Ponniyin Selvan 2 Review: Must-watch film for its grandeur, brilliant narrative and exuberant performances

Director: Mani Ratnam

Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, and others

Where: Theatres near you

Rating: 3 stars

This film is the second part based on a five-volume novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy’s fictional book (first published in 1955). PS: 2 is an exception as it has been dubbed in Hindi for the North Indian audiences. The magic of Mani Ratnam’s fantasy/periodical drama has been portrayed magnanimously and exuberantly on the big screen. One needs to be glued to the screen as the narrative has been depicted with minutest details. The difference that one notices about all the characters is unusual, every character has its own narrative and thus the story intriguingly binds you. There is no antagonist or protagonist in the film. Every character’s track is meaningful.

The story has all the elements – betrayal, love and it promises loads of drama, not forgetting the depiction of heartache.

There is a threat to the Chola dynasty from the Pandyas and the narrative gives a chance to the audience to pick their side. This forms the crux of the magnum opus of Mani Ratnam. What happens in the climax is worth a watch.

Indisputably, directing such a good adaptation of a well-written book is possible only because of Mani Ratnam’s wit and intelligence. He has handled the entire narrative with grit and sincerity. It must have been a herculean task to bring such a mammoth story on celluloid and yet keep it watchable and interesting.

Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) undeniably is known for his exuberant performances. For example: His slow horse ride when he meets Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) draws your attention. Keeping his eyes glued to Nandini when he meets her after a long time still maintains the pace of his slow horse ride and exchanges the perfect look while delivering his dialogues effortlessly is praiseworthy.

Nandini’s orphaned character depicts a different individual who seems to be caught up in a political drama. Carrying forward from PS: 1 her confrontation with Aditha in PS: 2 will melt your hearts in the climax scene. What happens to Aditha and whether she kills him or not is a must-watch.

Undoubtedly, Aishwarya has nailed it with her performance. She plays a dual role in the film - glammed up as a princess and de-glammed with grey hair, she looks perfect for both the characters. Princess Kundavai played by Trisha is just fine. Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan’s (Karthi) flirtatious yet loyal character will win the hearts of his fans and the audiences. Jayam Ravi plays the role of Arunmozhi Varman who is robust and has the persona befitting to his character. Sobhita Dhulipala has nothing much to perform.

The chase sequences both on land and water have been portrayed pedantically and they bring a soothing sight to the audiences.

Without an iota of doubt, cinematography by Ravi Varman needs a special mention. Every scene seems to have been shot effortlessly in sync with the director's vision.

Fast-paced editing by A Sreekar Prasad has uplifted the film to a greater extent. However, it may be noted that in between the action warring sequences, romance being induced may not go down well with the audiences.

To conclude, PS: 2 is a must-watch film for its making, brilliant narratives and exuberant performances by every character in the film. The film will go down well with the South Indian crowd, however, the makers will have to keep their fingers crossed for the North audience’s response to it.