch thriller movies, as audiences it is natural that we start solving the cases in our minds. Similarly, whenever a new character that appears on screen, we start looking at them with a sense of suspicion. Are they going to plot against the Chozhas or are they part of the same team. Such questions add on to the excitement.

While it's certainly difficult to execute a film on this scale, for a director like Mani Ratnam, who has a strong sense of aesthetics, conceiving the scenes and getting the job done from actors shouldn't have been a difficult task. This is because he is surrounded by a set of technicians who've proven their worth multiple times. He is aided by AR Rahman whose score and songs like Devaralan Aattam, Ponni Nadhi give you goosebumps multiple times.

The cinematography reflects the nature of the plot very well. Since the entire plot revolves around the fight for the throne, the kingdom of Chozhas is unstable. Ravi Varman's camera too doesn't stand at one place for most of the film. It keeps moving, and it's a bit unconventional as well because usually you expect some scenes to be shot while the camera is still. This innovation pays off well. Art Director Thota Tharani's work also deserves lot of praise, as he has put so much work into bringing the palace of Chozhas into life.

The film gets its casting on point with each actor fitting their character to the T, and they all emote so well. Vikram gets a meaty scene to showcase all his acting capabilities in the interval block, Jayam Ravi looks super perfect as Arunmozhi Varman, while Karthi is the one who carries the film throughout.

Aishwarya Rai as Nandhini is an apt cast and she has pulled off the role with negative shade convincingly well. Trisha gets a meaty role as Kundhavai and looks stunning in every frame in her career best role till date.

Even the junior artists' add so much value to the film. If at all there's something wrong with the film, the runtime could test the patience. Barring that the film gets almost everything right, is close to a perfect adaptation of the book. The wait for the Part 2 has already began with the surprise end twist.

PONNIYIN SELVAN PART 1 VIDEO REVIEW

BEHINDWOODS REVIEW BOARD RATING

PUBLIC REVIEW BOARD RATING

REVIEW RATING EXPLANATION

பிரேக்கிங் சினிமா செய்திகள், திரை விமர்சனம், பாடல் விமர்சனம், ஃபோட்டோ கேலரி, பாக்ஸ் ஆபிஸ் செய்திகள், ஸ்லைடு ஷோ, போன்ற பல்வேறு சுவாரஸியமான தகவல்களை தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கு கிளிக் செய்யவும்      

PONNIYIN SELVAN PART 1 NEWS STORIES

பொன்னியின் செல்வன் படத்தின் FDFS.. ரசிகர்கள் மத்தியில் குடும்பத்துடன் படம் பார்த்த ஜெயம் ரவி!

PS1 : "ட்ரெய்லர்ல வந்தது இந்த பாட்டு தானா..?" - தட்டி தூக்கிட்டு வந்த மணிரத்னம் & ARR .. நெகிழும் Fans

PS 1 : "‘நந்தினி’ ஐஸ்வர்யா ராயுடன் காதல் காட்சிகளில் நடிக்க தயக்கமா?".. 'பெரிய பழுவேட்டரையர்' சரத்.!

Ponniyin Selvan : "அத்தன பேரும் ஒரிஜினல் நகை போட்டு நடிச்சோம்".. 'பெரிய பழுவேட்டரையர்' சரத் சொன்ன காரணம்.!

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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' movie review: A tasteful adaptation defined by powerful performances

I have not read Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan , but it has always been apparent that the character of Vandhiyathevan wields great charisma. Many top actors have dreamt for years about playing this character, and now, after having watched Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 , it’s finally apparent to me why. This character, in a sense, can be likened to Rahman’s opening song, ‘Ponni Nadhi’—which heralds the beginning of his epic journey. Like the river, he flows where he wishes, and he’s a source of much life wherever he lands. Like the river shifts everything in its wake, so does he. At one point, when asked about his whereabouts, he says, “I’m from everywhere…” and talks of being able to find peace anywhere under the sky and over the land. I wondered if that’s why he doesn’t hurt when he lands from great height like a waterfall. I wondered if that’s why he’s so frightened of the ocean—you know, that place where the river dies. He’s funny, he’s flirtatious, and when he is on screen, good luck taking your eyes off him.

His interplays with actor Jayaram—who plays Azhwarkadiyan Nambi—are delightful. The latter has always been a skilled exponent at slapstick humour, and his adventures in this film offer further proof. It seems to me that sometimes, we get so consumed by Mani Ratnam’s explorations of emotion that we don’t quite acknowledge how organically he weaves in humour into his films. There are so many lively, laugh-out-loud moments in this film arising from organic exchanges—once, from Vandhiyathevan simply observing his reflection in water.

There are other performances in Ponniyin Selvan that leave you gasping for breath. Vikram, as Aditha Karikalan, is gloriously unbridled as the crown-prince. A scene where he speaks of suppressed pain sees him bare his heart out. Ahead of the film’s release, there were what seemed to me to be unfair reservations on the casting of Jayam Ravi—who has always struck me as an invested performer. He’s on point as ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, the dutiful prince who comes into the limelight later in the film.

As for the women in the Ponniyin Selvan world, it’s wonderful that despite this being a story that’s occurring a thousand years earlier, they aren’t reduced to being ornamental spouses—or as happens in many an epic historical story, a property that men fight over. Sure, a foiled romance might be at the heart of this story too, but both Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) and Kundavai (Trisha) get established as devious women who know how to create desirable outcomes in the patriarchal world around them. Among the most powerful moments in this film is when both come face-to-face. It also doubles up as an example of why Mani Ratnam is a master at creating memorable, visual drama. Another example is that introduction shot of Nandini, as she slides open the curtains of her palanquin. As an almost ethereal woman who knows how to beguile men, Aishwarya Rai is compelling. In more than one scene, we see only part of her face—perhaps because there’s more to her than she lets out?

While there’s the opulence in ornamentation and the expansiveness of palaces and forts, what’s unmistakeable is also the simplicity of an older time when the rivers ran full, and the earth had not been plundered yet. Through the shenanigans of Vandhiyathevan, we get some glimpses into the history of our land. It’s a world in which a man has to undertake an adventure of a thousand miles just to pass on the message of a dozen words. It’s a world in which a lover has to wait for weeks to learn whether her words of affection have been delivered. It’s a world in which the word ‘scroll’ has not come to signify disinterest. There’s great pleasure in seeing what once was.

There’s greater pleasure in experiencing AR Rahman climb into this film and deliver the type of songs and score he seems to always summon for this filmmaker for whom he made his debut. Be it with a ‘Ponni Nadhi’ that gently nudges us into this world or the aggressive, hyper-masculine ‘Chola Chola’ that captures the thrill of conquest, his score is a life-force. He utilises an operatic voice to present a crucial flashback moment, a grand orchestral score for the moments that lead up to it. In fact, Aditha Karikalan’s two powerful moments in this film are big beneficiaries of the Academy Award winner’s score.

For a film about succession issues, about conquests and rebellion, perhaps the action sequences aren’t as memorable as you might expect them to be. Yes, there’s urgency in capturing the violence of thundering hooves and swinging swords, but the fight choreography feels mostly generic with individual set-pieces not bursting with personality—except, I suppose, that final stretch that captures the chaos of a mad sea. And yet, PS-1 doesn’t quite end in a way that signifies the satisfying completion of a first film. It’s perhaps a consequence of Mani Ratnam interpreting this as one-half of a complete film—but given that PS-1 is packaged as a feature film lasting almost three hours, I think it’s only fair that we expect it to possess its own fulfilling end.

Perhaps the foremost pleasure of a Mani Ratnam film is in experiencing his wizardry over the medium. To use an endearing description often ascribed to Vandhiyathevan in PS-1 , a ‘maayakaaran’. You see plenty of examples in this film. The choreography and lighting in ‘Devaralan Aattam’—which, perhaps due to the location or all the backlighting, reminded me of ‘Veerapandi Kottaiyile’ from another Mani Ratnam film (it seemed like an enjoyable coincidence that an enemy king in this film is named Veera Pandiyan). How about that mythical entrance of Aditha Karikalan? Or how about that incredible pre-interval scene—a directorial masterclass really—that condenses grief and sleeplessness of years into a few minutes of dialogue? How about the monologous lament that gloriously segues into ‘Chola Chola’. Listening to this song ahead of the film’s release, you would be forgiven for expecting a track about heroism and machismo. Instead, we get one about pain and regret—and in a sense, some commentary about the cause of indiscriminate violence.

These are joys that sustain you through the less-effective portions—like the not-so-deep insight you get into many characters… yet, or the straightforward action. Even here, take one tempestuous battle as an example, which must have been quite a task to execute. While you are taking it in, it’s hard to forget you are watching a Mani Ratnam film. You notice that this isn’t a thousand men taking on another thousand men to bring an epic film to its conclusion. This is a battle much simpler in scale, and yet, much scarier to witness. For one character, in fact, it’s as much a psychological battle as it is physical. It is said that the most rousing battles are fought not on the outside but on the inside. By that account, PS-1 does present snapshots of many epic battles, with the promise of more in the second film. Consider me intrigued.

Film: Ponniyin Selvan 1

Director: Mani Ratnam

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

Rating: 4/5

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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..

Listen to Story

• 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

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 Movie Review (2022)

• Ponniyin Selvan 1

Mani Ratnam and his fantastic team beautifully capture the essence of Kalki's characters in 'Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1', which infuses a period story with a sense of lived-in reality

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Movie Cast & Crew

Book adaptations are strange beasts, and in my opinion, the only way to truly enjoy a movie based on a book is to… forget the book. Now, of course, that’s impossible when the book is imprinted in your memory, but what I mean by “forget the book” is simply this: Forget the fact that you are going to get the exact book. One of my favourite book-to-movie adaptations is Guide , which became one of Dev Anand’s biggest hits, with great SD Burman songs, a brilliant and beautiful Waheeda Rahman, and superb direction by Vijay Anand. But RK Narayan, the author of the original book, hated the movie. He called the film “a bastard offspring of my novel,” but what he did not understand was that the film was not “his novel”. The film was not “RK Narayan’s Guide ” but “filmmaker Vijay Anand’s version of RK Narayan’s Guide ”.

I recalled this incident when Ponniyin Selvan finally got going after decades of various people trying to make it, and I think the author Kalki Krishnamurthy would have been quite happy with “Mani Ratnam’s version of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan .” The film transforms a book into an utterly gorgeous piece of cinema, and I’m not just talking about Ravi Varman’s image after stunning image, beginning with a fiery Vikram emerging from a mist. It’s also the writing, by Mani Ratnam,  Elango Kumaravel and Jeyamohan. There's an early visual of the Pandya flag being sliced into two, and one half flutters into the next bit of narrative. That's the spirit of Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. The book has been slashed, and pages and images flutter across from one bit of exposition to another.

Take the character of the boat woman Poonguzhali, played by Aishwarya Lekshmi. Kalki introduces her during sunset, as she sings a song that is so sweet that nature stands still. The song in the film, written by Siva Ananth, is not the same song that Poonguzhali sings in the book. But it begins with the same word, “ alaikadal ” and AR Rahman’s tune perfectly captures what Kalki calls the “ inba vedhanai ” (sweet sorrow) in her voice. We don't see other things from the book. We don't see Poonguzhali rescuing Vandhiyathevan from quicksand. We don't see her think his face looks like an owl, which annoys his vanity. We don't see him telling her father about his wanting to be ferried across the ocean to Sri Lanka. We don't witness Poonguzhali and Vandhiyathevan's subsequent fight on the boat, and her jumping into the sea to save him. But the image we get gives a sense of all this. We see her emerge from the sea like a mermaid, and he is already on the boat, having already confessed in earlier scenes that he is afraid of water. That's the essence.

In a way, we are talking about Mani Ratnam's approach in Chekka Chivantha Vaanam , where characters and situations were thrust upon us with intensity and severe economy. That film did not work for me at all, but here, this highlights-reel approach works beautifully. The playful scene where Karthi meets Jayaram. The intense conversation between Trisha and Vikram. The tragic tears that well up in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's eye when she hears the name of a former lover. A following scene between her and Karthi, where we see her manipulative side. The scene where Jayachitra reminds Rahman of his duty. The flirtatious scene between Trisha and Karthi. The seductive scene between Aishwarya and Sarath Kumar. The non-verbal catfights between Aishwarya and Trisha. The boys-will-be-boys scene when Karthi and Jayam Ravi meet. The scene with Trisha's hilarious political move, which shows that the men may be straight-on schemers, but it's the women who are the devious schemers, driving the story with their agenda.

In other words, every character has a strong scene - or three - where their essence is established. One part of me wished for a ten-hour movie. But given two hours and forty-five minutes, there really is no other way to tell this story on screen, and the big plus is seeing Mani Ratnam, the director, in glorious form with his fantastic technical team: Thotta Tharani handles the production design, Sreekar Prasad is the editor, and cinematographer Ravi Varman fills the screen with colour, from the blue of the seas to the browns of the land, from the monochromed dark-pink interiors of a queen's chamber to the all-out rainbow colours of Raatchasa maamane . This is a film filled with constant movement: it's either the chases or the battles or the never-ending mind games that keep coiling around the narrative like a slimy snake. Even the camera, mostly, is free and keeps moving. Very few shots seem "composed"

Could the AR Rahman songs have been axed completely to make way for more narrative? I loved the segue from Vikram's emotional revelation to the drunken revelry of Chola Chola . I loved that a long comic chase involving Karthi segues to the playful Raatchasa maamane . But given the choice, I would have liked the songs to have been replaced by more interaction between the characters. Or maybe more time for the action scenes to play out. (Right now, they seem like truncated versions of longer action blocks.) But then, that's why we have the books. Besides, this story of political intrigue is remarkably reminiscent of the present day, where political groups band together and split as it suits them – so not much exposition is actually needed. Except for the costumes and the language, this is a very contemporary narrative about an ailing king – Sundara Chola, played by Prakash Raj – and his three children. (Again, do we have shades of Chekka Chivantha Vaanam ?)

Instead of trying to dazzle us with epic-ness, Mani Ratnam goes all-out real. There are no "mass" dialogues, the jokes are casually tossed off, the verbal confrontations are delivered in even tones, and even the fights aren't staged as spectacles for the sake of spectacle: some are like the delightfully simple sword fights we saw in the MGR movies. All the actors are fantastic, especially Vikram, Aishwarya, Trisha and Karthi – though Jayaram probably steals the show in an author-backed comic role that has sly shades, too. If Karthi and Jayaram give "big" performances, because their roles are such, they are balanced by the wonderfully minimalistic work by the others. Jayam Ravi uses so little to convey so much - and it's really tough to portray a good guy on screen without making him seem boring. And the end-reveal of a famous minor character in the book is awesome. This character-driven first part perfectly sets the stage for the second installment, which can now hit the ground running. Apart from showing how a huge novel can be convincingly condensed, that is this film's biggest achievement.

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

'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

• తెలుగు

PS-1 Review: Brain Teasing Narrative

Movie: PS-1 Ponniyan Selvan Rating: 2.25/5 Banner: Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Prabhu, R Sarathkumar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman, and Radhakrishnan Parthiban Dialogues: Tanikella Bharani Music: AR Rahman Director of Photography: Ravi Varman Editor: Sreekar Prasad Production Designer: Thota Tharrani Action: Kecha Khampakdee & Shyam Kaushal Producer: Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran Directed by: Mani Ratnam Release Date: Sep 30, 2022

After Baahubali, RRR, and KGF movies, Mani Ratnam’s “PS1” is the one period drama that caught the attention of everyone. The hype surrounding the film has been huge. $1 million bookings in the USA alone prove how much buzz the film has generated.

Let’s find out whether the film lives up to the expectations.

Story: Pallavatturyar (Sarath Kumar) and his wife Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) are plotting to make Madhurantakudu (Rahman) as the next king in place of Aditya Karikaludu (Vikram).

Upon this information Kundavi (Trisha) sends Vanthiyadevudu (Karthi), a spy, to bring her brother Arunmozhi aka Ponniyan Selvan (Jayam Ravi) from Srilanka to Tanjore.

Meanwhile, another batch goes out to kill Ponniyan Selvan. The rest of the film is all about Ponniyan Selvan trying to return to his birthplace.

Artistes’ Performances: The film has many characters but only a few get importance. Among them, Karthi as Vandiyadevudu takes the prime place.

The film begins with his journey from one place to the other. The first half of the film has Karthi dominating the show. He attempts comedy as well.

Vikram as Aditya Karikaludu appears only in three episodes. His acting gives a déjà vu feeling. 

Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varma aka Ponniyan is neat. 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays a dual role. As Nandini, she has a terrific screen presence. She gets a limited scope to show her performance but she holds the attention with her charm and grace. Trisha as princess Kundavi is beautiful. She looks a lot younger than her real age. 

Prakash Raj and Sarath Kumar play their parts well. Sobhita Dhulipala and Aishwarya Lekshmi get minor roles.

Technical Excellence: The best part of the film is the excellent production design by Thota Tarani. The sets are classy. He recreates the Chola period. Ravi Varman’s camera has enhanced the production design further. The VFX work is impressive in some places, and not up to the mark in other places. AR Rahman’s songs have not worked in the film but his background score is riveting. 

The Telugu dialogue writing (by Tanikella Bharani) is okay.

Highlights: Production design Twists and turns Aishwarya Rai and Trisha

Drawback: Hard to understand the first half Leisure pace No goose bump moments

Analysis The makers proclaimed ‘PS1’ as ‘the story of India’s greatest empire.’ Based on a Tamil novel named “Ponniyan Selvan”, Mani Ratnam made the film in two parts and the first part is here. Before the release, there have been comparisons between “PS1” and Rajamouli’s “Baahubali” but both are entirely different, neither of them matches in any manner be it war sequences or grandeur of visuals. 

“PS-1” is a story based on real history and the many characters with hard-to-remember names keep coming. Getting track of the names and characters themselves is a cumbersome task. For those who are not familiar with the novel and the history like this reviewer, it is difficult to understand the proceedings and getting the characters. 

The film begins with Vandhiyadevudu’s journey. Karthi as Vandhiyadevudu flirts with women, dances, does comedy stunts, plays with a Brahmin (played by Jayaram), and indulges in fights. Through him, we meet all the characters, first Aditya Karikaludu, then Nandini after that Kundavi, and lastly Ponniyan Selvan. His long journey and many subplots occupy the story of this part one. 

However, the film is structured in a way that much of the plot happens in the first half, which is very hard to understand. By the time we get the story, the film comes to an interval bang. With so much focus on many characters and their background, we don’t get any high moments. In the entire first half, the only intriguing moment is Vikram killing a person when Aishwarya Rai pleading him to pardon her. 

The second half of the film shifts drama to Sri Lanka where Ponniyan Selvan is residing. The visuals in the second half are excellent. The action sequence on a boat is the main highlight. The film comes to its groove in this part. But then it ends quickly with a twist, which in no way matches to ‘Kattappa’ twist. 

The film’s biggest strength is the production design and cinematography. The locations are another highlight. These are made for big screen experience. But the narrative is not strong enough to enjoy them. For the Tamil audience, the film may work well because they are familiar with the story and the characters. For us, it is a cumbersome experience. 

On the whole, ‘PS-1’ despite its grandeur and high-making values, is far from engaging. You need a lot of patience to watch the slow-paced drama that is nearly 2 hours 45 minutes.

Bottom line: Only Grandeur

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 Movie Review

Article by Suman M Published by GulteDesk --> Published on: 8:14 am, 30 September 2022 | Updated on 10:56 am, 1 October 2022

167 Mins   |   Action   |   30-09-2022

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

Director - Mani Ratnam

Producer - Mani Ratnam, Subaskaran Allirajah

Banner - Madras Talkies. Lyca Productions

Music - A. R. Rahman

Star filmmaker Mani Ratnam had been trying to make the movie Ponniyin Selvan for more than two decades. Finally, he could make it and release it this year. With a huge and popular star cast, Mani Ratnam made the movie in two parts. The movie is based on the book Ponniyin Selvan’ by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The first part of Ponniyin Selvan was released today. Here is the review.

What Is It About?

Adithya Karikaalan (Vikram), Arunkanimozhi aka Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi), and Kundhuvai (Trisha) are the heir of Emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) of the Chola kingdom. While the plans are in work to make Adithya Karikalan the king of the kingdom due to Sundara Chola being ill, internal conspiracies, and the ploy from Pandian rebels take the front seat to stop it. Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai), the wife of treasurer Pedda Palivettarayudu (Sarath Kumar) plays a crucial role in internal politics while Kundhuvai is intelligent enough to barricade her. How does Adhithya Karikalan’s right-hand Vallavaraya Vandiyadevudu (Karthi) help the royal siblings and how the politics lead to the unexpected, is all about PS 1.

Performances

Ponniyin Selvan has got many popular stars in it. Vikram appears in one of the very important roles, Adithya Karikaalan. He lives in the role of the Chola prince. He appears in key scenes and he does his part very well.

Karthi occupies most part of PS 1 and he did exceptionally well in the role he was given. Karthi’s character has a bit of playfulness and wit, which he carried throughout the movie. Aishwarya Rai and Trisha look stunning in the royal attires. Their performances and confrontation episodes are good to watch. Aishwarya Rai’s character has layers in itself and she handled it with ease.

Jayam Ravi, Sarath Kumar, Parthiban, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Vikram Prabhu, Prabhu, and others appear in brief roles and they did fine.

Technicalities

PS 1 has got a great story enough to make one gripping movie. It has interesting twists and political tactics, but most of them appear ordinary due to the flat narrative. The screenplay could have been better.

There are some good visuals but the movie on whole is not a visual wonder. The war sequences are typical and there is no wow factor in that too.

The graphics work could have been better and it could have made It more appealing and grand. The Background music is good. The song Ponge Nadhi is also good, but there is some unsteadiness during the songs.

Karthi, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai & Trisha Story BGM

Thumbs Down

Flat narration No Highs Visual effects

Ponniyin Selvan is the story of the Chola kingdom that shows the conspiracies and ill-minded politics that happened for the throne, some 1000 years back. The story is very sound and it has the proper conflicts to make it more interesting.

First things first, one should have a basic idea of who’s who in the film. The voice-over, in the beginning, gives a little insight but the names and places having all the Tamil native names make it tough for the unversed to connect the dots. But being a political drama, Ponniyin Selvan should be having an interesting narrative with that much-needed fervor. The director here tells the story, but the mediocre screenplay makes it more than hard to establish the emotional connection between the characters.

With many characters and each one in different places, the story had to revolve around also showing the cunning ploys in respective episodes. The subplots in some of the episodes relating to Arulmozhi in Lanka could have been cut to simple and shorter scenes. Already with the bland narration, the prolonged scenes distance us more from the actual plot.

The twists in the tale could be more intense. Most of them were just shown while the characters speak about it, without the ‘highs’ or elevations that could have made some impact. PS 1 movie many a time reminds us of the Game Of Thrones, which also revolves around many places, kingdoms, and submerged politics. PS 1 has that potential, but the ecstasy one would feel in that series is missing here.

The audience would expect the least that Vallavaraya Vandiyadevudu (Karthi) takes the front seat and most of the story is driven from his vantage point in the first half. Nandhini’s (Aishwarya Rai) multi-faceted character raises curiosity and also hints that there is more mystery to it. Kundhuvai’s (Trisha) character also is powerful with interesting instincts, which again turn ordinary. With so many wonderful actors, PS 1 had a chance to get a proper connection of two or three main characters to the audience, which did not happen due to giving prominence to the base story alone.

Overall, PS 1 has got very strong content and a talented star cast, but the dull narrative and missing emotional connection with the characters do not make it a phenomenal watch. From names to places, history to nativity, PS 1 has fair chance to connect to the Tamil audience than to the Telugu audience. Having seen the films with large scale and grandeur, like RRR and Baahubali, Ponniyin Selvan might look normal to the Telugu audience. The openings of PS 1 are huge across the globe and it has to be seen how the movie advances at the box office.

Bottomline: Powerful Content – Sluggish Narrative

Rating: 2.5/5

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• Oct 30, 2022

PS-1 Tamil Movie Review

Updated: Nov 7, 2022

This is a review of the Tamil movie PS-1. Review Written and edited by Anoop Prathapan and first published on the 30th of October 2022.

I watched the Tamil PS-1 twice over the last eight days in PVR Kripa Cinemas, Trivandrum, the only theatre in Trivandrum that presently screens the Tamil version in these last weeks of screening. A spectacle of a story and an equally honest recreation by the best director in India, Maniratnam is what makes PS-1 a treat. It is after so long that I hear alluring songs composed by A R Rahman. Though Maniratnam’s regulars Sabu Cyril and Santhosh Sivan could not make it to the project this time and had to be replaced by Thotta Tharani and Ravi Varman respectively, they did nothing less. The frames were so majestic. The background score was magnificent.

Vikram, Karthi, and Jayam Ravi could do no better as Adithya Karikalan, Vandiyathevan and Ponniyin Selvan respectively. Vijay and Suriya would have brought an extra dimension to the movie had they enacted the latter two characters, but I do not know how many of my readers would agree with that. As I mentioned in my facebook post, Kalki has described Ponniyin Selvan as one with " Arjuna's handsome grace and majesty and Bhimasena's physical strength ". I seriously am curious to know how Maniratnam found this description compatible with the flabby Jayam Ravi.

During the release week, Malayalis spread the word that the Tamil original, which has yester-era-Tamil, is hard to comprehend, but genuinely, it is not. I relished the original Tamil version a zillion times more than the dubbed Malayalam version which I had seen earlier in Carnival Cinemas, Mall of Travancore, Trivandrum. The Malayalam dialogues sounded synthetic and lacks the purity of the Tamil original, nor was it dubbed the organic way. The dubbing for Adithya Karikalan especially when he narrated his flashback, was hard to understand in Malayalam as the dubbing artist Arun C.M., tried more to imitate Vikram’s voice than sound legible. Malayalam lyrics by Rafeek Ahmed sound too weird if you are someone who understands the Tamil original.

Malayali actors Jayaram and Dr. Aiswarya Lekshmi got the best roles of their careers as Alwarkadiyan Nambi and Poonkuzhali respectively, whereas Babu Antony and Lal were wasted in PS-1.

The songs were all good, especially the Antara Nandy song " Alaikadalaake " which reminisces one of the A R Rahman songs of his golden times. The BGM recorded for Nandini was chilling. It has been proven true again and again that A R Rahman reserves his best music for the man who introduced him to the film industry. The last I liked something from Rahman was the songs he made for "Chekkai Sivantha Vanam" which was Maniratnam's earlier release before this.

Aishwarya Rai Bachan and Thrisha were magnificent as Nandini and Kundavai. Their voices in Tamil dubbed by Deepa Venkat and Krithika Nelson were textbook-quality material on voice modulation and dubbing.

Now it is a nine-month wait for everyone who has read the novel to see how Maniratnam films Nandini’s flashback and Karikalan’s assassination in the second part.

As I read the original story, I repeat what the Superstar said at the audio launch – had Mr. Kalki been alive, I would (also) have fallen at his feet for jotting down something as extraordinary as this. Though the screenplay is a highly condensed version of Kalki's original text, it still has retained the grandiosity of the story 100%.

Waiting athirst for PS-2.

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 (PS1) Movie Review

Average Ratings: 3.28/5 Score: 100% Positive Reviews Counted:8 Positive:6 Neutral:1 Negative:1

Ratings: Negative Sentiment  Review By: Komal Nahta Site: Zee ETC Bollywood Business

Mani Ratnams direction is good as far as technique is concerned, but he has not been able to penetrate into peoples hearts with his narration. In that sense, his narration fails to engage the viewers. On the whole, Ponniyin Selvan I is a boring fare which will not find too many takers among the Hindi film-going audiences. Its Hindi dubbed version will, therefore, flop at the ticket windows.

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Ratings: 4/5  Review By: Kirubhakar Site: Indian Express

The difference between Mani Ratnams brand of commercial films and the rest becomes evident with Ponniyin Selvan. He doesnt make demi-gods out of his heroes, they are just kings. Also, the filmmaker respects the audience. and thats 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.

Ratings: 2.5/5  Review By: Shubham Site: Koimoi

Ponniyin Selvan is an iconic book and one that has enthralled readers in the South for years, the adaptation does manage to explain why showing the basics, but the big show lacks the thunder it must have. Part 2 has a lot to answer and if the approach stays like the first, hopes are dim.

Ratings: 3.5/5  Review By: Suganth Site:Times Of India

Mani Ratnam finally brings the dream alive with this spectacular adaptation that superbly captures the intrigue, thrills and page-turning quality of the books. In this first of a two-part franchise, the director and his writers €” Jeyamohan and Ilango Kumaravel €” rise up to the challenge. The manner in which they have condensed the novel is admirable, with the changes €” like Kundhavai storming into a secret discussion, the introduction of Ponniyin Selvan’s mysterious saviour – adding to the momentum of the narrative. Jeyamohan’s dialogues are especially a highlight as he uses language that is both classical and colloquial without making it seem odd.

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Ratings: 3/5  Review By: Janani Site:India Today

The film, a historical fiction, is adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthys epic Tamil literary novel that encapsulates the power struggle that rattled the Chola Dynasty. Mani Ratnams 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.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.

Ratings: 3.25/5  Review By: Behindwoods Review Board Site:Behindwoods

Probably the most exciting element about Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 is the story itself. Upon watching the film, one might finally get the answer to the question why is Ponniyin Selvan one of the best selling novels in the country. Right from the word Go, there is a natural tension that is present in each scene, keeping us on the edge of our seats.

Ratings: 3.75/5  Review By: Siddarth Site:OnlyKollywood

On the whole, Ponniyin Selvan 1 is a film that delivers just what we expected a drama that stays true to its source material. Mani Ratnam decides to do it in his way and that drives down the potential excitement that could have been explored, but nevertheless, this is stuff worth watching on the big screen at least once.

Ratings: 3/5  Review By: MovieCrow Site:Movie Crow

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 dont 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!

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 Story:

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 story revolves around Vandiyathevan, a charming young man who sets out to the Chola land to deliver a message to the King and the Princess from the Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan. The story shuttles between Vandiyathevan’s travels in Chola country and the young Prince Arulmozhivarman’s travels in Sri Lanka.

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Release Date:

Sep 30, 2022 ( India) straight to Theaters

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Cast:

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

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Director: 

Mani Ratnam

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Producer: 

Mani Ratnam Subaskaran Allirajah

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Production Companies:

Madras Talkies Lyca Productions

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Distribution Companies:

Red Giant Movies (Tamil Nadu) Sri Venkateswara Creations (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) Sree Gokulam Movies (Kerala) Pen India Limited (North India) Lyca Productions in association with Tentkotta (Overseas)

Ponniyin Selvan 1 Run Time: 

2 Hours 47 Minutes (167 minutes)

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Ponniyin Selvan: 1

4 /5 Filmibeat

• Cast & Crew

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 Story

Ponniyin selvan: 1 cast & crew.

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 Crew Info

Director
Story
Dialogue
Cinematography
Editor
Music
Producer
Production	Lyca Productions, Madras Talkies
Satellite Rights	Sun TV
Budget	TBA
Box Office	505.00 Cr
OTT Platform	Amazon Prime Video
OTT Release Date	2022-11-04
Addtional Info
Lyrics
Singers
Art Direction
Stunt Choreography
Dance Choreography
VFX
Costume Design

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 Critics Review

Ponniyin selvan: 1 trailer.

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 Videos

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 Songs

• Chola Chola Singers: Sathya Prakash , Mahalingam VM , Nakul Abhyankar Lyricist: Ilango Krishnan 3.7
• Ponni Nadhi Singers: Bamba Bakya , AR Raihanah , A R Rahman Lyricist: Ilango Krishnan 3.7
• Alai Kadal Singers: Antara Nandy Lyricist: Siva Ananth 3.9
• Devaralan Aattam Singers: Yogi Sekar Lyricist: Ilango Krishnan 4.1
• Ratchasa Maamanae Singers: Shreya Ghoshal , Palakkad Sriram , Mahesh Vinayakaram Lyricist: Kabilan 4.3
• Soll Singers: Rakshita Suresh Lyricist: Krithika Nelson 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ponniyin Selvan: 1

In this Ponniyin Selvan: 1 film, Vikram , Jayam Ravi played the primary leads.

The Ponniyin Selvan: 1 was released in theaters on 30 Sep 2022.

The Ponniyin Selvan: 1 was directed by Mani Ratnam

Movies like Maharaja , Garudan , Suriya 44 and others in a similar vein had the same genre but quite different stories.

The Ponniyin Selvan: 1 had a runtime of 170 minutes.

The soundtracks and background music were composed by A R Rahman for the movie Ponniyin Selvan: 1.

The cinematography for Ponniyin Selvan: 1 was shot by Ravi Varman .

You can watch the Ponniyin Selvan: 1 movie on Amazon Prime Video,.

On 04 Nov 2022 Ponniyin Selvan: 1 was released on the Amazon Prime Video, platform.

The movie Ponniyin Selvan: 1 belonged to the Action,Epic,Period, genre.

Ponniyin Selvan: 1 User Review

• Movie rating

Siversurf 1176 Days Ago

Silversurf 1176 days ago, sankar 1426 days ago.

For more details on this movie and to see trailers, promos... visit the exclusive movie website, ponniyinselvan.movie

aarthy 1731 Days Ago

i have request Nadhini role Sutable for Anushaka Shetty. she is wonderfull acting person. aishwarya rai bachchan not sutable for this role

rAJA 3282 Days Ago

VIJAY IN THE CAST? HOW PATHETIC .......? He first needs to learn to speak tamil and dialogue delivery.. it will take his lifetime..Producers and Directors..think before choosing the cast..Tamil audience cant be fooled always..

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