The two-part epic "Ponniyin Selvan," directed by Tamil filmmaking legend Mani Ratnam, adapts the Indian bestseller. The first installment debuted on September 29 to strong box office results both domestically and internationally. This impressive franchise opener, co-written by Ratnam, Jayamohan, and Kumaravel, streamlines the source material considerably while remaining mostly true to Kalki Krishnamurthy's five novels. These novels were first serialised in the 1950s in the Tamil magazine Kalki before being translated into many other languages, including English.

Naturally, as the movie progresses, things become more complicated, but Ratnam manages to keep the various plot lines flowing quickly enough that you don't pay attention to the nearly three-hour running length. It also doesn't matter that the titular Ponniyan Selvan doesn't emerge until almost halfway through the film.

Younger Chola prince Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), also known as Ponniyin Selvan since he was spared from drowning in the Ponni river (also known as the Cauvery), exhibits charm and diplomacy when he does appear. Every time he is in danger of drowning, a mother figure saves him.

a proof of their creativity.

Younger Chola prince Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), also known as Ponniyin Selvan since he was spared from drowning in the Ponni river (also known as the Cauvery), exhibits charm and diplomacy when he does appear. Every time he is in danger of drowning, a mother figure saves him.

DP While CG battle scenes are arranged like set-pieces from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, a comparison highlighted by Rahman's soaring music, Ravi Varman does credit to the scope of the plot. The production design, as well as the camera and musical work, are all of the highest calibre (Thotta Tharani). The Thanjavur temple, which still stands as evidence of the Cholas' fame for temple construction.

Sets representing Thanjavur, Kanchi, and Sri Lanka, along with amazing visual effects, bring to life Kalki's writing that so many readers found so captivating. The females from Nandini to the princess Kundavai received the same meticulous attention to detail when it came to costume design, hair and makeup, and jewels (some of which are now being sold) (Trisha Krishnan).

Even though Rai Bachchan's dialogue is delivered by Deepa Venkat, Ratnam has a knack for getting the best performances from the actor (with whom he worked on the films "Iruvar," "Guru," and "Raavanan"). This is true even though this is the star's first screen appearance since 2018 in this film.