‘Ponniin Selvan Part 1’ movie online is whether the treacherous darkness surrounding the Chola Empire has gone away or not. When Adittha Karikalan learns of the conspiracy in the Chola country, he sends two leaves to his friend Vandiyadeva, instructing him to hand over one of them to his father Sundara Chola and the other to his sister Kundavai. ‘Ponniin Selvan 1’ is a compilation of the problems that take place in Vandiyathevan’s journey, as Vandiyathevan goes to Chola Nadu on the orders of Adittha Karikalan, learns of the intrigues going on there, and tells the truth to the king and the princess.
Director Mani Ratnam has adapted Kalki’s novel ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, which many have tried to film. Along with him, Ilango Kumaravel and Jayamohan have written the screenplay. Kalki has put his imagination into the writings and staged grand scenes in the mind flow of the readers of the novel. The novel gives us the feeling of sitting behind Vandiyathevan as he describes his paths. Mani Ratnam has tried his best to give screen form to such writings. They are helpful in some places and stumbling in others.
The effort of the director and the film crew to reach the fantasy world built by the readers of the novel is admirable. But for non-readers, the story and characters are new, and the detailing for them is missing. Similarly, instead of shooting the novel as it is, many places have been cut and shortened according to the duration of the film.
The strength of the film is its cast. Vikram as Aditha Karikalan. In the scenes where he melts thinking of Nandini, and in the scenes where he beats his enemies to dust on the field, Aditha looks like a Karikalan. Karthi perfectly fits the role of Vandiyathevan as a skilled warrior who adapts to the situation. Her chemistry goes well with Jayaram who is the Alvarkadiyan. He also makes us laugh with his one-liners in the quiet scenes.
Jayam Ravi is entertaining as the youthful prince. Aishwarya Rai and Trisha grace the screen like a clear stream and do justice to Kalki’s characters. Especially, the scenes where the two meet opposite each other are thrilling.
Aishwarya Lakshmi’s poongujali impresses in a wet suit as a fish floating inside a ship in the middle of the ocean. Jayaram, who has given life to the character of Alvarkadiyan Nambi, has given an intimidating performance in terms of hair style, style, clothes and body language. Apart from Prakashraj, Sarathkumar, Parthiban, Prabhu, Rahman, Shadows Ravi, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Kishore get attention with excellent performances.
When Aishwarya Rai says ‘Don’t be fooled by the treasure’, Jayamohan’s retort is ‘I’m looking at the diamond mine’. Aditha Karikalan – A little flashback attraction for Nandini. The fight scenes on the ship in the second half, the war scenes, and Thottadharani’s art add to the quality of the film. Ravi Varman’s cinematography is a grand visual experience and a feast for the eyes. Especially in the scenes where Vikram puns on Aishwarya Rai, the erratic panning camera and the experience it creates are novel.
For Aishwarya Rai, music composer AR Rahman has created the mood for the characters by scoring a unique Pinnani score for Trisha. In ‘Ponni Nadhi’, ‘Chozha Chozha’, the soul-melting song and background score at the end conveys the soul to the audience without imprinting the film.
Although there are some flaws such as slow-moving screenplay, CG that breaks in some places, and incomplete scenes for those who have not read the novel, Ponniin Selvan creates a visual experience feast for the fans.