By- Princy Jain
Main Cast – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi &
Prakash Raj
How do you condense Tamil literature’s most respected 2000-page novel in a two-part film?
How do you make a film… one that matches the sensibility of an ardent fan of the original novel – Ponniyin Selvan & still satiate the aam-public, who has been spoilt with loud screenplay of films like RRR, Bahubali and more recently Brahmastra?
The answer is – be a Mani Ratnam, and stay true to your craft!
Mani Ratnam’s PS-1 is unlike, the current period dramas we Bollywood frenzy people have been feasting on. There is no character make-up like a Khilji of Padmaavat, nor is there any brutal beheading shots like that of RRR. But it has very strong storyline, and an honest cast to bring this plot alive on screen. A plot which is revered in Tamil culture, so much so, that each character of the literature has its own fan club.
Plot:
Chola empire’s ruling king – Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj)– has three children – Aditya Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram), Kundavi (Trisha) & Arunmozhi (Jayam Ravi) who is also called Ponniyin Selvian. The kingdom is under attack both from outside and within. And there is Karikalan’s ex-love interest Nandini (played by Aishwarya Rai). And her much older husband whose bravery is counted by his 64 wounds – Periya Pazhavetturaya. Together they have conspired with other ministers to bring down the ruling cholas. Though Nandini has her ulterior motive too, behind bringing down the Cholas. It is upon the trusted messenger of Karikalan – Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevn (played by Karthi) to bring Karikalan, Kundavi & Arunmozhi together to save the ruling Cholas.
Do not miss the first half of the film even by a single frame. Though, it runs slower than expected, but it is very important for you, so that you can navigate the story, and mind map the characters and their relation with each other. Since Mani Ratnam has squeezed a five-part narrative in two films, the major plots are sequinned in the story rather quickly.
The music and background score by AR Rahman needs a special mention here. Apparently, Rahman travelled to Thailand and lands of Sri Lanka to get to the tune of bygone era. (Watch my interview with him on our You Tube Channel)https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBmj-EGT5vy3Wku3BJlVm1A
There is a specific background score given to every character in the film. I particularly liked Nandini’s BGM score. Every time she comes on screen the sensuous yet conniving character of Mohini-Maya, [as Nandini is called by the author Kalki] becomes even more powerful with Rahman’s BG score.
In the original text from the novel, Aishwarya’s character is written as a eulogy to all the facets of a woman. Be it sensuous, loving, senile, conniving, or revengeful. Aishwarya is a beauty to hold as she switches effortlessly between these traits, while she renegades against the ruling Cholas to take her
revenge.
From the technical team to stunt directors, Mani Ratnam has worked with a dream team in this film. Mani Ratnam has tried to appease the popcorn public by adding two very powerful fight sequences. And the last sequence on the river Kaveri, is simply a mesmerising cinematic spectacle. Though the first half of
the film lags a bit. It feels slow, as Mani Ratnam tries to establish the narrative and his characters. However, second half balances it fine.
This film might not find a huge fanfare in North, but in South of India, people are almost thankful to Mani Ratnam for bringing this long-cherished cinematic dream alive on screen.
3.5/5