पोन्नियिन सेलवन: भाग २

ARR scores big!

Thotta Tharani creates majestic sets and Ravi Varman proves can make any shot look epic.

Even the actors played their roles to satisfaction.

But Mani Sir?

He fails terribly. The movie travels through so many sequences at a lightening pace, but never once does it make you heart skip a beat.

Numerous opportunities are simply present in the book itself, although Mani made great attempts and fought mighty ordeals to make this decades old dear a reality, it simply stands stall to prove one fact.

Which is, Mani has long lost his touch with the audience.

Either he updates or we move on.

Finally, the dream of director "Mani Ratnam" become a reality with release of part 2.

Part 1 was exactly what I thought, a setup for more drama and twisted political games.

What I anticipated for Part 1 is a setup for greater drama and deranged political games and that is exactly what I got.

Better action scenes, cinematography, beautiful lighting, lavish scenery, expansive art direction, authentic costumes and an engaging story are all there in Part 2. I had my doubts about how the director would manage to fit in so much of the tale in this one, but he managed it almost flawlessly, except for the final war sequence, which felt clumsy and averagely staged otherwise it could have been a fantastic conclusion. In the war sequence, camera was too shaky, And I forgot where the warriors were in the field.

A brief backstory of "Aditya" and "Nandini" is given at the start. It helps us to understand the reasoning behind Nadini's action, And Aditya's behaviour.

Reasons why minister trying to coronate "Madhurantkan" as next king, What's "Nandini's connection to "Pandays".

We get to see how different religion and belief were coexisted that time. Whether its "Shaivism", "Vaishnavism" or "Buddhism".

We learn the minister's motivations for wanting to appoint "Madhurantkan" as the new monarch as the plot develops. How each person's loyalty is motivated differently. Some people are driven by friendship, while others are driven by vengeance and pride.

The meeting sequence between "Aditya" and "Nandini" is handled masterfully, and both "Vikaram" and "Aishwarya" gave flawless performances. Their emotional state is shown with circular camera movement, while keeping its focus on their expressions. "Aditya" keeps a smile on his face while carrying guilt in his heart and desire for vengeance of "Nandini" fading away is beautifully done. Fire burning in the back and "Nandini" realises her mistake, and scene end with voice of helplessness, Just beautiful.

Due to Mani Ratnam's cautious direction and AR Rahman's soundtrack, the drama in the film avoids becoming overly dramatic.

When compared to the first part, music whether it be BGM or songs is an improvement.

A beautiful, intimate, and sensuous encounter occurs when "Kundavai" and the blinded "Vallavaraiyan" they meet without being sexually or verbally explicit.

I enjoyed "Jayam Ravi" who played "Arunmozhi" in that role, but the director's decision to have him fight against Pandya assassins in slow motion appeared artificial in the environment, which was depicted as being rustier and rawer.

I would suggest a recap of first part to enjoy part 2 more, And watch it on big screen.

The movie has lot of emotional moments but none gets you high and low in the scheme of things. The movie runs and runs without any emotion to connect with. It seems the makers have focused more on the visual elements losing out on the basic stuffs.

The initial flashback is actually parts of a story rather than a narration, and it only gets uplifted purely from Vikram and Aishwarya Rai performance in the later half. The plot reveals are great and stunning, but it is not impactful - it just happens in the scene without any significance.

The climax fight sequence and last act lacks punch and could have been made better!!

History has been made! 💪🏻 We are honoured & grateful that Malaysia Book Of Records recognizes 'Ponniyin Selvan Part 2 - PS2' as First Indian Language Film Released in 4DX Cinematic Format 🎉🎉🎉🔥🔥🔥

Immensely grateful to Lyca Productions Pvt Ltd and it's Chairman Mr Subaskaran Allirajah, Mr Tamil Kumaran and Maniratnam Sir for the wonderful opportunity given to MSK Cinemas SDN BHD to release one of the most prestigious film in Indian Cinema 'Ponniyin Selvan 2'. Heartfelt gratitude to the entire Lyca's Senior authorities and team. @lyca_productions

Sincere appreciation to @gscinemas for their significant support in receiving this recognition. Thank you to @malaysiabookofrecords for the great honour. Deeply grateful to all media friends, family & everyone who make this recognition is possible. Love you all @mskalai_msk & @saradha_sivalingam_kalai (MSK Cinemas Sdn Bhd)

First of all thanks to Mani Ratnam for thinking and making a visionary story like this by knowing this kind of projects always worth a risk but then to directing with such a huge cast is impressive. Talking about the film it starts at the same place where the 1st part ended. And the 1st half of the film is excellent and worth watch. All the characters that were established in the 1st film continues to impress in the 1st half specially Aishwarya Rai & Karthi's character both were impressive. But the 2nd half film falls completely flat where all the characters were ruined and misplaced. While seeing 2nd half it was like director was in a hurry to just wrap the story up and finish somehow and you can easily guess and predict where the movie falls. Even the established characters was also ruined and director didn't utilize their potential at all. Screenplay is as usual as the 1st part little slow sometimes movie bore you and sometimes it gets interesting. Bgm and music was good. Vfx and set pieces are enjoyable but the story and execution was lacking at the end completely. I would not give any spoilers but those who like the 1st one can easily enjoy 1 time and give the time to this film. But this film is not everyone's cup of tea. I've enjoyed the 1st one but the conclusion doesn't satisfied me. (5/10)