[ad_1]
The story: The great Chola kingdom that ruled part of contemporary Tamil Nadu is in danger. King Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) is old and ailing, and his sons Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) and Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) are in faraway battlefields. Princess Kundavai (Trisha) knows several conspiracies to destroy her brothers and the dynasty are afoot, and Nandini (Aishwarya Rai), the scheming wife of the kingdom’s finance minister, has a hand in them. The film’s adventures unfold through the travels of Aditha’s trusted and glib-tongued aide Vanthiyathevan (Karthi).
Directed and co-written by acclaimed film-maker Mani Ratnam, Ponniyin Selvan: 1 is the first of two parts and a faithful ode to the best-selling 1950s Tamil historical novel of the same name. The widely anticipated Tamil movie is setting box-office records in Singapore, India and globally, with its Hindi and other Indian-language versions doing well too.
It is certainly a treat for fans who yearn nostalgically for Ratnam’s visually resplendent and highly stylised storytelling.
He and his usual collaborators have showcased the grandeur of the Chola kingdom to a large extent, using research, cinematography and careful staging more than visual effects. The sea battles are a treat to watch.
Like his classics which are contemporary interpretations of Indian epics, Ratnam tries to transform Ponniyin Selvan: 1 into a modern discussion on Tamil ethics, integrity, valour and love. However, while his other films are contemplative, this three-hour actioner gallops like Vanthiyathevan’s unruly horse to cover the plot’s milestones.
One can also quibble that the architecture, costumes and jewellery show anachronistic Mughal influences, but cohesively filling the huge gaps of historical detail is a daunting task. Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman’s music seems a bit too contemporary for the movie, though.
The impressive cast has spared no effort to bring beloved characters to life. Trisha is a show-stealer, Vikram plays the wild and guilt-ridden crown prince with familiar ease, while Ravi exudes dignity in the titular role. But as always, Ratnam shines a loving spotlight on his favourite student, Bollywood star Rai, who is brilliantly unyielding as the antagonist.
Ratnam has mostly fulfilled the high expectations of Tamil audiences just by bringing the story to screen, a feat other Tamil movie stalwarts failed to achieve for six decades.
Hot take: Do not skip Ponniyin Selvan: 1 or risk the fear of missing out. You will need plot cheat sheets though. – Kavitha Karumbayeeram
[ad_2]
Source link