ps 1 movie review rating

Thanks For Rating

Reminder successfully set, select a city.

• Nashik Times
• Aurangabad Times
• Badlapur Times

You can change your city from here. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city

• Edit Profile
• Briefs Movies TV Web Series Lifestyle Trending Visual Stories Music Events Videos Theatre Photos Gaming

Kareena Kapoor Khan shares adorable moments of Christmas celebrations with Saif Ali Khan and their sons

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Love and War' adds Orry to star-studded cast, set for March 2026 release"

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s upcoming action thriller title REVEALED: details inside

‘Pushpa 2’ to ‘Animal’ Bollywood’s top 25 movies with highest- opening day collection - Hindi films’ recipe of box office success - Exclusive

Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile from 'Crocodile Dundee', passes away in Darwin at 90

Re-release or sequel? Dharma Movies sparks curiosity with cryptic Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani post

• Movie Reviews

Movie Listings

Welcome To The Jungle

Zero Se Restart

Rocky The Slave

Dhai Aakhar

I Want To Talk

Nora Fatehi’s Top Ethnic Looks of 2024: A Royal Affair to Remember

​Ruhani Sharma stuns in traditional attire

​Shriya Saran’s white gown look is sheer elegance​

​Rashmika Mandanna stuns in every shade of saree​

Anju Kurian's best snaps you can't miss

Genelia Deshmukh radiates elegance in sarees

Sonam Bajwa redefines effortless style in her best casual look yet

Mamitha Baiju stuns in traditional saree looks!

Hansika Motwani Captures the Elegance of Bold Lehenga Styles

Vaani Kapoor wows in black dress with vibrant 3D roses

Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famo...

Girls Will Be Girls

Jaaiye Aap Kahan Jaayen...

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar

The Six Triple Eight

Saturday Night

Mufasa: The Lion King

Disaster Holiday

Elton John: Never Too L...

The Lord of the Rings: ...

Pushpa 2: The Rule

Mechanic Rocky

Appudo Ippudo Eppudo

Lucky Baskhar

Janaka Aithe Ganaka

Sookshmadarshini

Hello Mummy

All We Imagine As Light

I am Kathalan

Anand Sreebala

Oru Anweshanathinte Thu...

Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi

Roopanthara

Family Drama

Back Bencherz

Manikbabur Megh: The Cl...

Rajnandini Paul and Ama...

Chaalchitra Ekhon

Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale ...

Teriya Meriya Hera Pher...

Kudi Haryane Val Di

Shinda Shinda No Papa

Sarabha: Cry For Freedo...

Zindagi Zindabaad

Maujaan Hi Maujaan

Chidiyan Da Chamba

Dharmaveer 2

Navra Maza Navsacha 2

Gharat Ganpati

Ek Don Teen Chaar

Danka Hari Namacha

Devra Pe Manva Dole

Dil Ta Pagal Hola

Ittaa Kittaa

Jaishree Krishh

Bushirt T-shirt

Shubh Yatra

• Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1

Your Rating

Write a review (optional).

• Movie Reviews /

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 UA

Would you like to review this movie?

Cast & Crew

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 Movie Review : Mani Ratnam's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan is spectacular

• Times Of India

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Tamil Trai...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Hindi Trai...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Telugu Tra...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Kannada Tr...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Malayalam ...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Tamil Teas...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Hindi Teas...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 - Official Telugu Tea...

Ponniyin Selvan Part-1 | Tamil Song - Ponni N...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Ponge...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Malayalam Song - Po...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Chola...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Hindi Song - Chola ...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Malayalam Song - Ch...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Malayalam Song - Ra...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Raach...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Kannada Song - Deva...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Kannada Song Promo ...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Devar...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Malayalam Song - De...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Tamil Song - Devara...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Tamil Song Promo - ...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Kannada Song - Bara...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Tamil Song - Alaika...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Kannada Song - Raks...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Telugu Song - Alana...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Kannada Song - Helh...

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Tamil Song - Sol (L...

Users' Reviews

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Ricky Aarya Singh 80 days ago

Bakwas movie hai...

Bibin Solomon 721 days ago

Kannan jagannathan 758 days ago.

I am disappointed by the movie. I grew up on the novel, and like so many of my age, read it a number of times in the 60s and 70s from bound volumes that my mother had made from the serialized publication in the early 50s. I just reread it after watching the movie to make sure that it wasn’t some vague nostalgia from 50 years ago. No it is not. The writing still sparkles. The writing has poetry (I don't mean just quotations of poems, Kalki's prose was poetic), subtlety of characters with complex contradictions beautifully captured in prose. All that was missing in the movie. Instead, it was black and white (metaphorically). The powerful women of the novel - Nandini, Kundavai, Poonkuzhali, Sembiyan Madeviar - are all flattened. The men of great allure in the novel - Vandiaythevan, Arulmozhy, Sendan Amuthan - have no allure in the movie. Just dull looks and bodies, and in the case of the first two, mere modern-day Tamil movie swashbuckling cartoons. Yes, Azhvarkadiyan is portrayed perfectly, but that is about it. One of Kalki’s characters describes Vandiyathevan as "Brhaspati in wisdom, Saraswati in learning, Manmata in Beauty, and Arjuna in accomplishing ends". Sorry, Karti doesn't cut it. Yes, the CGI is great, and compensates a bit for the lack of poetry. But not enough.

Daniel Constantine 767 days ago

The movie totally lacks life since the actors such as Karthi do not speak classical tamil. He simply doesn't fit in this ancient role with his too casual and contemporary acting. I wish they provided a zero rating option to totally trash this movie.

Muhammad Nezar M N 771 days ago

Just an Average one. Overrated

Visual Stories

Christmas 2024: How to make classic Dark Chocolate Cake at home

10 easy ways to grow and propagate snake plants at home

Entertainment

Kareena Kapoor family pics scream love

Christmas 2024: Exotic recipes to try this Christmas

10 animals you can spot only in winters

10 places on Earth that are experiencing longest nights right now

11 animals with the most beautiful and soulful eyes

From Evergreen to Extraordinary: Indian hotels reinvent Christmas Trees

Christmas 2024: 10 festive-special cocktails to celebrate the holiday season

8 countries whose names begin with the letter ‘I’

Popular Movie Reviews

Viduthalai: Part - 2

Sorgavaasal

Lubber Pandhu

Nirangal Moondru

Soodhu Kavvum 2

Jolly O Gymkhana

We sent an email to [email protected]

Didn't you get the email?

By joining, you agree to the Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

• About Rotten Tomatoes®
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening This Week
• Top Box Office
• Coming Soon to Theaters
• Certified Fresh Movies

Movies at Home

• Fandango at Home
• Prime Video
• Most Popular Streaming Movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• 87% Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Link to Sonic the Hedgehog 3
• 93% The Brutalist Link to The Brutalist
• 86% The Room Next Door Link to The Room Next Door

New TV Tonight

• 100% What If...?: Season 3
• -- Squid Game: Season 2
• -- Doctor Who: Season 1.1
• -- Call the Midwife: Season 13.1
• -- Queen Woo: Season 1
• -- Maestro in Blue: Season 3
• -- The Flipping El Moussas: Season 2

Most Popular TV on RT

• 93% Black Doves: Season 1
• 85% One Hundred Years of Solitude: Season 1
• 96% Laid: Season 1
• 79% No Good Deed: Season 1
• 90% Star Wars: Skeleton Crew: Season 1
• 67% Secret Level: Season 1
• -- La Palma: Season 1
• 86% The Day of the Jackal: Season 1
• 70% Dune: Prophecy: Season 1
• 75% Dexter: Original Sin: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV

Certified fresh pick

• 96% Laid: Season 1 Link to Laid: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Best Movies of 2024: Best New Movies to Watch Now

100 Best Movies on HBO and MAX (December 2024)

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming.

Awards Tour

Upcoming Video Game Movies and TV Adaptations

2025 Golden Globe Awards Ballot: Complete with Tomatometer and Popcornmeter Scores

• Trending on RT
• Awards Season
• Verified Hot
• Renewed and Cancelled TV
• Happy Holidays

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I

Where to watch.

Watch Ponniyin Selvan: Part I with a subscription on Prime Video, rent on Apple TV, or buy on Apple TV.

Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Mani Ratnam

Aditya Karikalan

Arulmozhivarman

Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan

Aishwarya Rai

Kundavai Pirattiyar

More Like This

Related movie news.

Advertisement

• తెలుగు

PS-1 Review: Brain Teasing Narrative

Movie: PS-1 Ponniyan Selvan Rating: 2.25/5 Banner: Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Prabhu, R Sarathkumar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman, and Radhakrishnan Parthiban Dialogues: Tanikella Bharani Music: AR Rahman Director of Photography: Ravi Varman Editor: Sreekar Prasad Production Designer: Thota Tharrani Action: Kecha Khampakdee & Shyam Kaushal Producer: Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran Directed by: Mani Ratnam Release Date: Sep 30, 2022

After Baahubali, RRR, and KGF movies, Mani Ratnam’s “PS1” is the one period drama that caught the attention of everyone. The hype surrounding the film has been huge. $1 million bookings in the USA alone prove how much buzz the film has generated.

Let’s find out whether the film lives up to the expectations.

Story: Pallavatturyar (Sarath Kumar) and his wife Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) are plotting to make Madhurantakudu (Rahman) as the next king in place of Aditya Karikaludu (Vikram).

Upon this information Kundavi (Trisha) sends Vanthiyadevudu (Karthi), a spy, to bring her brother Arunmozhi aka Ponniyan Selvan (Jayam Ravi) from Srilanka to Tanjore.

Meanwhile, another batch goes out to kill Ponniyan Selvan. The rest of the film is all about Ponniyan Selvan trying to return to his birthplace.

Artistes’ Performances: The film has many characters but only a few get importance. Among them, Karthi as Vandiyadevudu takes the prime place.

The film begins with his journey from one place to the other. The first half of the film has Karthi dominating the show. He attempts comedy as well.

Vikram as Aditya Karikaludu appears only in three episodes. His acting gives a déjà vu feeling. 

Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varma aka Ponniyan is neat. 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays a dual role. As Nandini, she has a terrific screen presence. She gets a limited scope to show her performance but she holds the attention with her charm and grace. Trisha as princess Kundavi is beautiful. She looks a lot younger than her real age. 

Prakash Raj and Sarath Kumar play their parts well. Sobhita Dhulipala and Aishwarya Lekshmi get minor roles.

Technical Excellence: The best part of the film is the excellent production design by Thota Tarani. The sets are classy. He recreates the Chola period. Ravi Varman’s camera has enhanced the production design further. The VFX work is impressive in some places, and not up to the mark in other places. AR Rahman’s songs have not worked in the film but his background score is riveting. 

The Telugu dialogue writing (by Tanikella Bharani) is okay.

Highlights: Production design Twists and turns Aishwarya Rai and Trisha

Drawback: Hard to understand the first half Leisure pace No goose bump moments

Analysis The makers proclaimed ‘PS1’ as ‘the story of India’s greatest empire.’ Based on a Tamil novel named “Ponniyan Selvan”, Mani Ratnam made the film in two parts and the first part is here. Before the release, there have been comparisons between “PS1” and Rajamouli’s “Baahubali” but both are entirely different, neither of them matches in any manner be it war sequences or grandeur of visuals. 

“PS-1” is a story based on real history and the many characters with hard-to-remember names keep coming. Getting track of the names and characters themselves is a cumbersome task. For those who are not familiar with the novel and the history like this reviewer, it is difficult to understand the proceedings and getting the characters. 

The film begins with Vandhiyadevudu’s journey. Karthi as Vandhiyadevudu flirts with women, dances, does comedy stunts, plays with a Brahmin (played by Jayaram), and indulges in fights. Through him, we meet all the characters, first Aditya Karikaludu, then Nandini after that Kundavi, and lastly Ponniyan Selvan. His long journey and many subplots occupy the story of this part one. 

However, the film is structured in a way that much of the plot happens in the first half, which is very hard to understand. By the time we get the story, the film comes to an interval bang. With so much focus on many characters and their background, we don’t get any high moments. In the entire first half, the only intriguing moment is Vikram killing a person when Aishwarya Rai pleading him to pardon her. 

The second half of the film shifts drama to Sri Lanka where Ponniyan Selvan is residing. The visuals in the second half are excellent. The action sequence on a boat is the main highlight. The film comes to its groove in this part. But then it ends quickly with a twist, which in no way matches to ‘Kattappa’ twist. 

The film’s biggest strength is the production design and cinematography. The locations are another highlight. These are made for big screen experience. But the narrative is not strong enough to enjoy them. For the Tamil audience, the film may work well because they are familiar with the story and the characters. For us, it is a cumbersome experience. 

On the whole, ‘PS-1’ despite its grandeur and high-making values, is far from engaging. You need a lot of patience to watch the slow-paced drama that is nearly 2 hours 45 minutes.

Bottom line: Only Grandeur

For exciting updates on national affairs and up-to-date news click here on India Brains

New App Alert: All OTT Apps & Release Dates Under One App

• UI Review: Satirical, But Weird
• Vidudala 2 Review: Not Gripping as Part 1
• Bachchala Malli Review: Uncompelling Malli

Tags: PS-1 Movie Review PS-1 Review PS-1 Movie Rating PS-1 Rating

ADVERTISEMENT

Ponniyin Selvan 1 review: Mani Ratnam’s largely faithful and brilliant adaptation has no dull moments

Ponniyin selvan 1 movie review: mani ratnam understands kalki's novel is a mainstream page-turner, so he retains its flavour and neither intellectualises it nor dumbs it down..

The toughest aspect of adapting Ponniyin Selvan into a film is how to condense a magnum opus spanning 2000 pages into a 2.5 hour movie. It’s a tough choice — what to use and what to discard. Here’s where Mani Ratnam wins. He cuts through the faff (honestly, there’s a lot in the text) and takes only things that move the story forward. Covering about two-and-a-half books of the five-part series, Ponniyin Selvan 1 tells the story that takes place in multiple places. With Sundara Cholan’s (played by Prakash Raj) failing health, a coup is staged to prevent prince Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) from becoming the next king. The young prince, who is away from the capital, sends his friend Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan (Karthi), a spy and a messenger from Kanchi, to find the traitors. This is just one piece of the jigsaw, with other plotlines involving Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) in Sri Lanka and Kundhavai (Trisha) in Pazhayarai. While it’s tough to even write a pithy synopsis of the 5-part novel, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan finds time and space to include the best of the original and add two immersive war sequences.

The war sequences, however, make PS 1 the most commercial film of Mani Ratnam’s career. The obvious purpose of the two sequences is to pander to the increasing thirst of audiences for larger-than-life war moments on screen post-Baahubali. Ratnam, however, refuses to take the easy way out — the battle sequences look real and authentic instead of just being the introduction scenes of the heroes. The filmmaker consciously takes this path despite having a story that can easily be exploited for “fire and water” moments.

Mani Ratnam makes the drama more engrossing than the sword fights. The meeting of Nandini ( Aishwarya Rai ) and Kundhavai (Trisha) is sparkling, Aditha Karikalan’s monologue about Nandini is memorable, and Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan’s hopeless pick-up lines are more enjoyable than sinking ships and burning forts. Take the scene where Pazhuvettaraiyar brothers (Sarathkumar and Parthiban) meet Sundara Cholan. The king knows the two, who have been faithful friends of the kingdom, are plotting against him. How do you show this pain without dialogue? Here’s how: the king is undergoing acupuncture treatment and the doctors are piercing his ‘back’ with needles as he speaks to the traitors. It is an evident symbolism, but subtle and effective. Similarly, we have pretty everyday dialogues sans the usual Mani Ratnam touch. The director has said earlier he was worried about the dialogues as he wanted them to be pure Tamil but not dramatic and archaic. Tamil writer Jeyamohan turned out to be the right man for the job. The lines seldom sound odd to the viewer who doesn’t speak that old Tamil anymore.

Another thing that is majorly in favour of the film is the effective performances. Like in the novel, Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan steals the show effortlessly. Karthi lives up to all the expectations — he is effortlessly charming as a glib flirt and at the same time, you see him as a brave warrior. I don’t know if anyone other than Mani Ratnam could have done justice to all the hype Kalki created about Nandini Devi. Yes, it is played by Aishwarya Rai, but her scenes are a study in perfectly presenting a character — the seductive music and soft focus are as sensuous as the actor herself. Mani Ratnam has indeed created Kalki’s ‘Maya Mohini’ on screen.

On the other hand, Jayam Ravi and Trisha surprise you as Ponniyin Selvan and Kundhavai, respectively. What were perceived as odd choices turn out to be the perfect ones. Ravi radiates the affable energy of a level-headed prince, who is in control of things. Personally, I felt the most heroic moments went to Trisha as Kundhavai, and not for a second she fails to live upto them.

Another hero of the film has stood behind the camera. It would be a cliche to say ‘every frame of cinematographer Ravi Varman looks like a painting’, but what can you do when it is the truth? From Nandini relaxing in her palace before meeting Vanthiyathevan to the extreme long shot of Poongkuzhali’s boat in the vast ocean to the entry of Aditha Karikalan on his horse, many such frames in PS1 are worthy enough to be hung as paintings. It’s one thing to make shots scream ‘grand’ and another to shoot the innate grandness of things. Ravi Varman’s work obviously belongs to the second category.

The difference between Mani Ratnam’s brand of commercial films and the rest becomes evident with Ponniyin Selvan. He doesn’t make demi-gods out of his heroes, they are just kings. Also, the filmmaker respects the audience. When Kundhavai sends Vanthiyathevan to Sri Lanka, the film takes a huge leap. The next time when we see Karthi, he is in a boat in the ocean. He trusts audience intelligence to fill in the gaps and that’s why PS 1 is rewarding. He also understands that Ponniyin Selvan is itself a mainstream page-turner that panders to the audience. Hence, he neither dumbs it down nor intellectualizes it. Instead, he retains the flavour of the widely-enjoyed book in this thoroughly enjoyable film.

Ponniyin Selvan movie cast: Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Jayaram Ponniyin Selvan movie director: Mani Ratnam Ponniyin Selvan movie rating: 4 stars

You want to be the smartest in the room.

You want access to our award-winning journalism.

You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.

'We are not scared of anything': Sunny Deol Subscriber Only

Why a wealth tax may not be a rich idea Subscriber Only

How a surge in mosque rows is shaping UP politics Subscriber Only

Bandish Bandits Season 2 review: No straggly spots, only the

Samantha Harvey on faith, philosophy and tuning out noise

A Year in Books: Who read what and why it Subscriber Only

Vanvaas movie review: The Nana Patekar-starrer is a plodding affair

We make stories and stories make us Subscriber Only

Kani Kusruti takes your breath away in one of the

Kirubhakar Purushothaman is a Principal Correspondent with Indian Express and is based out of Chennai. He has been writing about Tamil cinema and a bit about OTT content for the past eight years across top media houses. Like many, he is also an engineer-turned-journalist from Tamil Nadu, who chose the profession just because he wanted to make cinema a part of his professional life.   ... Read More

• mani ratnam
• Ponniyin Selvan

In 2024, Tamil cinema saw major releases from big stars and the emergence of new talents. Despite challenges, the industry continued to evolve and experiment, with both successes and failures. Re-releases also helped keep the audience engaged during slow periods. With changes on the horizon, the industry eagerly awaits what 2025 has in store.

More Entertainment

Top Stories

Dec 23: Latest News

• 01 Maharashtra: After portfolio allocation, now race for guardian minister posts
• 02 IMD’s Hosalikar stresses on importance of sharing knowledge at Indian Meteorological Society Pune Chapter event
• 03 Cluster universities in Maharashtra can now include unaided-colleges too
• 04 Sharad Pawar dials CM, urges him to take serious note of incidents in Beed, Parbhani
• 05 Bru migrants in Tripura hopeful of new future, anxious due to lack of ‘jhum’ land and work opportunities
• Elections 2024
• Political Pulse
• Entertainment
• Movie Review
• Newsletters
• Web Stories
• Border-Gavaskar Trophy
• Mini Crossword
• Express Shorts
• Health & Wellness
• International

Our award-winning news reports, explainers now straight on your device

This No Is Already Registered.

Thanks For Registered Mobile No.

• Power List 2024
• Cannes 2024
• In-Depth Stories
• Web Stories
• Oscars 2024
• FC Wrap 2023
• Film Festivals
• FC Adda 2023
• Companion Zone
• Best Indian Films Forever List
• FC Front Row
• FC Disruptors
• Mental Health & Wellness

Ponniyin Selvan 1 on Amazon Prime Video Review: A Gorgeous Time Machine That Forces You To Leave The Books At Home

Director: Mani Ratnam

Writers: Mani Ratnam , Jeyamohan, Kumaravel (Screenplay)

Based On: Kalki Krishnamoorthy's novel

Cast: Vikram, Karthi , Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha Krishnan , Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jayaram

As someone who grew up detesting the blessed souls who claimed “the book was better”, it’s unfortunate to have realised that there will come a day when you have to use the same line, albeit to your own heartbroken self. In hindsight, it appears that reading Kalki’s epic five-part novel running up to the release was a misjudgement given how fresh the images have remained and how big the characters had become. But this was never an eventuality I had not considered. I knew the risks of going into a film knowing almost everything that’s going to happen. I also knew the risk of expecting the film to stick to the structure the book followed, forcing you to wait for the big moments that were rousing, hoping for the film to do the same. 

But this was a Mani Ratnam film after all. “Story” is hardly the focus of one’s expectations and it was not like knowing the Mahabharata or the Satyavan Savitri myth lessened the blow Thalapathi (1991) or Roja (1992) left you with. I mean, he’s the dude who made a leaky-roofed loft in Kasimedu look like a boho-chic hipster cafe in Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004). Imagine what he could do with lion-faced ships, 10th century palaces, some of the most beautiful actors in the world and a shipload of money. 

Beyond one’s imagination is the least one expects from filmmakers like him and it’s perhaps this weight that has pressed down on a few scenes that did not do more than just efficiently translate text to screen. In a sense, you find yourself going back to an adjective you never imagined using while writing about a Mani Ratnam film. “Straightforward” is the word and you don’t quite understand why the brilliance of the reimagined sequences didn’t extend to the rest of the film. 

One such was the ingenious use of AR Rahman’s ‘Chola Chola’, a song that’s easy to picture as a standard-issue victory anthem. Having won a battle that further extends his hold over his kingdom’s norther frontier, prince Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) is dancing with his soldiers, floating in and out of an endless supply of “somras”. Yet the moment is hardly the mirthful celebration of strength and masculinity. In essence, the effect is quite the opposite as the song segues into the maddening eyes of a warrior who’s trying to wash away his bloodstained hands with even more blood. The song behaves like a counterpoint, cheering on the Chola clan even as its crowned prince bleeds under his crown of thorns. His face wears these battle-scars, none as obvious as the one left behind by a broken heart and what follows is a superbly-staged and edited sequence that ends with the defeat of a rival king, but the mood is anything but triumphant. It is brutal, vivid and inescapable like a recurring nightmare that has become much larger as a result of years of regret. Through Vikram’s brilliant monologue, we witness a tragic figure being punished by the same ‘dharma’ he hoped to uphold.  

Ravi Varman chooses to shoot this sequence too with the same restless, handheld energy he maintains through most of the first half. Expect when he needs to, either to establish the majesty of these kingdoms or the landscape these people are fighting for, there’s hardly an overuse of wider shots. So when we follow Vandhiyathevan (Karthi) through the crammed streets of Thanjavur or when secret conversations are framed within the palace’s corridors, the camera is constantly shaking as though it’s taking quick breaths along with its subjects. This may at first feel odd given how similar period films love to keep frames static and wide to seduce you with scale. But in Ponniyin Selvan , despite its scale, the idea seems to have been to shoot it with the rough edges of a Latin American film. 

Not that Ravi Varman doesn’t get his moments to flex. A gorgeous top angle shot from inside Nandini’s (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) private chamber is impossible to take your eyes away from and so are the many, many shots in the second half set in Ilankai, where’s it as much hell for the characters as it is heaven for us viewers. Yet these feel like b-roll outtakes when we compare them to the scenes featuring the two astonishingly good-looking ladies, Nandini and Kundhavai (Trisha). We discover them through the eyes of Vandhiyathevan, but you need to observe these gorgeous scenes to understand just how much more the film does to elevate the reams of text Kalki writes to describe their beauty. It feels like a matter of fact that entire kingdoms and civilisations would risk everything after being fully seduced by their beauty. 

 This is a strange feeling because a lot of what you know about these characters isn’t quite earned by the film itself. Except for characters like Aditha Karikalan and Azhwarkadiyan (a delightful Jayaram), it’s the myth of these characters (and hype) that make them larger in our heads than they are in the movie. If one felt the meeting between Nandini and Kundhavai would be the film’s biggest highlight, chances are that you’re going to feel disappointed. Which means that to fully enjoy Ponniyin Selvan is to also fully succumb to this one particular vision of one particular director. This process might take a little long, but once you submit, it gets a lot easier to immerse yourself into its own world rather than the pre-fabricated one you entered the hall with. 

On one hand, this might make you feel a tad underwhelmed when it chooses to introduce Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi, perfectly cast) in full, furious glory rather than the surprisingly understated entry (as a mahout) he gets in the book. But in other instances, these switches result in exhilarating moments like when Kundhavai single-handedly changes the course of history, with one powerful dialogue electrified with legit 10th century swag.

Featuring great performances from everyone, including those who get just a scene or two, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 , builds the world, introduces us to its residents and then leaves us with a clear separation between book and movie. It also helps that there’s little room for traditional mass moments or extensive action scenes just for the sake of it. More than a movie, it leaves you with the feeling that you’ve been on an adventure. It might take a little getting used to but who said travelling back a millennium would be easy?

Related Stories

• Cast & crew

User reviews

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I

A magical experience and a visual treat.

• harshkumarrocks
• Sep 27, 2022

A brilliant adaptation of a literary masterpiece.

• ThironthoramDude
• Sep 29, 2022

PS I won the battle of winning audience's attention

• sharonnyoroy
• Sep 30, 2022

Must watch in Theatres - Experience the History

• chinchunikhil

No sugarcoating it, this movie was really good

• isaacsundaralingam

Best movie 🍿 Vikram acting was excellent jayam Ravi karthi acting was good

• sumathiprabhuraman

The Cholas come into life once again!

• ararchanavasudevan

Honest Review

• best-review

You won't be disappointed, engaging movie !

Wasted opportunity.

• Oct 7, 2022

Masterpiece !!!

• savithakris

A bit of a miss for Mani sir

• PimpinAinttEasy

Don't shoot yourself in the foot, dear Tamil friends.

• Oct 1, 2022

A Great Historical Movie

• MehdiRizvi-7867
• imdb-ikysmoviedatabase

Excellent Novel adaptation

The main ingredient for a understated dish.

• n-43922-14176

Purists may be upset..

• kaya_natarajan
• virekaeximpvtltd

Mani's Selvan

• kathiravanvj

Celebrating History n Ponniyin Selvan

• mmmeenameenu

The Pinnacle of Great Storytelling

• SoumikBanerjee1996
• Nov 11, 2022

Average movie

• Oct 2, 2022

Faithful to book with mass and class scenes ...

Aishwarya rai & trisha shine in this grand visual spectacle that puts drama & mind games above action.

• nidhunmoviebuff

More from this title

More to explore, most anticipated indian movies and shows, recently viewed.

Gulte Movie News And Politics

Ponniyin selvan 1 movie review.

Article by Suman M Published by GulteDesk --> Published on: 8:14 am, 30 September 2022 | Updated on 10:56 am, 1 October 2022

167 Mins   |   Action   |   30-09-2022

Cast - Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman, R. Parthiban

Director - Mani Ratnam

Producer - Mani Ratnam, Subaskaran Allirajah

Banner - Madras Talkies. Lyca Productions

Music - A. R. Rahman

Star filmmaker Mani Ratnam had been trying to make the movie Ponniyin Selvan for more than two decades. Finally, he could make it and release it this year. With a huge and popular star cast, Mani Ratnam made the movie in two parts. The movie is based on the book Ponniyin Selvan’ by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The first part of Ponniyin Selvan was released today. Here is the review.

What Is It About?

Adithya Karikaalan (Vikram), Arunkanimozhi aka Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi), and Kundhuvai (Trisha) are the heir of Emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) of the Chola kingdom. While the plans are in work to make Adithya Karikalan the king of the kingdom due to Sundara Chola being ill, internal conspiracies, and the ploy from Pandian rebels take the front seat to stop it. Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai), the wife of treasurer Pedda Palivettarayudu (Sarath Kumar) plays a crucial role in internal politics while Kundhuvai is intelligent enough to barricade her. How does Adhithya Karikalan’s right-hand Vallavaraya Vandiyadevudu (Karthi) help the royal siblings and how the politics lead to the unexpected, is all about PS 1.

Performances

Ponniyin Selvan has got many popular stars in it. Vikram appears in one of the very important roles, Adithya Karikaalan. He lives in the role of the Chola prince. He appears in key scenes and he does his part very well.

Karthi occupies most part of PS 1 and he did exceptionally well in the role he was given. Karthi’s character has a bit of playfulness and wit, which he carried throughout the movie. Aishwarya Rai and Trisha look stunning in the royal attires. Their performances and confrontation episodes are good to watch. Aishwarya Rai’s character has layers in itself and she handled it with ease.

Jayam Ravi, Sarath Kumar, Parthiban, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Vikram Prabhu, Prabhu, and others appear in brief roles and they did fine.

Technicalities

PS 1 has got a great story enough to make one gripping movie. It has interesting twists and political tactics, but most of them appear ordinary due to the flat narrative. The screenplay could have been better.

There are some good visuals but the movie on whole is not a visual wonder. The war sequences are typical and there is no wow factor in that too.

The graphics work could have been better and it could have made It more appealing and grand. The Background music is good. The song Ponge Nadhi is also good, but there is some unsteadiness during the songs.

Karthi, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai & Trisha Story BGM

Thumbs Down

Flat narration No Highs Visual effects

Ponniyin Selvan is the story of the Chola kingdom that shows the conspiracies and ill-minded politics that happened for the throne, some 1000 years back. The story is very sound and it has the proper conflicts to make it more interesting.

First things first, one should have a basic idea of who’s who in the film. The voice-over, in the beginning, gives a little insight but the names and places having all the Tamil native names make it tough for the unversed to connect the dots. But being a political drama, Ponniyin Selvan should be having an interesting narrative with that much-needed fervor. The director here tells the story, but the mediocre screenplay makes it more than hard to establish the emotional connection between the characters.

With many characters and each one in different places, the story had to revolve around also showing the cunning ploys in respective episodes. The subplots in some of the episodes relating to Arulmozhi in Lanka could have been cut to simple and shorter scenes. Already with the bland narration, the prolonged scenes distance us more from the actual plot.

The twists in the tale could be more intense. Most of them were just shown while the characters speak about it, without the ‘highs’ or elevations that could have made some impact. PS 1 movie many a time reminds us of the Game Of Thrones, which also revolves around many places, kingdoms, and submerged politics. PS 1 has that potential, but the ecstasy one would feel in that series is missing here.

The audience would expect the least that Vallavaraya Vandiyadevudu (Karthi) takes the front seat and most of the story is driven from his vantage point in the first half. Nandhini’s (Aishwarya Rai) multi-faceted character raises curiosity and also hints that there is more mystery to it. Kundhuvai’s (Trisha) character also is powerful with interesting instincts, which again turn ordinary. With so many wonderful actors, PS 1 had a chance to get a proper connection of two or three main characters to the audience, which did not happen due to giving prominence to the base story alone.

Overall, PS 1 has got very strong content and a talented star cast, but the dull narrative and missing emotional connection with the characters do not make it a phenomenal watch. From names to places, history to nativity, PS 1 has fair chance to connect to the Tamil audience than to the Telugu audience. Having seen the films with large scale and grandeur, like RRR and Baahubali, Ponniyin Selvan might look normal to the Telugu audience. The openings of PS 1 are huge across the globe and it has to be seen how the movie advances at the box office.

Bottomline: Powerful Content – Sluggish Narrative

Rating: 2.5/5

Tags Ponniyin Selvan Recommended

Click Here for Recommended Movies on OTT (List Updates Daily)

You can update your channel preference from the Settings menu in the header menu.

• தமிழ்
• తెలుగు
• മലയാളം

• #purambooku
• #36 vayathinile

Ponniyin Selvan - PS 1 Review

• Music Review

Ponniyin Selvan 1 - This cinematic spectacle shines bright and satisfies all types of audiences.

'Ponniyin Selvan' is an epic Tamil novel authored by Amarar Kalki. Several stalwarts of Tamil cinema have dreamed of adopting this classic on the big screens but they failed. Legendary director Mani Ratnam is one of those who aspired to adopt Ponniyin Selvan for the silver screen since the 80s. He has done it finally and Ponniyin Selvan is brought to life on screen after almost 70 years by our prestigious artists. Karthi, Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Trisha and Aishwarya Rai have played the main roles with music by AR Rahman. Let's see if the years of wait were justified.

The story opens with Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram), the crown prince of the Chola dynasty who is invading the regions in the north of the empire, asking his friend and his army soldier Vallavarayan Vandhiyathevan to spy on the traitors who are conspiring against the throne and deliver it to his father, the king Parantaka Chola II aka Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) and his sister, princess Kundhavai (Trisha). Vandhiyathevan takes up the mission and meets with unexpected twists and turns in his journey. The assassins from the defeated Pandya empire infiltrate the Chola kingdom and choreograph chaos which leads them to the destruction of the Chola bloodline. Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai), the young wife of the old Periya Pazhuvettarayar (Sarathkumar), is a powerful head of the Chola ministry. Nandhini captivates Pazhuvettarayars and the others with her beauty to conspire against the king. Madhurantaka Chola (Rahman), who has a right to descend the throne, is the key to the conspiracy. Vandhiyathevan was asked to travel to Sri Lanka to meet Arunmozhi Varman aka Ponniyin Selvan as a part of the journey. And all the subplots and conspiracy meet at a high point in Sri Lanka. What happens after all this chaos is what Ponniyin Selvan is all about.

Ponniyin Selvan's biggest accomplishment is staying true to the novel. Mani Ratnam has pulled off his dream project and presented us with a faithful adaptation of the majestic novel. Kudos to the writing team for carefully extracting a brief as well as a detailed screenplay that will be best for the on-screen adaptation without diminishing the novel's essence and without any compromises. Though it is a magnum opus film, we witness a live and organic approach in the making rather than larger-than-life moments to stay true to Kalki's vision.

Karthi feels tailor-made for the Vandhiyathevan and steals the show with humor, brilliance and valor. Chiyaan Vikram and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have brought Kalki's Aditha Karikalan and Nandhini to life with much ease. Though the two have limited screen time, they made sure that they deliver the best performances among the lot. Trisha puts up a mind-blowing performance as princess Kundhavai who is not just beautiful but also a great mind. Jayam Ravi comes up with one of his career-best performances to play the calm and kind-hearted prince Arunmozhi Varman. 

Sarathkumar proves his acting prowess as a powerful man who is blinded by beauty. Jayaram and Parthiban gave memorable performances as Thirumalaiappan and Chinna Pazhuvettarayar. The rest of the supporting cast including Lal, Vikram Prabhu, Prabhu and Ashwin have added strength to the film.

The making of Ponniyin Selvan is so unique and refreshing. The casting was very good. We have seen a lot of period films in Indian mainstream cinema but the technicians have put their bodies and souls into this movie to give us a never before seen experience. The stunts and battle scenes were choreographed in a manner that they feel so authentic. This is undoubtedly one of the best works of art director Thotta Tharani and music composer AR Rahman. The songs are so perfect for the situations and the background scoring is icing on the cake. Ravi Varman's visuals and Sreekar Prasad's cuts are two strong pillars that enrich Kalki's vision.

We should not forget the man behind 'Ponniyin Selvan' and the captain of the ship Mani Ratnam. The master storyteller did not compromise the novel's authenticity for anything and took us into the tale that takes place a thousand years. The portrayal of Kanchipuram, Kadambur, Thanjavur and Sri Lanka did justice to the novel. Mani Ratnam made the movie enjoyable to both those who have read the novel and those who don't have any clue about the novel. Even some non-readers are so curious to read the book after watching the movie. The runtime of the film doesn't bother the audience much.

On the downside, the movie feels just like quick highlights of the events in the book at some point. The first half of the film unravels beautifully but the later half takes a slow-burning path with very limited high points. The screenplay could have been more exciting to appeal to the audience more. Also, the VFX looks mediocre for a film with such high production value. However, Ponniyin Selvan gives an adrenaline rush to the watchers with its final act and ends with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger for the sequel.

Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 is a convincing and faithful adaptation of the prestigious novel. The best thing about this cinematic spectacle is that it is authentic and good enough to satisfy the audience irrespective of their knowledge of the book. PS 1 is a movie that definitely deserves a theatrical watch for its characters, art, craft, writing and execution.

Verdict: Go for this brilliant visual extravaganza to enjoy a unique experience.

Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

More about 'ponniyin selvan - ps 1'.

• logout Logout

Showcase your talent to millions!!

Other movie reviews.

• Vidudala Part-2 Review ( Telugu)
• UI Review ( Telugu)
• Bachhala Malli Review ( Telugu)
• Fear Review ( Telugu)
• Pushpa 2: The Rule Review ( Telugu)
• Devaki Nandana Vasudeva Review ( Telugu)
• Zebra Review ( Telugu)
• Mechanic Rocky Review ( Telugu)
• Matka Review ( Telugu)
• Kanguva Review ( Telugu)

Tamil Movie Reviews

• India Today
• Business Today
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• India Today Hindi
• Reader’s Digest
• Aaj Tak Campus

Download App

Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 Movie Review: Mani Ratnam's epic adaptation is family friendly GOT

Director mani ratnam's ponniyin selvan: part 1 starring karthi, chiyaan vikram, aishwarya rai bachchan, trisha and jayam ravi is an epic period drama that is technically sound. however, the film might end up underwhelming for book lovers, says our review..

Listen to Story

• Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 hit the theatres on September 30.
• Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Karthi and Jayam Ravi play lead roles.
• The second part will hit the theatres in 2023.

Cast & Crew

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Release Date: 30 Sep, 2022

The long wait is finally over! Director Mani Ratnam’s ambitious film, Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1, hit the screens today, September 30, amid much fanfare. The film, a historical fiction, is adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic Tamil literary novel that encapsulates the power struggle that rattled the Chola Dynasty. Has the film lived up to the expectations? Will it satisfy the book lovers?

A comet appears in the sky and it is the bringer of bad news. Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj) is ailing and has announced his eldest son, Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram) as the crown prince. However, the people of the Chola kingdom and Sundara Chozhar’s second child, Kundavai (Trisha) thinks that her younger brother, Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) will make a great king.

Aditha Karikalan sends his friend and trusted aide Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) to Kadambur based on the tip-off he received. He wants Vanthiyathevan to find out the plan that’s brewing and report it to Sundara Chozhar and Kundavai. A power struggle ensues as Sundara Chozhar’s brother’s son, Madhuranthagar (Rahman), also eyes the throne. Meanwhile, there’s Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (Sarathkumar), who is married into the Chola kingdom to avenge the death of her husband, Veera Pandiyan (opposite faction). Who will succeed in their mission forms the first part of Ponniyin Selvan.

The five-part book of Ponniyin Selvan, written by Kalki Krishnamurthy is verbose and with utmost detailing. The first part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan documents the important moments that take place in the first three parts of the book. Technically, Ponniyin Selvan is top-notch. Be it Ravi Varman’s brilliant cinematography or AR Rahman’s excellent score, the film sucks us into the world that Mani Ratnam has created with so much detailing.

But when it comes to the story, Ponniyin Selvan might be an underwhelming affair for those who have read the books. Since, Mani Ratnam has crammed three parts together in one film (with a run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes), most of the characters except Karthi’s Vanthiyathevan do not get much screen time. The story jumps from Thanjavur to Pazhayarai to Sri Lanka and so do the characters. But, for those who haven’t read the books, the film warrants utmost attention as there are multiple characters at play and multiple timelines crossing over.

Mani Ratnam’s adaptation of the epic is high on VFX and does not follow the usual template of a period film. He takes his own sweet time to build the world of Ponniyin Selvan and throws in crucial details through his characters matter-of-factly. There are several high moments sprinkled throughout the film. Be it Vanthiyathevan’s meet-up with Nandini or the epic Nandini-Kundavai face-off, Aditya Karikalan’s monologue or Arunmozhi Varman-Vanthiyathevan’s climax fight - you get grandeur-laden visuals, backed by strong storytelling. The dialogues, especially Vanthiyathevan and spy Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (Jayaram) work well as they manage to bring relief with their clever wit.

Apart from Karthi and Jayaram, it is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s show all the way. Through Nandini, she proves why she is best suited for the role as she charms us right from the first frame. Similarly, Trisha’s Kundavai has a strong presence throughout the film. However, in a few moments, her performance doesn’t add up to the hype. Chiyaan Vikram as Aditya Karikalan is a volatile prince, who lets his emotions take over and the actor has done a perfect job in capturing the vulnerabilities. Jayam Ravi, who plays Arunmozhi Varman, in the film, gets introduced in the second half and manages to hold our attention.

Aishwarya Lekshmi’s Poonguzhali character is a bit of a let-down as not much importance is given to her. So is Sobhita Dhulipala’s Vanathi. Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Vikram Prabhu, Kishore, Lal, Arjun Chidambaram and Ashwin Kakumanu deliver their best in the little screen time they received.

After the performances, AR Rahman’s brilliant background score stands out and elevates every single moment. The way Ravi Varman lit up the screen inside the palaces and in the forests of Sri Lanka proves why he is the best. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 ends on a high as it reveals the identity of an important character. That sets the tone for the second part, which will release in 2023.

3 out of 5 stars for Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. Published By: shweta keshri Published On: Sep 30, 2022 --- ENDS --- ALSO READ | Before Ponniyin Selvan's release, here are the 10 important characters you should know about