Ponniyin Selvan: Part One

There are three types of audiences for this film in the country: those who have read the books, those who haven't, and those who are familiar with the history of the Chola Kings.

The books were written 70 years ago as a serialised format for a magazine, based on the characters and events of the Chola kingdom. They include fictional characters and dramatic elements for intrigue.

The movie's screenplay is adapted from the books, with necessary changes to appeal to today's audience, similar to adaptations like "Lord of the Rings," "Harry Potter," and "Game of Thrones." However, the mentioned books take place in a fantasy world with miracles and non-human characters, while "Ponniyin Selvan" is a historical fiction set in reality.

The screenplay, written by Mani Ratnam, Jaya Mohan, and Kumaravel, feels flat and confusing for a two-part movie. It gives the impression of a rushed eight-episode TV show re-edited into a two-part film, which is very different from "Baahubali."

Vikram's portrayal of Aditha Karikalan is flawed, with overacting.

Trisha's performance as Kundavai is unbelievably phenomenal. Her look and acting are terrific.

Aishwarya Rai and Karthi get to play the most interesting characters in the movie. Aishwarya looks convincing as Nandini, albeit slightly older, and her performance is okay, but it could have been extraordinary.

Karthi doesn't meet my expectations as Vanthiyadevan.

Jayam Ravi's portrayal of Arun Moli Varman is a surprise. His performance is very good, and although I was initially disappointed with his appearance, by the end of the movie, I accepted him.

The same goes for Aishwarya Lakshmi. Many of her scenes from the book are missing, and Prakash Raj as Sundara Chola doesn't fit the role.

Jayaram as Nambi is fantastic.

Sharath Kumar, Parthiban, Kishore, Mohan Raman, Prabhu, Rahman, and Jayachitra are perfectly cast.

Shobitha as Vanathi appears very artificial, but her dancing skills are commendable.

Manimeghalai is absent from the film.

The locations feel real and exotic, while the sets and props transport us back to the 10th century. The costumes, accessories, and makeup are so well done that we forget the actors and see the real Cholas. The visual effects blend seamlessly with reality in many scenes.

The sound effects are of high quality.

The music sets the mood of the film, and the songs flow well, except for "Chola Chola." However, "Ponni Nadhi" and "Alai Kadal" are great additions to your playlist.

The Devaralanatam sequence is perfectly shot and choreographed, but "Sol" is cut out.

The cinematography by Ravi Varman is outstanding, creating world-class visuals, with only a few shots falling short.

It would be better if both movies were re-edited and released on an OTT platform as a mini-series with eight one-hour episodes.

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.

Ponniyin Selvan could've been India's GOT except for the VFX part. But it is not due to the convoluted screenplay, jerky camerawork and poor action choreography.

The lack of developments for character and conflicts are too obvious. If there were some conflict and challenge during the war scenes, it would've been more interesting. Instead, we get to see Aditha Karikalan just easily defeating his enemies.

Vikram doesn't have much screen time but leaves an impact with his performance. Karthi is charming as Vandiyathevan but the dialogues are poorly written. Jayam Ravi did the role with great control and didn't fall apart like I thought while watching the trailer.

I love Aiswarya but she's such a miscast for this role. First of all, her face isn't what it used to be. Botox is evident and her cheeks below her eyes doesn't move at all. There's so much make up on her face and it makes it difficult to think she's someone from such an ancient time. Same with Trisha minus the botox part.

They're both there for their beauty. Nandini should've been written better.

The political aspect was only good in one scene where Trisha walks into a meeting and proposes some marriages.

AR Rahman's score is great in some scenes and lame at some. Nandini has the best BGM and Kundavai has the worst. Songs aren't that great or suitable. Ponni Nadhi is so good though. Rest of the songs was unnecessary and felt out of place.

I liked the last ship scenes but then again, the action should've been better.

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.

The Common Fiction mood is there in the film that mainly progresses the story in a very different and enfold way . The fiction itself lies on the title of the Film as Ponniyin Selvan son of Ponni ( River Ponni ) is saved by her from drowning and thereafter holds the Title.

Rivalry, War and Diplomacy are the stuff that surround the events. There are multiple action scenes. But the main motion is controlled by efficient diplomacy and conspiracy by the people of the royal family and their close ones.

The Screening is undoubtedly amazing. Whether it's the entries of the mainstream characters or the presentations of the songs and dance performance.

All the characters have their own shade and caliber to get the audience's attention. Each character is connected to each other in some way. And the net is spread in a very beautiful manner through all of them.

Very much progressive as a cinematic prologue in its own way.

Mani Sir literally insists the audience by his storytelling to think in a way like the dynasty about which the film is. PS I is mostly about knowing the characters and critical assumptions of the audiences.

Must Watch to Know a deep Rooted psychology and chronological suspense. Its a film greatly scripted down.

And and and Last But Not The Least A. R Rahman's music are just gob smacking.