Ponniyin Selvan written by Kalki Krishnamurthy is a raising epic that has proven difficult to shoot for many movie directors. In the first part of the two-part series, directors and writers Jeyamohan and Ilango Kumalabel rise to the challenge. The way they condensed the novel is commendable, with Kundavai plunging into secret discussions and the apperance of Ponniyin Selvan's mysterious savior, adding to the dynamism of the story. Jeyamohan's dialogues are especially a highlight as he uses language that is both classical and colloquial without making it seem odd.
The film does have a shaky start, with the director taking his time to set up the plot. Crown prince Aaditha Karikalan entrusts his friend Vandhiyathevan] to deliver a message to his father and emperor Sundara Cholar and sister, priness Kunthavai on the threats that the kingdom is facing. The schemers include Periya Pazhuvettarayar and Chinna Pazhuvettarayar , the empire's finance minister and commander, numerous kings who have sworn fealty to the emperor, the remaining forces of the vanquishes Pandya king and most importantly, Nandhini , Karikalan's former lover and the wife of Periya Pazhuvettarayar, who is determined to bring the entire Chola empire down for reason of her own.
These portion, which inevitably have a bit of exposition given the nature of the plot, have rather jerky transitions as we are introduced to the numerous players in the plot and the history between them. It can feel like too many events are crammed into a short amount of time, and the plot can be difficult to follow for those who haven't read the books.
The facts that the characters are introduced so quickly also means that you've fully grasped the motivations of the person yo just introduced.
But then the film starts to settle down, and by the time it reaches its breaking point “the ghost of the last one to haunt Kalikaran”, it's engrossed in the story involving place intrigues… and as the action shifts to Sri Lanka, the pace picks up and the film races towards the end in a nail-biting sequence as Karikaran's younger brother, Arunmozhi Varman , the king of the country. Featuring the bodyguards of the slain Pandhya king who landed there to kill Arunmozhi, the director sets the sequel up with daring stunts on ships in stormy seas.
The cast is more or less spot on. Karthi is brilliant as his playful Vandhiyathevan and with Jayam as his Alwakadiyan of spies, he brings humor to a very serious action. Aishwarya captures the spirit of Nandhini with her charming looks, while Vikram, Jayam Ravi and Trisha act like royalty. There is a grandeur to the frame, but unlike the Baahubali film, it's more subtle here. Cinematographer Ravi Verman shot primarily on-site, featuring massive fortress walls, multiple pillars and high ceilings. A spacious hall with a sea, a lonely boat floating in the vast sea, and countless corpses lined up on the beach. AR Rahman's truncated songs mostly help drive the narrative forward, while his score helps bring an engaging quality to what's happening in the second half.
