Movie Review: Ponniyin Selvan 2
Director: Mani Ratnam
Producers: Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran
Music Director: AR Rahman
Starring: Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, Jayaram, Vikram Prabhu, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Sobhita Dhulipala, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj, Rahman & others
Release date: 28th April 2023
Rating : 3/5
Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review: Mani Ratnam’ magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan 2 starring Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, Jayaram, and others has hit the theaters today on 28th April. Let’s see the story of Ponniyin Selvan 2.
Story: The film begins with the childhood love scenes involving Nandini – Aditya Karigalan. Then, like the first part, the story of this part is told with Kamal Haasan’s voice. Arunmozhivarman is saved by the mute woman Mandhakini (Aishwarya Rai). But he is rumored to be dead. On the one hand, Nandini wants to destroy the Chola empire with the help of Pandya menaces to avenge the death of Veerapandiyan. For that, the full moon day is marked as the day. After that Aditya Karikalan goes to Kadapur to meet Nandini and Arunmozhivarman to Thanjavur knowing that they are in danger. On the other hand Rashtrakuta King Gothika gathers a large army to attack Tanjore. The help of Madhurantha, the son of Kandarathitha is sought for that. Has their intention to break the Chola country been fulfilled? Why did Mandhakini save Arunmozhi? What is Nandini’s background? What happened to the Chola empire? Did Arunmozhi and Vallavaraiyan Vandhiyadevudu return to Chola dynasty? To get these answers, one should watch the movie Ponniyin Selvan 2 on silver screen.
Plus Points:
· Performance
· Casting
· Production values
Minus points:
· Slow pace
· Narration
Performance: Aishwarya Rai did a fantabulous job as Nandhini. She also essayed another role as Mandhakini. Vikram gives a subtle performance as Aditya Karikaludu, and the actor amuses as always. Jayam Ravi\ did an excellent job. He gave his superb performance as Raja Raja Chola and brings the royalty required for the character. Again Karthi scores high for his all-round performanceOther stars including Parthiban, Kishore, Jaya Chitra, Prakash Raj, Rahman, Sarath Kumar, Vikram Prabhu, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Aishwarya Lekshmi justify with their roles. All the actors have poured their full efforts for it. In fact, they have acted in competition.
Technical: In second part, the screenplay is a little slow, which makes the viewers a bit tired. The dialogues between Vandiyadevan – Kunthavai, Aditya Karikalan – Nandini are beautifully depicted. AR Rahman has also done magic in the background music at some places. Some of the scenes are shot to the point of cringing. The frames have grandeur. Shooting largely on real locations, cinematographer Ravi Varman gives us spectacle in the visuals of grand fort walls, the spacious halls with multiple pillars and high ceilings.
Analysis: Ponniyin Selvan 2 is a fabulous film. A film of the decade & an outstanding effort by Mani Ratnam. Mani Ratnam gleefully picks them all up to give it a cinematic touch, thanks to some powerhouse performances from his all-star cast.