Movie Review
Title
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PONNIYIN SELVAN |
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Theatre release |
Plot
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A cinematic depiction of the Chola saga penned by the legendry Kalki remained a challenge for veterans like MGR & Kamal. This is finally achieved by Manirathnam, a director who took cinema from pages to one-liners. |
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A visual treat of historical fiction portrayed through a stellar cast is Manirathnam’s Ponniyin Selvan. A project that was so unexpected from a minimalistic director. The much-awaited movie opened in cinemas, amidst the intrigue of avid millennial fans following the acclaimed novel Amarar Kalki and the Bahubali. |
Cast
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Vikram- Aditha Karikalan Karthi- Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan Jayam Ravi – Arunmozhi Varman Aishwarya Rai- Nandini Trisha Krishnan- Kundavai Sobhita Dhulipala- Vaanathi Aishwarya Lekshmi- Poonguzhali Jayaram- Azhwarkadiyan Nambi Vikram Prabhu-Parthibendra Pallavan Ashwin Kakumanu-Senthan Amuthan Sarath Kumar – Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar Parthiban – Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar Prabhu- Periya Vellar Boothi Vikramakesari Prakash Raj -Sundara Chola |
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The screenplay by Jeyamohan has the right extracts (though differently positioned), well-sequenced to present a concise version of the mammoth 5-part epic, on a golden platter. Fantabulous casting gives life to the characters one reads about in the book. Karthi as Valavarayan Vandiyathevan scores a 100 in playing to perfection the free-spirited, flirtatious Vandiyathevan. Be it the starstruck manner in which he looks at Nandini, the ease with which he engages himself with Kundavai, the way he hits on Poong Kulali or the gazing of the women in the aadiperuku, he sizzles with a different expression for each woman. His lively banter with Alwarkadiyan, and loyalty to the Chola throne has been aced with perfection. This opportunity is a mantle on Karthi’s shoulder and a laurel wreath to sport proudly.. Jeyam Ravi sets the screen ablaze in the title role. Trisha as Kundavai is stunning. Nandini, the mastermind of the vendetta with a vulnerable exterior, has been portrayed with ease by Aishwarya. Sarathkumar as Periya Paluvetaraiyar fits the bill. The iron man melts in the charm of Nandini so naturally. Alwarkadiyan is brought alive by Jayaram. Vikram fit physique makes an enjoyable Adithya. Lal, Parthiban, Prabu, Vikram Prabu, Prakash Raj…. you can go on and on. Each is an example of the quality delivery of parts assigned. |
Crew
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Vikram- Aditha Karikalan Karthi- Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan Jayam Ravi – Arunmozhi Varman Aishwarya Rai- Nandini Trisha Krishnan- Kundavai Sobhita Dhulipala- Vaanathi Aishwarya Lekshmi- Poonguzhali Jayaram- Azhwarkadiyan Nambi Vikram Prabhu-Parthibendra Pallavan Ashwin Kakumanu-Senthan Amuthan Sarath Kumar – Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar Parthiban – Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar Prabhu- Periya Vellar Boothi Vikramakesari Prakash Raj -Sundara Chola |
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Director- Mani Ratnam Story- Kalki Screenplay- Mani Ratnam, Elango Kumaravel, Jeyamohan Dialogue – Jeyamohan Cinematography -Ravi Varman Music- A R Rahman Producer – Subashkaran, Mani Ratnam Production- Lyca Productions, Madras Talkies |
If the casting is on a different dimension, the one who nails the flick is Ravi Verma for bringing alive the Chola era with tantalizing visuals. CG is definitely exaggerated. AR Rahman proves there can be only one AR Rahman. Brinda master captures the unique culture of the Cholas brilliantly through the Kamsa Koothu and Kuravai Koothu. The artwork of Thota Dharani is brilliant, it’s a miracle – this man never ages.
Wow moments
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From the introduction of all characters to many mesmerizing moments that were splattered across the show. |
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Actors living up to their characters |
Credits
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The Technical team. Of course Manirathnam, Ravi Verma, Thota Dharani & AR Rahman. |
Sreekar Prasad adds credit through neat and precise editing. No comparing this movie with any other because Maniratnam took on himself boldly to touch the project, doyens and veterans dropped and has done complete justice.
Take home
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Outstanding performance transcends age and will remain etched in history. Amarar Kalki’s work in an age of no computers is like a treasure trove opened to different generations and the tech-savvy generation marvels at this human-computer for its intricacy. |
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Tamil History |
Audience
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Everyone |
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Ponniyin Selvan undoubtedly is a proud presentation that will make history in Tamil cinema. |
Verdict
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It is almost a sin to rate this mammoth, brilliant effort. |
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Vetri vel. Veera vel . Puli kodi flies high. |
