The music launch of the first part of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, directed by Mani Ratnam, took place in a grand manner in Chennai.
Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Vikram, Trisha, Aishwarya Rai who have acted in the film participated in the program.
Rajini and Kamal attended as special guests and appreciated the crew and director Mani Ratnam.
Mani Ratnam wanted to film what was written by Kalki
Speaking, Mani Ratnam thanked writer Kalki for giving him a wonderful work ‘Ponniin Selvan’. He mentioned that he would also like to thank the producer of the film, Subhash Karan, who came forward to make the film on a grand scale.
“When Subhash asked if I would make this film like ‘Baahubali’, I said no. Similarly, when asked whether Padmavati will be like a Hindi film, I said there is no chance.
“So, what will this film look like,” he asked. Then I said I want to film what is written by Amarar Kalki. The film is being made as it was said on that day,” said Mani Ratnam.
Mani Ratnam refused to give Rajini a chance
Rajinikanth said that when he asked Mani Ratnam to give him a chance to play at least a small role in ‘Ponniin Selvan’, he refused.
“Once I told Mani Ratnam that I wanted to play the big hunter in this story. But he said, ‘I can’t scold your fans. That role is not for you’ and refused to give the opportunity.
“Another time in a popular magazine, the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was answering a question from the readers. A reader had asked which actor would be suitable for the role of Vandiyadevan if the film ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ was made now. To which Jayalalithaa mentioned Rajinikanth in one line.
“I was happy to hear that. Only then I started reading the book ‘Ponniin Selvan’. Also, when the story became a film, I also wanted to act in it,” said Rajinikanth.
Vikram blessed by falling at Rajini’s feet
Earlier, there was a loud applause when he entered the venue. Also, some actors including Vikram fell at his feet and got blessings.
On seeing actress Aishwarya Rai, Rajini himself went near her, tenderly hugged her and inquired about her well-being.
Aishwarya Rai: Mani Ratnam is my guru
Speaking on the occasion, Aishwarya humbly mentioned that Mani Ratnam is Gurunath for her.
He said that the film journey with him started with the film ‘Iruvar’ and the film ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ will remain forever in the hearts of the fans.
“It’s a dream come true to participate in a show with Rajini and Kamal,” said Aishwarya.
Another heroine of the film, Trisha, also said that it is a dream come true to feature in such a grand production.
“Look at everyone sitting in the front row of this show. My eyes are about to fall out,” said Trisha.
Kamal Haasan: There was competition between Mani Ratnam and me
Actor Kamal Haasan revealed that there was some sort of competition between him and Mani Ratnam as to who would shoot the story of ‘Ponniin Selvan’ first.
“Late chief minister MGR had bought the rights to this story. When I met him, he handed over the rights to me and advised me to make it into a film as soon as possible. I did not understand then why he said that.
“After that many others had the same idea. I also tried and failed. Mani Ratnam has succeeded.
“Once when Sivaji met Ganesan he said that Rajini should play the role of Vandiya Devan. I was shocked. I was planning to play that role. When I asked actor Thilakath what kind of character he wanted me to play, Arunmozhi told me to play the role of Varman.
“That didn’t happen. Today, Karthi is playing the role that Rajini wanted to play and Jayamravi is playing the role that he chose for me.
“Every song of AR Rakhuman made my heart skip a beat,” said Kamal Haasan.
Jayam Ravi: It is true that there was competition between the heroes
Jayam Ravi openly spoke about the fact that there was competition between the protagonists in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. He said that he can now understand the difference between other films and Mani Ratnam’s film.
“In other films, the emphasis is on dialogue. Mani Ratnam emphasizes emotions rather than dialogue in the film. There was competition between the protagonists in this film. But it was a well-intentioned competition.
“Even after the shoot is over, you go home, ‘Don’t forget the role of Rajaraja Cholan that you are playing. Mani Ratnam advised that Rajaraja Cholan should be present in everything like your style, dress and speech. I followed it till the end of the film,” said Jayam Ravi.
Karthi: The entire film world can be seen in this film
Actor Karthi said that the entire Tamil film industry can be seen in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’.
He mentioned that all the characters in this film are important and all of them are beautifully crafted. A moment that Tamil people have been waiting for for years has arrived. I am proud to be a part of this film,” said Karthi.
Rahman experience
AR Raghuman said that after he composed the songs for the film, Mani Ratnam approved them after a month.
He mentioned that he composed the music for these songs.
“I imagined some things in my mind and composed music thinking of Tamil and South Indian culture,” said Raghuman.