Mani Ratnam’s blockbuster Ponniyin Selvan hit theaters last year. Now its sequel is set to arrive. Here’s what to expect in theatres this coming April!
Based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s eponymous novel, this film series chronicles the Chola dynasty during their 10th-century rule. Starring Jayam Ravi, Karthi, and Aishwarya Rai as leading figures, this tale depicts power struggles among rival courtiers.
Plot
With such high anticipation surrounding Ponniyin Selvan 2, expectations are running high for its sequel. Director Mani Ratnam is known for crafting epics and grand-scale historical fiction films; now, however, he plans on adapting Kalki Krishnamurthy’s acclaimed novel onto the big screen with this production from Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions as its producers.
This film takes place during the Chola period of Tamil history and is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic novel Ponniyin Selvan. The plot centers around a young prince sent to Sri Lanka for battle who meets Kaveri Amman who saves him from drowning, before realizing their resemblance. After coming to believe they must be mother-daughter duo he concludes this as reality.
Karthi plays Vanthiyathevan, an iconic warrior prince from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel who belonged to the Vaanar clan – real or fictional – who once ruled Thiruvallam of Vilvanatheshwarar Temple at Chennai around 960AD.
He becomes close with Prince Arulmozhi Varmar after meeting him at Kodi Karai and quickly takes to him, becoming firm friends. Additionally, he convinces Arulmozhi Varmar to surrender. Accompanied by Poonkuzhali and Azhwarkadiyan for assistance along his journey, Poonkuzhali helps convince Arulmozhi Varmar of this decision to surrender.
Prince Arulmozhi Varmar receives a letter from Emperor Sundara Cholan ordering him to travel to Ilankai and follow orders as dictated. On arrival he is welcomed by Kodumbalur Periya Velar and her daughter Vanathi who want him to marry Vanathi and propose marriage.
As expected, they fall deeply in love. Unfortunately, when forced apart by external events beyond their control, their romance turns into an outburst of emotions which cannot be contained.
The movie begins with an early prelude showing us their budding friendship when they were children, before delving deeper into their unrequited love affair and future as married couple, including how they will work through any challenges that come their way in order to make things work.
Cast
Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel was an unprecedented box office success last year. Starring Vikram Prabhu, Karthi Jayam Ravi Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Trisha Sobhita Dhulipala Prakash Raj was in this star studded ensemble cast.
The movie was an enormous hit, grossing more than Rs300 crore worldwide at the box office. Produced by Ratnam’s Madras Talkies production house and Allirajah Subaskaran’s Lyca Productions banner.
Ponniyin Selvan 2, Mani Ratnam’s follow up to Ponniyin Selvan 1, marks a new chapter in Chola kingdom history. Following Rajaraja I’s rule over 500 years, this second part will continue his story with more intrigue and mystery than its predecessor.
Vikram Prabhu, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Trisha and Sobhita Dhulipala play key roles in the historical drama “Rome.” They are joined by other actors such as R. Sarathkumar, Trisha Krishnan Ashwin Kakumanu Parthiban Prakash Raj Rahman who complete its cast.
PS 2 is an expertly made historical drama with an incredible ensemble cast, boasting an engaging slow pace and no clear plotline. Watching how its characters interact is truly entertaining; witness them come alive onscreen!
The film begins with an exquisite prelude that sets the scene and sets its mood, depicting the budding romance between Vikram (Vikram) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) caught up in an impossible situation; their romance so believable it almost pains us to watch when forces beyond their control force them apart.
Once the prelude concludes, we are transported directly onto a battlefield where Arulmozhi Varman (Karthi) fights for his throne against invaders. At his side is Kundavai Ilaya Pirattiyar aka Trisha who serves as princess of Chola kingdom and key player against invasion forces.
Mani Ratnam ensures he develops several key subplots that will have an impactful story arc for audiences, particularly with regard to Aaditha Karikalan (Vikram) and Nandhini, Queen Nandini – who seek vengeance against Vandhiyathevan – both falling deeply in love when still young and this love being the driving force for story development.
Crew
Director Mani Ratnam had patiently waited over 35 years to make a film based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic novel Ponniyin Selvan – widely considered among the finest works of Tamil literature – which took considerable efforts and dedication in order to turn into an epic blockbuster hit in 2022.
On September 30st, part one of this duology hit theaters worldwide and earned an astounding global total of Rs 400 crores. Critics applauded its screenplay, cinematography and acting.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan and Jayam Ravi will lead the cast. Sobhita Dhulipala and Prakash Raj will also play pivotal roles.
Mani Ratnam will direct this film for Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies as their first collaboration, following up the box-office success PS I released in September 2022.
The second part of this film takes place during the 10th century and centers around the Chola empire during this time period. It will depict how power struggles between different branches of the Chola family led to division within the kingdom.
Jayam Ravi will appear as Arulmozhi Varman of the Chola Dynasty. Born to Sundara Chola and Rajendra I, he led Sri Lanka’s front army forces during Rajaraja I and Rajendra I’s rule.
Sobhita Dhulipala will play Vanathi, Arulmozhi’s love interest in the film. Vanathi is related to Arulmozhi as she is the daughter of Kodumbalur princess Vaishanvite Ilavarasi; their namesake.
It is a tale of love, war and politics set during the Chola Dynasty and will feature characters such as Rajaraja I, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar and Azhwarkadiyan Nambi.
Filming of this project has begun in India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka using top technicians and artists as crew members.
Mani Ratnam and Lyca Productions have collaborated to produce this film. AR Rahman composed its music while Ravi Varman and Thotta Tharani handled cinematography and editing duties respectively. Brindha Lakhani served as a choreographer while Eka Lakhani oversaw costumes.
Release Date
Mani Ratnam’s ambitious Ponniyin Selvan franchise will premiere its second part on April 28, 2023. Production houses Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions released an announcement earlier today with the caption, “Cholas Are Back!” as confirmation.
The debut film in this franchise, released in September 2022, became one of Mani Ratnam’s highest-grossing films ever.
Fans have been anticipating the release of this sequel for quite some time and now can finally experience it in theaters. Set in 10th-century India and based on a historical novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy.
It stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Vikram Karthi Trisha Krishnan, and Sobhita Dhulipala and is directed and co-written by Mani Ratnam with Elango Kumaravel; its music will be provided by AR Rahman.
Though promotional efforts haven’t met expectations, fans remain enthusiastic to watch it when it finally releases in theaters. The trailer promises fast-paced sword and sandal action which should keep audiences riveted to their seats.
In the first movie, Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi) was saved from drowning by a mysterious woman resembling Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). Their reunion can be seen in an equestrian tournament to foil Pandya assassination plots.
With its outstanding cast, this movie has already earned much praise from audiences worldwide. It is a compelling piece that left audiences spellbound.
One of the finest Tamil films released this year. Along with incredible performances, the film boasts an outstanding soundtrack that captures the tone and atmosphere of its story.
This movie is an outstanding blend of period drama and action with breathtaking music that will have you singing along and laughing, sure to please fans of Tamil language cinema. Not to be missed for fans of AR Rahman’s score as background score – not forgetting all those wonderful characters well drawn by director Shankar. Lead actors look magnificent as characters in this must-watch flick!