Cast:
Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, Jayaram, Vikram Prabhu, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj, Rahman, and others
Director: Mani Ratnam
Producers: Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran
Music: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Ravi Varman
Editor: Sreekar Prasad
Plot:
This is the Ponniyin Selvan 1 sequel by Mani Ratnam. The same cast is back for the sequel, but Vikram will have a bigger part to play. You may already be aware that the PS series is an action drama based on the Kalki Krishnamurthy novel Ponniyin Selvan. PS 1 came to an end with the Chola Chieftains plotting a mutiny against their own and the Pandiyas swearing to shed royal blood. Next, PS 2 continues. Mandhakini (played by Aishwarya Rai), who was fighting the Pandyas, saves Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) and Vallavaraiyan Vandhiyadevudu (Karthi), who fell into the water. On the other hand, Nandhini (played by Aishwarya Rai) and the Pandyas hatch a plot to overthrow the Chola dynasty. The Cholas attempt to depose Aditya Karikaludu (played by Vikram) in order to make Madhuranthakudu (played by Rehman) the new Chola king. The subsequent events, including answering the question of the reason behind Mandhakini and Nandini looking alike, whether the Pandyas destroyed the Cholas, and more, are covered in PS 2.
Performances:
The star of the series for us is Aishwarya Rai. She had two characters to portray, and she played them both with utmost conviction. This is a well-crafted character, and she did complete justice to her role, leaving you awe-struck. The cinematography elevates her role, and it is safe to say that this is her career-best so far.
Vikram has a calm role, and he was in his element. His performance made the movie flow. Vikram and Aishwarya ooze royalty vibes throughout.
Karthi is a sigh of relief in PS 2. He generates some comedy. He shares great chemistry with Trisha. Karthi and Trisha support each other’s characters very well.
Jayam Ravi plays the titular role, and we have seen his work in the first series, and he delivered the same in the second series as well.
Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prabhu, Jayaram, Vikram Prabhu, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj, and others have small roles; however, they play their parts very well, and they impress you.
Analysis:
In PS 2, we get to see many twists and turns. Mani Ratnam seems to have taken the utmost care to make the film look as authentic as possible and do complete justice to the well-written novel from which he picked up this story.
PS 2 has a web of conspiracies, mysteries, political turmoil, and war, and everything was presented in the most clean way possible.
The narration was, however, very slow, which might disappoint you, but the twists will keep you engaged throughout. No scene feels rushed in this part. The director has received many critical reviews for the first part, and he seems to have clarified them all in the second series. Here he answered all those questions that were left unanswered in PS 1, in a no-nonsense way that was to the point.
The director deserves special praise for giving all his characters depth. This movie has many characters, but each character, although appearing for a short time, leaves an impact. A few scenes were very well framed, including that of Vikram and Aishwarya in the second half. They leave you sparking.
This movie is also technically rich. Be it the art design work by Thotta Tharani, the costumes, or even the VFX or the cinematography, everything was taken care of properly, and you can feel the hard work of the crew.
The VFX were neither too loud nor poor, but exactly what we need for a period drama.
The music by AR Rahman was too good. The production values were felt.
The only drawback we felt was the movie’s runtime and slow narration. That being said, PS 2 is a more refined and polished version of PS 1.
Conclusion:
Royalty oozes in this movie. Aishwarya and Vikram steal the show with their acts. Overall, this is a well-made, technically brilliant period drama that one must watch in theatres.
Vox rating: 3.5/5
