Ponniyin Selvan: Part One

Mani Ratnam delivers a masterpiece yet again. One would have been forgiven for being a sceptic considering the fact that Ponniyin Selvan is an all time classic of Indian Literature and could have forgiven the makers for not living up to the expectations. However, Mani Ratnam and crew delivers aplomb with PS1. Vikram, Karthi and the rest of the stellar cast did not disappoint a wee bit. The screenplay, direction and music holds its lofty standards throughout the movie. The numerous delays that the movie had before finally hitting the theaters now make sense as well as Mani Ratnam did not leave any stone unturned in making sure the audience were treated to a visual masterpiece.

Part 1 is a must watch and cant wait for Part 2.

I am the biggest fan of Maniratnam. I was so eagerly waiting for this film. I watched it on the first day itself. This film needed a better hero than Karthi. It was hard to take him seriously as a picaresque swashbuckling warrior. He lacked the physical frame and the acting chops to pull it off. Trisha looked gorgeous. The sets and visuals were also lavish. Songs and background score were unremarkable at best. Has Rehman declined this badly? He used to bring his A game for Manirathnam movies. I wouldn't really recommend this film.

So what really went wrong? A lack of narrative punctuation. It lacks those memorable and spectacular scenes that ties it all together. The narration is quite flat and only the occasional beautiful visual spruced me up as a viewer. Remember the Udal Mannukku monologue in Iruvar? That 3 minute 24 second clip on Youtube was more innovative and had more swag than this whole film.

But I am so glad the film is a big hit and it is a pleasure to see your favorite director smiling and celebrating. Mani sir really stuck his neck out with Iruvar and Kannathil Muthamitaal. He deserves this success. Bravo, Mani sir.

Great screenplay, great visuals, beautiful actors, great performances and really soulful music. An experience through and through, the old mani ratnam is back and this time he has something to prove. Aishwarya and Vikram proves why they are one of the finest actors that have graced Indian cinema and how experience matters the most. Every actor plays their part well, it's such a visual treat.

Maybe the only nitpick that i have is the length, gosh this movie is too detailed and lengthy, but don't let that inhibit you from watching it. One of the finest historical period dramas to come out of India.

Perhaps no Indian film released in 2022 sans RRR and KGF2 has arrived in theatres with the ungodly hype that accompanied Mani Ratnam's "Ponniyin Selvan I". Based on the cult 1955 book series by Kalki Krishnamurthy, many icons like MGR and Kamal Hassan have attempted to recreate the magnum opus on screen but it took a visionary of Mani Ratnam's caliber to finally bring the project to fruition. With an ensemble cast and an exceptional technical crew backing him, the master director weaves his magic wand to create an immensely enjoyable period spectacle, albeit with its shares of minor bumps and flaws.

Set in the 10th century during the times when the Chola dynasty ruled over most of South India, Karthi stars as "Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan", commander to the crown prince Aditha Karikaalan (Vikram), and his journey to fulfill a set of tasks his liege lord sets out for him. Assigned with dismantling a seditious conspiracy brewing within the kingdom, the steadfast Vandiyadevan embarks on an arduous journey, with aid of the princess Kundavai (Trisha) as well as Karikaalan's younger brother, the titular "Ponniyin Selvan" (meaning Son of the river Ponni, played by Jayam Ravi).

Focussing more on drama elements and political machinations and in setting up the immense world detailed in the books, "Ponniyin Selvan" is devoid of the large canvas action sequences and mass moments of typical masala-period pieces like the Bahubali franchise and RRR. Case in point, one of the most enthralling sequences in the film was the confrontation between Trisha's "Kundavai" and the primary antagonist, the scheming "Nandini", played by Aishwarya Rai with each actress oozing menace and gravitas, aided by the excellent dialogues crafter by screenwriters Kumaravel and Jayamohan.

A R Rahman's music is unfortunately largely pedestrian with only the BGM composed for Trisha's character creating any real impact. The film also indulges in setting up too many things for its second part and meanders pointlessly for large portions post the interval. The climax showdown which was intended as a brutal skirmish doesn't come across convincingly, reducing the impact of the immersive politicking and mind games that led up to it. In short, PS-1 scores high in its drama elements while struggling to be convincing during its stunt sequences. Nevertheless, the painstaking worldbuilding, its clutch of ace performances and the level of political intrigue Mani Ratnam has managed to infuse into the storytelling make PS-1 a recommended watch in theatres! Cannot wait for the second part, set to release in 2023!

Ponniyin Selvan : Part One is director Maniratnam's vision of the epic Tamil novel by Kalki. True to the poster the movie is based on the novel but is purely Maniratnam's movie. It does have some minor deviations in plot narrative which might upset purists.

The good part about this movie is one does not have to have read the book. Viewers can experience a version of director Maniratnam's PS:1. It does feel a little bit rushed, however those uninitiated to the PS landscape will be able to catch up. The entire cast and crew deserve a major round of applause and kudos. The visuals, cinematography and performances are the highlights of the movie.

Dare I say, but the parts that annoyed me were that I found the movie highly rushed. I'm no one to judge casting decisions but somehow Lal as Thirukovilur Malayamaan and Mohan Raman as Anirudha Bhramayar didn't quite cut it. Personally, some of the scenes could be a tad brighter and action at times shorter. And Yes, someone else could've played Vanathi.

But above all, this is a wonderful movie. Director Maniratnam's effort has to be appreciated. I gave the movie an 8 based on cast, cinematography, costume and art but have changed it to a 6 for being fragmented.

The book trumps the movie and I'm sure viewers have ample time to read the epic before the next release.