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Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies’ Ponniyin Selvan-2 (dubbed from the Tamil film of the same name) is the sequel to Ponniyin Selvan – I. Set in the era of the Chola dynasty, the historical starts where the first part ended.
Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), who was presumed dead, is actually alive. Trusted lieutenant Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) is with him. Even as Arunmozhi is recovering from the injuries sustained in the accident in which he was believed to have died, Vanthiyathevan learns of the immediate plans of the conspiracy group to overthrow Chola ruler Sundara Chol’s (Prakash Raj) son, Aditya Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram). On learning that Arunmozhi is alive, the conspiracy group also wants to kill Arunmozhi who is recovering after the accident.
Meanwhile, Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) invites Aditya to her kingdom, Tanjore. Does Aditya go to Tanjore? Does he return safely? Why did Nandini invite Aditya to Tanjore? Was it to avenge her guardian, Veerapandiyan’s (Nassar) killing at the hands of Aditya? What happens to the breakaway group’s plan to overthrow the Chola rulers and make Madhuranthakan (Rahman) the new king? Who ultimately becomes the new king — Aditya, Arunmozhi or Madhuranthakan? What happens in the meeting between Aditya and Nandini? Who is Nandini? Is she really an orphan? Who was her mother? Who was her father?
Like the first part (Ponniyin Selvan – I), the sequel is also based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s book, Ponniyin Selvan. The story of the sequel is very interesting and although it does get confusing at places, it is not as difficult to understand as the first part. The human dramas in the sequel are more interesting, engaging and compelling. The screenplay, written by Mani Ratnam, Jeyamohan and Kumaravel, is pretty interesting. There are so many twists and turns that the audience’s eyes remain glued to the screen. Also, the drama moves at a very fast pace, not letting boredom creep in at any stage. Some confrontation scenes are excellent. Some revelations are also noteworthy. Divya Prakash Dubey’s dialogues are very good.
Chiyaan Vikram shines as Aditya Karikalan. He does a fantastic job and makes a good place for himself in people’s hearts. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks a bewitching beauty and does an excellent job as Nandini. It’s sheer delight to watch her perform. She is also seen as an old woman for a brief part; she lends so much grace in that role too. Jayam Ravi is supremely endearing as Arunmozhi Varman. His integrity as a performer comes across in every single scene. Karthi is both, endearing and praiseworthy. His acting in the role of Vanthiyathevan is superb. Trisha is beauty and grace personified in the role of Kundavai. Her acting has style. Prabhu lends decent support as Periya Velaar. R. Sarath Kumar has his moments as Parvateshwar. Vikram Prabhu leaves a mark as Parthibendra. Prakash Raj is wonderful as Sundara Chol. Aishwarya Lekshmi leaves a fine mark in the role of Poornima. Sobhita Dhulipala makes an impact as Vanathi. Jayaram is entertaining as Nambi. Rahman is wonderful as Madhuranthakan. His honesty to his character is evident. Jayachitra (as Sembiyar Mahadevi), Lal (as Malayaman), Kishore (as Ravidas), Riyaz Khan (as Soman Sambavan), Babu Anthony (as Khottigan), Makarand Deshpande (as head Kalamugar), Vinodhini Vaidyanathan (as Vasuki), Radhakrishnan Parthiban (as Chhote Parvateshwar), Vidhya Subramanian (as Vanavan Mahadevi), and the others provide lovely support.
Mani Ratnam’s direction is extraordinary. Not only has he extracted great work out of his actors but has also made a beautiful film. A.R. Rahman’s music may not comprise songs which are hits but they do provide entertainment when they come. His background music is just too phenomenal. It heightens the impact of the scenes manifold. Gulzar’s lyrics are weighty. Brinda’s choreography is eye-filling. Ravi Varman deserves distinction marks for his cinematography which is par excellence. Action scenes (by Kecha Khamphakdee, Sham Kaushal and Dhilip Subbarayan) are supremely thrilling and exciting without being too gruesome. Thota Tharani’s production designing is grand. The sets are eye-popping. A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing is crisp. Dubbing is excellent.
On the whole, Ponniyin Selvan-2 is a lovely entertainer and will do well in Hindi. Its Tamil version will prove to be a hit.
Released on 28-4-’23 at Inox (daily 5 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity: fair. Opening: so-so. …….Also released all over. Opening was average.