Starring: Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, Jayaram, Vikram Prabhu, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj, Rahman & others
Director: Mani Ratnam
Producers: Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran
Music Director: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Ravi Varman
Editor: Sreekar Prasad
Release Date : April 28, 2023
PS 1 was a big hit at the box office. So, naturally, the second part was awaited by one and all. The multi-starrer is now out in the theaters and, read our review to find out if the film has any juice in it or not.
Plot
Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) and Vallavaraiyan Vandhiyadevudu (Karthi), who sank into the sea while fighting with Pandyas get saved by a mute woman Mandhakini (Aishwarya Rai). This is also the same time when Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai), along with Pandyas, plans a conspiracy to eradicate the Chola dynasty. Who is this Manghakini? What is her connection with Nandini? how does the story evolve around the Cholas is the story of PS2.
Performances
PS-2 is mostly dependent on Aishwarya Rai. It is her character that takes more importance in the story. She also plays one more role in the film which is also quite key. PS-2 is more about Vikram and Aishwarya Rai’s love story. The star hero Vikram emotes with his eyes and the drama is neat in the second part. Karthi and Jayam Ram are fab in their roles and so is Trisha who gets a key role. Every character who was clueless in the first part was showcased in a proper manner. Shobita Dhulipala is also neat in her supporting role. Prakash Raj, Jayaram, and Prabhu do their parts well.
What’s Good
Screenplay
Drama
Performances
Aishwarya Rai
What’s Bad
Slow pace
dragged scenes in the second half
Analysis
Ponniyin Selvan is Mani Ratnam’s biggest film of his career. In many of his interviews, he has clearly said that it is because of Rajamouli, he dared to do the film in two parts. The first part was not liked by many in Telugu but that does not happen in the second part. This time, there is more sense, drama, and a lot of queries which are answered.
Mani Ratnam keeps his best work for the love story between the characters of Vikram and Aishwarya Rai. The music by AR Rahman is good but what makes things more interesting is the BGM of the film which is great. Also, the action sequences especially the war sequences are very good. The production design, makeup, set work and characters chosen are neat.
The first part had so many characters which did not make sense and all those who read the book only understood the storyline. But in the second part, Mani Ratnam clears all the errors and shows the film in a great light. The pace is slow but it will be loved by one and all.
Overall, Ponniyin Selvan will go down as one of the best films made in the history of Tamil cinema. Mani Ratna should be lauded for making such a great film and having so many actors on board. If you liked the first part, you will love the second as it is more meaningful and with purpose.
Bottom Line- Drama and action at its best
3.25/5
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