One of the most epic movies of this year, Ponniyan Selvan:1 (The Son of Ponni), was released globally last week with a resounding opening week. Its grandiose cast and set were phenomenally directed by veteran Indian film director Mani Ratnam who has been working on the script since the early 90s.
The film stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayaram Ravi, Karthi and Trisha Krishan who play the main characters adapted from author Kalki Krishnamurthy.
Ponniyan Selvan book. Based on the Chola dynasty and the conquering of kingdoms. The movie created much anticipation since its pre-production, it had much expectation and it surely did meet all expectations and was true to the book.
All credit to Mani Ratnam, who shouldered the movie of this calibre under his production banner Madras Talkies with the support of Sri Lankan producer Subaskaran Allirajah under the banner of Lyca Production.
The director and team have anchored the movie to a massive in its opening weeks. The movie takes the honour as the second most expensive Indian film produced, with its massive set designs, stunningly impressive and accurate costumes, jewels and make-up.
From the beginning and till the end Karthi as Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan carried the movie with humour, action and travels from India to Lanka encountering the queens, kings and princesses. With Vickram as Aditha Karikalan, the warrior is constantly defeating, winning battles and conquering the nations. The super casting of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini, a queen with ulterior motives, Trisha as the Kundavai, a protective sister and daughter and Jeyam Ravi as Arulmozhi Varman aka Ponniyin Selvan.
Synopsis
Based on the Chola dynasty rule in the 10th century in South India, under Emperor Sundara Chozhar and his heirs, Princes Aditha Karikalan and Arulmozhi Varman successfully conquers Kanchi and Lanka for the Chola empire. A group of devout Pandya soldiers scheme to avenge their King, Veerapandiyan, who was slain in battle by the Chola crown prince, Aditha Karikalan.
Conclusion
This movie is a watch for its direction and musical extravaganza by Oscar winner A.R Rahman and the brilliant, exhilarating and enriching, with Impressive performances by Vikram and the cast. The sprawling, spectacularly mounted film is an ambitious, near-flawless adaptation of one of the best Tamil literary works ever.
A special mention of Sri Lankan actor Shyam Fernando as king Mahindan, who nailed it with an amazing performance. This movie is perfect at a time when Sri Lanka is going through a lot and how great a nation the country is. The historical ground background perfectly depicts the Chola period, Lanka and it takes one to another dimension. Ponniyan Selvan: 2 will be released next year.