From the time of announcement of Ponniyin Selvan I, there was a buzz around this movie and all us were waiting for it to hit the screens. It did on Sep 30 and we happen to watch FDSS - First Day Second Show :)
Ponniyin Selvan is a historic fiction Tamil novel read by most of us during our teens or early twenties. So it easily makes an evergreen mark in us. While reading it we imagine the the scenes, give face to the characters and adore the story. Hence the mere thought of the novel coming alive in cinema fascinates us. Thus when the news of Maniratnam making Ponniyin Selvan in two parts floated, all of us were eagerly waiting for Sep 30. The pre release events and interviews from the makers almost prepared for a movie that is Director Maniratnam's adaptation of the novel. Never had imagined Maniratnam was also a fan of Ponniyin Selvan like us and also decided to film it. Favorite novel getting filmed by your favorite Director is a double excitement. Maker of classics like Nayakan, Thalapathy, Mounaragam, Anjali, Agninatchathram, Alaipayuthey and many more for PS1 - you cannot believe.. this is a total transformation of the film maker who debuted in 1983.
This is Maniratnam's version or his adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan. Adithakarikalan here smells about something going to happen in Kadamboor Maaligai. Vanathi does not faint like in the novel, she dances and send letter to Ponniyin Selvan. Vandhiyathevan is more shrewd here, he writes letter to the King and Princess as though Adithakarikalan had written it. Kudandhai Jodhidar does not make an appearance. Kundavai, bold Princess walks right into the secret meeting to overthrow the King and bring in Madurandhakan. Poongkuzhali takes Vandiyathevan on her boat without any pre-drama. Ponniyin Selvan makes an appearance even before Vandiyathevan reaches him. Novel reader can keep comparing this way but got to give the credit to the film maker for doing these changes as part of compressing the huge novel to a 6 hours movie. Elango Kumaravel has given him good company here. Jeyamohan, one of the popular modern writer in Tamil has further enhanced this movie through his contribution in dialogues. A R Rahman's music is the crown as it further elevates the whole movie experience. Only ThottaTharani can do this, splendid sets making the story come alive. Ravi Varman takes you straight to the battle fields. Lyrics too live upto the expectation, this is one area where we were not sure if the experienced Lyricist's place can be fulfilled.
Karthi is the best choice for Vandhiyathevan. The brave, comic and flirty nature of Vandhiyathevan is intact through out. His first time meeting with each major character is full on drama and he adapts accordingly. Vikram as Adithakarikalan is another no competition. He yearns for Nandhini and lives the tragedy. Jeyam Ravi, who knows would fit into Ponniyin Selvan so easily. He reflects the young Prince duty-bound, brave and every much in love with his people. Trisha as Kundhavai is another piece that fits the puzzle well. Aishwarya as Nandini just gets you swept off your feet.
Covid lock down has taken a toll on the making as told by the makers. But for that we could have seen more better locations. The ban on shooting in a temple or any water bodies in India has affected too as our imagination doesn't come true. The opening where Vandhiyathevan strides through Ponni river is a total miss. We have to let go with mediocre scenes of the river. Also the CG work could have been way better in the climax scene where fight happens in the sea on the ship. Hope the PS1 collection forces the makers to make a better PS2 that fulfills our expectation. In spite these ended up seeing PS1 twice in theatre for the first time and on the first day too for the first time. An unforgettable experience with a wait for 2023!
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