Ponniyin Selvan: I Story :-
In the Chola kingdom, both internal and external threats loom large, posing a grave danger to its stability. Crown Prince Aaditha Karikalan, along with his younger brother Arunmozhi Varman and Emperor Sundara Cholar, find themselves separated by circumstances beyond their control. Amidst this turmoil, the kingdom’s safety rests on the shoulders of a determined messenger tasked with ensuring its survival. However, the path to safeguarding the realm is fraught with challenges, especially with the presence of Nandhini, Karikalan’s former lover, who harbors sinister intentions aimed at toppling the Chola empire entirely.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 30 September 2022 |
| Language | Tamil |
| Genre | Action, Drama, History |
| Duration | 2h 50min |
| Cast | Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayaram, Trisha Krishnan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Vikram Prabhu, Ashwin Kakumanu, R. Sarathkumar, R. Parthiban, Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Rahman |
| Director | Mani Ratnam |
| Writer | Mani Ratnam, Elango Kumaravel |
| Cinematography | Ravi Varman |
| Music | A. R. Rahman |
| Producer | Mani Ratnam, Allirajah Subaskaran |
| Production | Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Mani Ratnam’s adaptation of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan marks a significant cinematic milestone, bringing to life an epic tale that has long eluded filmmakers. Split into two parts, the film adeptly navigates the complexities of the narrative, capturing its essence with finesse. The screenplay, crafted by Jeyamohan and Ilango Kumaravel, effectively condenses the sprawling storyline while introducing strategic alterations that serve to enhance its momentum.
While the film initially grapples with a somewhat hesitant pace, particularly during the exposition-heavy segments, it gradually finds its stride as the plot unfolds. The multitude of characters and their intertwined histories may pose a challenge for viewers unfamiliar with the source material, yet as the narrative progresses, it draws audiences into a captivating web of palace intrigue and political machinations.
The performances across the ensemble cast are commendable, with Karthi shining as the charismatic Vandhiyathevan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delivering a captivating portrayal of the enigmatic Nandhini. Vikram, Jayam Ravi, and Trisha further enhance the film’s authenticity with convincing portrayals of royalty, adding depth to their respective characters.
Visually, the film strikes a balance between grandeur and realism, thanks to Ravi Varman’s exquisite cinematography that showcases real locations with stunning finesse. AR Rahman’s evocative score adds another layer of emotion and intensity to the viewing experience, particularly in the film’s climactic moments.
Despite its initial pacing issues, Ponniyin Selvan 1 lays a solid foundation for the franchise, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the continuation of the saga in the sequel.
