Monday 18 / November / 2024
Ponniyin Selvan 1 (PS1) left the audience with unanswered questions. After long 7 months of waiting, its sequel Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2) has hit the big screens. Unlike most cases where the sequel fails to live up to the promise of the previous movie, PS2 surpasses all expectations.
Directed by maestro Mani Ratnam, the star-studded movie is second in a series of adaptations of Tamil author Kalki Krishnamurthy's magnum opus historical fiction Ponniyin Selvan – set in the glorious Chola period.
The movie opens with a flashback of the blooming love story of Aditha Karikalan (Chiyan Vikram) and Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) to the disapproving gaze of the Chola clan. The grand opening sequence is undoubtedly one of the most captivating elements of the film, setting as a plot catalyst for the ensuing betrayal, war, and revenge.
Though the hero of the novel is Ponniyin Selvan, when it comes to movies, Aditha Karikalan has the crown (what else was expected when Chiyan Vikram was given the role!) The stellar cast in magnificent period costumes made the characters come alive on screen.
Jayam Ravi shines in the titular role of Ponninyin Selvan aka Arulmozhi. The character of Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan portrayed by Karthi, with all his humour and charm is unforgettable even as you walk out of the theatre.
However, anyone who watched the movie would agree that Aishwarya Rai stole the show. Be it the role of the raging Nandini or that of the old Mandhakini who has very less screen-time, Aiswarya Rai definitely delivered her career best through this film (her eyes alone could win an award for acting)!
Unlike PS1 which was full of dramatic song sequences, PS2 has snippets of music. AR Rahman's remarkable music helps in keeping continuity from the previous movie.
Though the film might seem slow-paced at first, a myriad of moments like the frisky romance between Vandiyadevan and Kundavai, the pain of long-lost love in Nandini's eyes, the painful death sequences and the friendship scenes make for an epic movie experience.
Studded with nail-biting excitement and mind-boggling politics, the movie is a marvel of 164 minutes. However, the climax does seem rather rushed and doesn't quite match the promise of the initial scenes.
Like most literary-to-screen adaptations, the readers of Kalaki's work will spot a lot of loose ends. For those unacquainted with the novel and have only watched the first part, Ponniyin Selvan 2 is definitely a redemption. The intensity of the drama and the magnificence of the settings make for an experience you don't want to miss!
