Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 Review: A Visual Spectacle with a Complex Narrative
Starring: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Shobita Dulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, Jayaram, Vikram Prabhu, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj
Director: Mani Ratnam
Producers: Mani Ratnam, Subaskaran Allirajah
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
Cinematography: Ravi Varman
Editor: Sreekar Prasad
Related Links: Trailer
After nearly seven decades, Kalki Krishnamurthy’s acclaimed novel “Ponniyin Selvan” has been adapted into a feature film by the esteemed director Mani Ratnam. The film, featuring a stellar cast, is produced by Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies and is divided into two parts. The highly anticipated first part has finally been released. Let’s delve into whether it meets the high expectations.
Story:
Due to his poor health, the Chola king entrusts the kingdom to his brother Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj). Eventually, Sundara Chola transfers the responsibility to his son Aditya Karikalan (Vikram). This decision disheartens Madhuranthaka (Rehman), the rightful heir and son of the late king. Seeking support, he aligns with Pallavaraaya (Sarathkumar) and they secretly meet in Kadambur to discuss their future plans.
Meanwhile, Aditya Karikalan becomes suspicious of potential conspiracies within the kingdom and instructs his commander Vallavarayan Vanthiyadevudu (Karthi) to uncover the truth. Can Vallavarayan fulfill his mission? What role does Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai) play in this intricate tale? How does Ponniyin Selvan Arunmozhi (Jayam Ravi), Aditya’s brother and the future king, thwart these conspiracies? Watch the film to find out.
Plus Points:
This pan-Indian project features numerous characters, with Karthi taking the spotlight in the first part. His entertaining performance provides comic relief in this intense period drama. Karthi’s charming interactions with the female characters elicit genuine laughs, and his dynamic presence captivates the audience.
Jayam Ravi and Aishwarya Rai also have significant roles. Aishwarya Rai’s character is pivotal, and she delivers a flawless performance. Jayam Ravi, though appearing mostly in the second half, impresses and will likely have a more substantial role in the sequel.
Trisha and Vikram, despite limited screen time, leave a lasting impact. Both actresses look stunning, adding to the film’s visual appeal. Key dramatic moments and well-executed action sequences, particularly between Karthi and Jayam Ravi, hold the audience’s attention.
Minus Points:
While the story is compelling, it is laden with intricate drama, which can be overwhelming for the average viewer. The narrative is dense, requiring two parts to fully unfold the content. The screenplay occasionally becomes confusing and convoluted.
A major drawback is the slow pace, testing the audience’s patience. The first half, in particular, drags, though the second half is more engaging. Lengthy and sometimes boring scenes dilute the film’s impact. The climax fight, for instance, feels unnecessarily prolonged and lacks clarity.
Technical Aspects:
“Ponniyin Selvan Part 1” boasts impressive production values. Thota Tharrani’s production design enriches the film’s grandeur, with realistic and visually pleasing locations. Eka Lakhani’s costume design is enchanting, with Aishwarya Rai and Trisha looking exceptionally captivating.
A. R. Rahman’s music, especially his high-quality background score, elevates the film’s proceedings. Ravi Varman’s cinematography vividly captures the Chola period, though the editing by Sreekar Prasad falls short, making the film a laborious watch.
Mani Ratnam, renowned for his cinematic brilliance, delivers a technically stunning film. However, the narrative, co-written with Elango Kumaravel, lacks the engaging quality expected from such a grand project. The screenplay fails to maintain consistent interest.
Verdict:
Overall, “Ponniyin Selvan Part 1” presents a fascinating storyline but suffers from a lack of dynamic moments. The strong performances, high production values, and impressive visuals are undermined by Mani Ratnam’s lackluster storytelling. The film introduces numerous characters, complicating the first half. While the Tamil audience might connect more deeply with the story, Telugu viewers should temper their expectations if they enjoy star-studded period dramas.