The climactic story of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: 1, which was released late last year, left viewers not only elated but also befuddled: What occurred to Arunmozhi Varman? that is the mystery lady that makes brief but significant appearances? And, most crucially, what took place in the Chola kingdom’s dynastic battle?
Ponniyin Selvan: 2 addresses to these inquiries as it should. Mani Ratnam’s continuation takes liberal imaginative freedoms by departing out certain portions of the Tamil tradition to tell it visually and the final moments may be the subject of some debate in this setting, particularly among fans of the original novel but it largely encompasses the myriad surprises that occur as the story unravels.
Ponniyin Selvan 2 Storyline:
In the first installment, we got a glimpse of Aditha Karikalan’s (Vikram) and Nandini’s (Aishwarya Rai’s) romance. Ponniyin Selvan: 2 begins with this angle; the opening picture shows a little Nandini swimming in a river. Remember this shot since it makes a cameo later in the movie. Ratnam weaves practically three short AR Rahman tracks into a few moments to describe the tale of young romance before diving into the main story. A plot to assassinate the monarch and two Chola dynasty princes on the same day is underway. Can the Cholas withstand the fury of the Pandiya rebels, resulting from the vengeful Nandhini?
Meanwhile, we learn that Nandini was involved in Arunmozhi’s vanishing and that she now has the task of finishing Aditha as well. The plot also delves into the role of the Oomai Rani, an enigmatic grey-haired woman who helped Arunmozhi at critical junctures in his life. Translating Kalki’s five-part massive novel series into two films is difficult, and every character detail is mind-boggling. Ratnam built a massive canvas with PS-1 and retains the same energy in the sequel.
Ponniyin Selvan 2 Review:
It can be intimidating and overpowering at times, but the filmmaker’s intricate screenplay keeps you hooked. Ponniyin Selvan’s brilliance, however, lies not in its immense scale, but in its moments. The small moments that the characters have with one another. Part 2 is a particularly memorable scene with the three siblings Aditha, Arunmozhe, and Kundavai. Then there’s a scene in which Kundavi lightly flirts with and confesses her emotions to a helpless Vallavaraiyan (Karthi) on a little strip of land in the center of a river, followed by the eagerly awaited face-off between Aditha and Nandini, which is the highlight of the movie.
Apart from its visual grandeur (Ravi Varman’s photography) and heartfelt music by Rahman, Ponniyin Selvan 2 is distinguished by its storyline. It delves deeply into the people and investigates what motivated them to be who they are now. An old grudge, remorse, greed, responsibility, guilt, love–so numerous feelings drive Ratnam’s epic saga’s protagonists. The film is comprehensive and extensive, and it feels a little rushed at times. The plot comes together during the second half, in the end, with a fantastic battle sequence starring Karthi and Jayam Ravi.
Final Verdict:
Ponniyin Selvan-2 works, notwithstanding its slow pace; the film is intriguing to watch because of its superb characters, comprehensive writing, and grandeur. Sure, there are Baahubali-esque embellishments, but Ratnam also has a great tale, which is the show’s eventual winner. Regardless of the war combinations at the finale, Ponniyin Selvan’s core is the relationships and drama among its primary protagonists. Kalki has packed multiple twists into his literary work that may be difficult to follow for those new to the PS world and the genealogy, but Mani Ratnam’s movie version is a satisfying viewing.
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