Movie Review: Ponniyin Selvan – 1
Director : Mani Ratnam
Producer : Ratnam, Subaskaran Allirajah
Music : A R Rahman
Starring : Chiyaan Vikram, former beauty queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan, Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayaram, Rahman, Vikram Prabhu, Parthiban, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and R Sarathkumar
Release date: 30th September 2022
Rating : 3/5
Ponniyin Selvan – 1 Movie Review : Ponniyin Selvan – 1 starring Chiyaan Vikram, former beauty queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan, Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayaram, Rahman, Vikram Prabhu, Parthiban, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and R Sarathkumar , helmed by Mani Ratnam has hit the theaters today on 30th September. Let’s see the story of Ponniyin Selvan – 1.
Story: Chola kingdom is under the threat from forces both internal and external. Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj) announces his eldest son, Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram) as the crown prince. However, the people of Chola kingdom and Sundara Chozhar’s second child, Kundavai (Trisha Krishnan) thinks that her younger brother, Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) will make a great king. Aditha Karikalan sends Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) for the journey across the Chola Kingdom to find out about the conspiracy to kill the Chola heir. On the other side, Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (Sarathkumar), who is married into Chola kingdom to avenge the death of her husband, Veera Pandiyan .Who will succeed in their mission forms the first part of Ponniyin Selvan.
Plus points:
· Casting
· Performance
· Cinematography
· Production values
· BGM
Minus points:
· Narration
· Story
Performance: Mani Ratnam extracts solid performances from each of his actors. Each actor stands out and it’s a treat to watch them bring out their best. Chiyaan Vikram as Aditya Karikalan is a volatile prince. Vikram lands a very emotional part and as a tragic hero delivers a measured performance. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini looks beautiful on the screen. But she has very little to say in terms of dialogues but has so much to express with her eyes. Karthi as Vanthiyathevan have given strong performance. Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi Varma makes his screen presence in the second half but has enough scenes to score and leave a mark. Trisha Krishna as Kundavai has a strong presence throughout the film. Sobhita Dhulipala as Vanathi, Vikram Prabhu, Kishore, Lal, Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Arjun Chidambaram and Ashwin Kakumanu deliver their best.
Technical: What catches your attention right away are the terrific visual effect. The ostentatious sets, breathtaking shots of the kingdom, and the sheer scale of the battle scene stand out. There are certain scenes in the film which will just leave you spell bound. Ponniyin Selvan – 1 is the most technically brilliant film that has come out from Indian cinema. AR Rahman’s brilliant background score stands out and elevates every single moment and the art director has done a marvelous job with the sets. The camera work is mind blowing. The editing is ok and the production values are superb.
Analysis: The visual extravaganza Ponniyin Selvan – 1 treats you to some never before seen elements in Indian films. The story and narration of Ponniyin Selvan – 1 are not upto the mark. Technically the movie is superb.