PONNIYIN SELVAN : PART TWO (2023)

Critic No. 315

Director: Mani Ratnam

Written by: Mani Ratnam, Elango Kumaravel, B. Jeyamohan

Produced by: Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions

Casts: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman, R. Parthiban, Sobitha Dhulipala

Music: A.R.Rahman

Language: Tamil

Genre: Period Drama

SYNOPSIS: 

A plot to murder the king, Sundara Cholar (Prakash Raj) and the two princes, Arulmozhi (Jayam Ravi) and Adithya Karikalan (Vikram) of the Chola dynasty on the same day is underfoot. Can the Cholas survive the wrath of the Pandiya rebels, who are being led by the vengeful Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai)?

REVIEW:

After delivering an eye-boggling prequel, the events of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: Part One (2022) left audiences not just on a high, but also with many questions: What really happened to Arunmozhi Varman? Who is the mysterious lady who makes fleeting but impactful appearances? And most importantly, what happened to the succession battle for the Chola kingdom? In this part two, he answers it more grandly not only in terms of visuals but also through a layered emotional complexity and refined performances. 

Though the audiences would have sit for the film to know the answers posed by the prequel, Mani Ratnam dives straight into the heart of the novel first by beginning with a prelude that captures the romance between Adithya Karikalan and Nandini when they were young, and without saying too much in the form of dialogues, the director shows us the blossoming of love between a prince and an orphan girl, and the heartache it leaves in the wake of them being separated by forces beyond their control.

The echoes of this episode spirals through the present time and the film takes from where it left by focusing on the return of Arulmozhi to defend the kingdom from the conspiracies of Nandini. Like the book, the film has many twists and turns while it unravels the backstories of Sundar Chola and Oomai Rani which deepens Nandini’s character that is excellently played by Aishwarya Rai. She elevates the emotional trauma of the character by her subtle yet seasoned performance. 

On the other end, Vandiyathevan and Kundavai get the best romantic moment in the film, backed by A.R.Rahman’s magical ‘Aga Naga’ track. Be it Trisha’s elegant look, Karthi’s dedication in stunt sequences or Jayam Ravi’s perfection in the final war scene, the three main leads own each of their moments well. For me, Vikram goes on top of all of them in the performance leagues essaying his heartbreaking character very well which will stick to us even when the film comes to a close. 

Compared to the part one, this gives us a better clarity and depth for not only the main characters but also gives us a good understanding of the objectives of even the smaller roles such as Madurantakar, Nambi, Parthibendra Pallavan and Senthan Amuthan. Ravi Varman’s frames each shot like an expensive painting while Thotta Tharani's exquisite sets transports us back to the Chola era. A.R.Rahman gives his best score in his career and elevates the entire film with his magic touch. 

I just wished that the fight sequences were more cinematic as Mani Ratnam went for a more rooted style in this. While Ratnam’s bold decision of altering the climax should be commended for its spirit to show that supreme sacrifice makes a true hero, I personally felt mixed towards the morality behind it. That said, a big salute to Mani Ratnam and his A-team for pulling this dream of Indian cinema through to the screens and that too with great conviction, quality and emotions. Somewhere far beyond, Kalki’s spirit will be smiling and blessing this immensely talented team. 

VERDICT:

Ace director Mani Ratnam delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Ponniyin Selvan film series, staying true to the spirit of the novel and even elevating it at parts with his finesse, and a truly dedicated team.

CELLULOID METER- 4.25/5: