Ponniyin Selvan 2 is one of the most anticipated Tamil movies of the year. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the movie is based on the historical novel “Ponniyin Selvan” by Kalki Krishnamurthy.
The first part of the movie was released in 2021, and the second part, titled Ponniyin Selvan: Irukku Aana Illai has finally hit the theatres. The film features a star-studded cast that includes Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, and many others.
The story of Ponniyin Selvan 2 picks up where the first part left off. The Chola Empire is in turmoil, and the battle for the throne is still ongoing. The story follows the lives of the various characters as they navigate through the complex political landscape of the empire. The movie is full of action, drama, and intrigue, keeping the audience on the edge till the end.
The first thing that strikes you about Ponniyin Selvan 2 is the grandeur of the visuals. Mani Ratnam is known for his visual flair, and he does not disappoint here. The movie is a visual treat. Each frame is beautifully crafted and meticulously designed by the production designer Thotta Tharani and captured magnificently by the ace cinematographer Ravi Varma to create a vivid and immersive world.
The performances in Ponniyin Selvan 2 are top-notch.
Vikram, who plays the role of Aditya Karikalan, is outstanding. He brings a sense of gravitas to the role and impressive screen presence. Karthi, who plays the role of Vandiyadevan, is equally remarkable. He brings charm to the role, and his chemistry with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who plays the role of Nandini, is sizzling.
The most iconic scene in the movie is the confrontational scene between Aditya and Nandini, where pain, agony, and guilt are captured so beautifully through their close-ups. The scene takes you back to the movie’s prologue when love blossomed between Nandini and Aditya as teenagers. This is the genius stroke of Mani Ratnam, who could create a world beyond CGI and Visual effects with such simplicity.
Jayam Ravi, who plays the role of Arulmozhi Varman, delivers a nuanced performance, and his transformation from a carefree prince to a determined leader is well-executed.
The supporting cast of Ponniyin Selvan 2 is equally impressive.
Trisha, who plays the role of Kundavai, delivers a powerful performance, and her scenes with Karthi are some of the movie’s highlights. Karthi’s performance combines humor, charm, and gravitas. Unfortunately, Aishwarya Lekshmi, who plays Poonguzhali, and Shobhita Dhulipala, who essay Vanaathi, didn’t get enough screen space. The rest of the cast also delivers solid performances, including Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Sarathkumar, and Vikram Prabhu.
The music of Ponniyin Selvan 2, composed by A.R. Rahman, adds an extra layer of emotion to the already powerful scenes and elevates the movie to another level. However, the soothing track Aga Naga never got its due on-screen.
While Ponniyin Selvan 2 is undoubtedly a visual and auditory spectacle, the movie is not without its flaws.
One of the primary issues with the movie is its sprawling cast of characters. With so many characters, keeping track of who is who can be challenging, and the film assumes that the audience is familiar with the source material. This can be a problem for those unfamiliar with the novel or who did not watch the first part of the movie.
Another issue with the movie is that some characters do not get enough screen time or development. While the main characters are fleshed out, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. This can make it challenging to connect with certain characters, and it can lead to a lack of emotional investment in their storylines.
The movie’s pacing can also be an issue. While the film is over three hours long, some scenes feel rushed or underdeveloped, while others feel drawn out. This can lead to a disjointed narrative, making the movie feel longer than it is. The fatigue sets in with lackluster action sequences, and the Hindi version of the film is disappointing with casual translation and callousness, to say the least.
While the movie’s visuals are impressive, there are some instances where the special effects can be distracting. Some scenes that involve CGI feel artificial and take away from the overall immersive experience of the movie.
Despite these flaws, Ponniyin Selvan 2 is still a worthy addition to Mani Ratnam’s filmography.
The movie’s ambition and scale are commendable and a technical marvel. The performances, particularly those of Vikram, Karthi, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, are outstanding, and A.R. Rahman’s music is a standout feature of the movie.
In conclusion, while Ponniyin Selvan 2 has its share of flaws, it is still a must-watch movie for fans of Tamil cinema and historical epics. The movie’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it is an impressive feat of filmmaking.
Ponniyin Selvan 2 cements Mani Ratnam’s status as one of the greatest filmmakers in Indian cinema.