Ponniyin Selvan Movie Review: Watch Now Masterpiece of Intrigue and Power Struggles

Ponniyin Selvan is a Tamil-language historical epic film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film depends on a novel of a similar name composed by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The film includes an elegant cast, including Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Karthi, and numerous others. The film was exceptionally expected by fanatics of the novel and the director, and it was released on April 29, 2022.

Plot and Characters

Ponniyin Selvan is a period drama set in the 10th century during the reign of the Chola dynasty. The story revolves around the political intrigue, power struggles, and conspiracies surrounding the Chola throne. The movie follows the journey of Arulmozhi Varman (played by Karthi), the crown prince of the Chola kingdom, who faces numerous challenges in his quest to become king.

The film includes an immense troupe cast of advanced characters, each with their own inspirations and goals. Vikram, who plays the role of Aditya Karikalan, the eldest son of the Chola emperor, delivers a standout performance. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who portrays the character of Nandini, a cunning and manipulative woman, also impresses with her acting skills. The rest of the cast, including Jayam Ravi, Trisha, and Prabhu, also do justice to their respective roles.

Direction and Cinematography

Mani Ratnam, known for his visually stunning films, once again delivers a masterpiece with Ponniyin Selvan. The film is shot in colourful areas across India, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala. The stunning landscapes and intricate sets transport the audience to the 10th-century Chola kingdom.

The movie's direction is excellent, with Ratnam effectively bringing out the nuances of the novel's characters and plot. The pacing of the film is great, and the different subplots are very much incorporated into the principal storyline. The music, composed by A.R. Rahman, is another highlight of the movie, with each song perfectly complementing the visuals.

Verdict

Ponniyin Selvan is a cinematic masterpiece that showcases the director's skill and the actors' talent. The movie has everything a period drama needs, including a gripping plot, memorable characters, stunning visuals, and soulful music. The film does equity to the novel, and aficionados of the book won't be disappointed. However, the film's length, which is nearly three and a half hours, might be a worry for certain viewers. Overall, Ponniyin Selvan is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys historical epics and well-crafted cinema.

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