Ponniyin Selvan - part 1

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.

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.

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.

Overall A Period Action Film that had potential but ends up as an underwhelming watch!

Interesting storyline with good music and visuals but is wasted by flat narration with absolutely no highs/emotional connect needed for this genre. Lack of characterization and slow plot. Could have better screenplay. For me, #Trisha, #Karthi & #ChiyaanVikram steal the show 👏

Especially Karthi, his one liners are so good 😄

TrishaKrishnan with her beauty & performance shines 👌

ChiyaanVikram was 🔥🔥🔥

Worth to watch if u know the story you will easily understand Chola Dynasty. Great way of portraying history. A must watch film.