Ponniyin Selvan: I
Ponniyin Selvan: I | |
---|---|
Directed by | Mani Ratnam |
Screenplay by | Mani Ratnam Elango Kumaravel B. Jeyamohan |
Story by | Kalki Krishnamurthy |
Based on | Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy |
Produced by | |
Starring | Vikram Karthi Jayam Ravi Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Trisha |
Narrated by | Kamal Haasan |
Cinematography | Ravi Varman |
Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
Music by | A. R. Rahman |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Red Giant Movies |
Release date |
|
Running time | 167 minutes[1] |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Budget | See production |
Box office | est. ₹450–500 crore[a] |
Ponniyin Selvan: I (PS-1, transl. The Son of Ponni) is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language epic action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote it with Elango Kumaravel and B. Jeyamohan. Produced by Ratnam and Subaskaran Allirajah under Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, it is the first of two cinematic parts based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's 1955 novel, Ponniyin Selvan. The film stars an ensemble cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, R. Parthiban, Rahman, Lal and Vikram Prabhu.[5] The music was composed by A. R. Rahman, with cinematography by Ravi Varman, editing by A. Sreekar Prasad, and production design by Thota Tharani. Ponniyin Selvan: I dramatises the early life of Chola prince Arunmozhi Varman, who would become the renowned emperor Rajaraja I (947–1014).[6] In the film, Vandiyathevan sets out to cross the Chola land to deliver a message from the crown prince Aditha Karikalan. Meanwhile, Kundavai attempts to establish political peace as vassals and petty chieftains plot against the throne.
Ever since its publication, a film adaptation of the novel Ponniyin Selvan had been explored by several Tamil filmmakers, including an attempt by M. G. Ramachandran in the late 1950s; however, it never materialised. Decades later, Ratnam attempted to adapt the novel in the late-1980s and early-2010s but was unsuccessful due to financial constraints. He eventually managed to revive the effort in January 2019, after Lyca agreed to fund the film. Following several changes in cast and crew, production of Ponniyin Selvan began in December 2019 and concluded in September 2021, halting twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was shot in various locations across India, with a few sequences in Thailand. It was originally intended to be a single film but was split into two parts.
Ponniyin Selvan: I was released in theatres worldwide on 30 September 2022 in standard and IMAX formats. Ponniyin Selvan: I met with critical acclaim, with emphasis on the direction, musical score, technical aspects, and the cast's performances (with some reviews praising Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayaram and entire cast performances).The film grossed ₹450–500 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2022, third-highest-grossing Indian film of 2022. The film is currently the fourth highest-grossing Tamil film of all time. The film received six nominations at the 16th Asian Film Awards, including Best Film. It won the Best Tamil film award at the 68th Filmfare Awards.[7] The film also won 4 National Awards, in the 70th National Awards, announced on 16th August, 2024, including the best film.[8]
Plot
[edit]In the 10th century, Emperor Sundara Chola of the Chola Empire reigns prosperously in South India while his sons Aditha Karikalan and Arulmozhi Varman aka Ponniyin Selvan are heading their conquests respectively for the empire at Kanchi and Lanka. After winning the battle against Rashtrakutas, Aditha Karikalan dispatches his trusted associate and the Vaanar clan's prince Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan to go to Kadambur and investigate and subsequently pass on the information to his sister Princess Kundavai and Sundara Chozhar as he sensed something was amiss with his courtiers. Vandiyadevan encounters a Vaishnavite Azhwarkkadiyan Nambi before arriving at the fortress of Kadambur, where all the ministers have gathered. Vandiyadevan finds his way into the fortress using his companionship with Kadambur's prince Kandhamaran and overhears a conspiracy devised by the minister of finance and treasurer Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar and other ministers in a meeting to resist Aditha Karikalan from ascending the throne and install his uncle Madhuranthaka Chola on it.
Vandiyadevan witnesses Nambi spying over the conference and after exiting from the fortress, he confronts Nambi on a boat making him disclose that he was there to find his foster sister Nandini, who mysteriously disappeared from the house in his absence and later, married a much older Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. Vandiyadevan later interrupts a convoy of Nandini and informs the latter that he is Nambi's acquaintance and would like to deliver her a message from him, intending to gain access to the palace of royalty in Thanjavur bypassing Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar's younger brother Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar. Nandini gives him a ring that would help him enter the palace and leaves; Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, the fort's chief-in-charge permits Vandiyadevan as the latter presents the ring and claims that it was given to him by Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. Vandiyadevan meets Sundara Chozhar and discloses to him about the conspirators but Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar intervenes and attempts to have him apprehended. Vandiyadevan evades and out of misinterpretation, he is taken to Nandini's chamber where she discovers his motives for meeting Kundavai with Aditha Karikalan's message and asks him to bring the reply to her first. He obliges and is shown a secret tunnel out of the palace.
Vandiyadevan meets Kundavai in Pazhayarai through a friend and flower seller Sendhan Amudhan and relays the information about the scheme against the royalty to her. She issues an order to him to bring Ponniyin Selvan back from Lanka and he complies. Madhuranthaka's mother Sembiyan Madevi asks Madhuranthaka to desist plotting against Sundara Chozhar and his heirs but is rebuffed. Aditha Karikalan narrates in poetic detail to his comrade Parthibendran Pallavan that he was madly in love with Nandini in his teenage and describes how beautiful she was like a spotless flower. He adds that despite his wish to be with her, she was judged unworthy of being a queen of the empire as she was an orphan who sang in the temple. Heedless of his father's warnings, he had continued to love her and one day, he found that she was banished from the city. He explains to Parthibendran Pallavan that it was akin to dying for the first time in his life, which made him seek more and more war, and that he became ruthless in his journey to overcome the pain of broken heart. Aditha Karikalan happened to meet her after several years, tending to his enemy Veerapandiyan, whose he considers to have been her lover. Infuriated, he beheaded Veerapandiyan ruthlessly despite Nandini pleading with him to spare his life, folding her palms and bowing on the floor before him, and presently, emphasizes that Nandini married Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar to take revenge against the Chola Empire.
Ponniyin Selvan emerges victorious in a battle against Raja Mahinda of Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka) while Vandiyadevan engages a rowing woman Poonguzhali (Samuthirakumari) to take him to Lanka and discovers that she admires Ponniyin Selvan and harbors feelings for him. Divulged to be a spy of Sundara Chozhar's well-wisher Prime minister Aniruddha Brahmarayar, Nambi arrives in Lanka and chances upon Vandiyadevan. While Vandiyadevan transmits messages for Ponniyin Selvan from Kundavai and Vaanathi (Princess of Kodumbalur) who is expected to marry him, Nambi suggests that it is dangerous for Ponniyin Selvan to return. Kundavai returns to Thanjavur while Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar and other ministers manipulate Sundara Chozhar into dispatching a convoy to bring Ponniyin Selvan back to Thanjavur as a prisoner for rejecting the throne of Ashoka's daughter, offered to him by Buddhist monks. Sundara Chozhar commands Kundavai to convince Aditha Karikalan and return with him to Thanjavur as it would be inappropriate for the crown prince to be away from the capital.
Meanwhile in Lanka, Pandya Aabathudavigal, a group of rebel assassins of Pandya dynasty headed by Ravi Dasan who are devoted to avenging the death of their late ruler Veerapandiyan, attack Ponniyin Selvan, Nambi and Vandiyadevan intending to assassinate the former. However, they are routed by Oomai Rani, a veiled woman; Ponniyin Selvan claims that she was the one who rescued him from drowning in the river Ponni when he was a child. Kundavai and Vaanathi make it to Kanchi and Kundavai keeps persuading Aditha Karikalan to return, frustrated Aditha Karikalan tells her that she (Kundavai) is the reason why he does not want to come to Kanchi as he does not want to face Nandini for his ruthless behavior towards the girl he loved more than his life. He further adds that the separation from Nandini had turned him into a monster, and he killed Veera Pandiyan mercilessly, unmindful of Nandini's tearful pleas to spare his life. He tells her she haunts him every day through a memory of begging to spare Veera Pandya's life, with folded hands in front of him. Kundavai states that her decision of having Nandini banished from the city was for the dynasty's good but he refuses to agree and states she is jealous of Nandini's beauty and intelligence, he disagrees to come to Kanchi and does not oblige her. Meanwhile, a member of Pandya Aabathudavigal reaches Mahinda and gains from him, an army to accomplish the group's plan of assassinating Ponniyin Selvan. Poonguzhali chances upon the convoy, which is assigned on arresting Ponniyin Selvan, and realizing that it was sent by Pazhuvettaraiyar, she senses a conspiracy and refuses to disclose Ponniyin Selvan's details. She reveals the convoy to Ponniyin Selvan, Vandiyadevan, Nambi, Pallavan (who was sent by Aditha Karikalan to Ponniyin Selvan), and Periya Velar, Vaanathi's uncle.
His well-wishers repudiate sending him to the convoy but deciding to abide by his father's orders, Ponniyin Selvan seeks the help of Poonguzhali to meet the convoy and disguises himself as a mahout, while making Vandiyadevan look like a prince. Poonguzhali and Ponniyin Selvan discover that the convoy is ambushed by Pandya Aabathudavigal, who seizes Vandiyadevan, misunderstanding him to be Ponniyin Selvan. Intending to save Vandiyadevan, Ponniyin Selvan heads to the sailing ship of Pandya Aabathudavigal and fights the latter but the ship eventually drowns in the sea due to a storm while a helpless Poonguzhali tries to rescue them. Ponniyin Selvan and Vandiyadevan are presumed to be dead and the news is relayed to Sundara Chozhar, Kundavai, and Aditha Karikalan who are all devastated. Vowing to retaliate against his brother's apparent death, Aditha Karikalan sets out to Thanjavur to end the deviously deceptive Nandhini. Meanwhile, Oomai Rani, disclosed to be a lookalike of Nandini, deeply dives into the sea and intends to protect Ponniyin Selvan.
Cast
[edit]- Vikram as Aditha Karikalan
- Santhosh as Young Aditha Karikalan
- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a dual role as:
- Nandini (Voice-over by Deepa Venkat)
- Sara Arjun as Young Nandini
- Mandakini Devi (Oomai Rani)
- Nandini (Voice-over by Deepa Venkat)
- Karthi as Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan
- Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi Varman ("Ponniyin Selvan")
- Trisha as Kundavai (Voice-over by Krithika Nelson)
- Jayaram as Alwarkadiyan Nambi
- Prabhu as Periya Vellar Boothi Vikramakesari
- R. Sarathkumar as Periya Pazhuvettarayar
- Vikram Prabhu as Parthibendran Pallavan
- Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali (Voice-over by Ashmini Balakrishnan)
- Sobhita Dhulipala as Vanathi (Voice-over by K. Smruthi)
- Prakash Raj as Sundara Chozhar
- Jayachitra as Sembiyan Mahadevi
- Rahman as Madhurantakan (Voice-over by Azhagam Perumal)
- Ashwin Kakumanu as Sendhan Amudhan
- Adil Hussain as Cholavandhan
- Lal as Malaiyaman
- Kishore as Ravidasan
- Babu Antony as Khottiga Amogavarshan
- R. Parthiban as Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar
- Nassar as Veera Pandiyan
- Nizhalgal Ravi as Sambuvaraiyar
- Mohan Raman as Aniruddha Brahmarayar
- Jayakrishnan as Chozhan
- Vinodhini Vaidyanathan as Vasuki
- Nagineedu as Mandarajan
- Shyam Fernando as Mahindan
- Balaji Sakthivel as Vanangamudiyar
- Yog Japee as Karuthiruman
- Riyaz Khan as Soman Sambavan
- Chandran as Velayudham
- Vidhya Subramanian as Vaanavan Maadevi
- Arjun Chidambaram as Varagunan
- Nimmy Raphael as Rakkamma
- Vinay Kumar Joseph as Devaralan
- Harris Moosa as Kalapathi
- Gopi Kannadasan as Dambulla Bikshu
- Bharat Raj as Karka
- A. Seemon as Ugradevan
- Suresh Ekambaram as Aadhan Maran
- Aswin Rao as Kandhamaran
- Anil Kumar as Pasupathi
- Shakti Ramani as Kani
- Raghav as Amarabujanga Pandiyan
- Ramchandran as Rajaaliyar
- Jaichandran as Thanthongi Kalingarayar
- Amzath Khan as Mazhavarayar
- Kannan as Kundrathur Kizhar
- Sundaram as Mazhapadi Thennavan
- Jaindhan as Mummudi Pallavarayar
- Nambi as Muttharayar
- Bharathiraja Sakthivel as PS Commander
- Heavens Raja as Saivite
- Balla Bhoopalan as Idumbankari
- Manojkumar K as CP Guard 1
- Aadesh Bala as CP Guard 2
- Prabhu Mani as CP Guard 3
- Vikram as CP Guard 4
The film's narration was voiced by Kamal Haasan (both trailer and film), Anil Kapoor (trailer)/Ajay Devgn (film), Rana Daggubati (trailer)/Chiranjeevi (film), Prithviraj Sukumaran (trailer)/Mammootty (film) and Jayanth Kaikini (trailer)/Upendra (film) in the Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages respectively.[9]
Production
[edit]Music
[edit]The film score and soundtrack were composed by Mani Ratnam's regular collaborator A. R. Rahman. The audio rights of the film were purchased by Tips.
The soundtrack consists of six original songs composed by A.R.Rahman, namely, "Ponni Nadhi", "Chola Chola", "Ratchasa Maamaney", "Sol", "Alaikadal" and "Devaralan Aattam". Lyrics were written by Ilango Krishnan, Kabilan, Krithika Nelson and Siva Ananth in the Tamil version and Mehboob Kotwal, Anantha Sriram, Rafeeq Ahamed and Jayanth Kaikini wrote the song lyrics in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada respectively.
Marketing
[edit]Promotional campaign for the film was supposed to begin in July 2022, with the film's teaser trailer planned to be launched at the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, the city which served as the capital for the Chola Empire.[10] Following the launch event, the team also planned a promotional tour for the film.[10] The movie team later on decided to have a grand teaser trailer launch event in Chennai as per their previous schedule on 8 July 2022.[11] The film's teaser trailer was released on 8 July 2022 in Tamil and dubbed versions of Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[12]
The film's trailer and songs were released by the special guests Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan on 6 September 2022 at the Nehru indoor stadium in Tamil and dubbed versions of Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[13] The trailer featured Kamal Haasan voice-over in the Tamil version and Anil Kapoor, Rana Daggubati, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Jayanth Kaikini voice-overs in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada version of the trailer respectively.[13] Posters featuring Sarathkumar, Parthiban, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Jayachithra, Rahman, Vikram Prabhu, Prabhu, Lal and Jayaram were released before the trailer launch event.[citation needed]
Release
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]Ponniyin Selvan: I released on 30 September 2022 worldwide. It was released in Tamil along with the dubbed versions of Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam languages.[14] It was previously scheduled to release on summer (May–July) 2022, but was postponed due to production works.[15] It became the first Tamil film to release in IMAX format.[16]
The film's release across Canada was disrupted after large theatre chains Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas refused to exhibit the film due to ongoing anonymous threats of vandalism if Tamil films were released in their locations. The attacks, which have happened during screenings of Theri (2016) and Kurup (2021), are alleged to have been conducted by owners of Woodside Cinemas and York Cinemas, a local theatre chain in Toronto attempting to hold monopoly of screening Tamil films.[17][18] Ponniyin Selvan: I had a limited Canadian release in select private theatres amidst protection from law enforcement. It was also released in TIFF Bell Lightbox, home of the Toronto International Film Festival, a first for a Tamil film premiere.[19][20]
Distribution
[edit]The distribution rights of the film in Tamil Nadu were acquired by Red Giant Movies. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights were bagged by Sri Venkateswara Creations and Dil Raju.[21][22] The Kerala distribution rights of the film was bagged by Gokulam Gopalan's Sree Gokulam Movies.[23] The overseas theatrical rights of the film were acquired by TentKotta.[citation needed] The North India distribution rights were acquired by Pen India Limited.[24]
Home media
[edit]The digital streaming rights for the film were purchased by Amazon Prime Video for ₹125 crore (US$15 million).[25][26] The film was digitally premiered on Amazon Prime Video from 4 November 2022 in Tamil and dubbed versions of Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[27][28] The Hindi dubbed version was released on 26 November 2022 on the platform.[29][30]
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 87% of 15 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.4/10.[31] Ponniyin Selvan: I met with critical acclaim, with emphasis on the direction, musical score, technical aspects, and the cast's performances (with some reviews praising Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayaram and entire cast performances).[32][33][34]
Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Mani Ratnam understands Kalki's novel is a mainstream page-turner, so he retains its flavour and neither intellectualises it nor dumbs it down".[35] Sonil Dedhia of News 18 rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Ponniyan Selvan 1 is an engaging, involving movie-going experience, and proves once again why Mani Ratnam is one of India's finest filmmakers".[36] Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "The film does not try to amplify any aspect of the novel unnecessarily to fit a narrative that might be the flavour of the season. In fact, it downplays the praise that Kalki lavished on the Chola Empire".[37] Stutee Ghosh of The Quint rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Ponniyin Selvan 1 is grand and royal but unlike the bombastic, hyper-masculine world we are used to seeing these days with overwhelming VFX and CGI, here Mani Ratnam's hold on the narrative never slips".[38] Sukanya Verma of Rediff rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Mani Ratnam's eye for intimacy, enigma, humour and menace bring out the glory of its source and all the imagination in store. One seldom thinks of Mani Ratnam's excellence in terms of VFX but Ponniyin Selvan: 1 goes full steam".[39]
Krishna Selvaseelan of Tamil Guardian rated the film 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing, “The visuals are stunning. Ravi Varman captures the world of 10th century Thamizhakam (and its subcontinent) expertly, bringing life to the world.”[40] Ritika Handoo of Zee News rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "The beauty of Part one of the two-part film lies in the fact that Mani Ratnam has not only made the story concise but has managed to do so carefully, taking adequate care not to dilute the essence of the novel or its charm".[41] Sudhir Srinivasan of Cinema Express rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Perhaps the foremost pleasure of a Mani Ratnam film is in experiencing his wizardry over the medium. We see plenty of evidence of this in Ponniyin Selvan 1".[42] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "The sprawling, spectacularly mounted film is an ambitious, near-flawless adaptation of a much-loved literary work".[43] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Watch the film for its visual grandeur, epic action sequences and some sublime acting by the entire cast".[44] Sanjana Deshpande of The Free Press Journal rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "the cherry on top of the cake was the cinematography by Ravi Varman. He catches the attention of the audience and never lets it go. Each shot is carefully placed and executed. There's so much nuance in the film that is hard to put down in words, it is best experienced!".[45] IANS rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan – Part I' is a masterpiece that deserves all your adulation and love".[46]
M. Suganth of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Mani Ratnam's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan is spectacular", adding "Mani Ratnam finally brings the dream alive with this spectacular adaptation that superbly captures the intrigue, thrills and page-turning quality of the books."[47] Soumyabrata Gupta of Zoom rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Perhaps not a film for the masses, Ponniyin Selvan 1 will ultimately be a cult classic, in time".[48] Vivek M V of Deccan Herald rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Ponniyin Selvan is a winner because Ratnam shows a new way to make epic films".[49] Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and termed it as a "brilliant experience" which doesn't chase the same high as other recent commercial films did. The spectacle lies in the setting and the story of the film that unravels beautifully.[50] Bharathi Pradhan of Lehren rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and termed the film as "Royal and Spectacular".[51] Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Ponniyin Selvan is a bit like Game of Thrones without as much grisly violence. The polished cast and crew will keep you engaged".[52] Movie Herald's Felix said 'Glorious attempt which was effective but too delicate'[53]
Janani K of India Today rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Technically, Ponniyin Selvan is top-notch. Be it Ravi Varman's brilliant cinematography or AR Rahman's excellent score, the film sucks us into the world that Mani Ratnam has created with so much detailing."[54] The Hans India rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "PS 1 is a fascinating drama narrating an epic historical story. Mani Ratnam brought the best of everything on screen for his dream project. The casting and AR Rahman's background score stand as the main highlights of the film. PS 1 is more about drama and less about action"[55] Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Kalki's book gets Mani Ratnam's royal cinematic touch but lacks powerful storytelling".[56] Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times stated "Mani Ratnam has managed the unthinkable—adapt the literary classic with finesse and impact. All actors do their parts well but Aishwarya Rai is a revelation".[57] Likewise, Srinivasa Ramanujam of The Hindu gave the film a positive review, noting that an "epic story gets Mani Ratnam's royal treatment", while adding "Kalki's source material of PS:1 is rich with myriad characters, and Mani Ratnam gleefully picks them all up to give it a cinematic touch, thanks to some powerhouse performances from his all-star cast".[58]
Box office
[edit]The film earned around ₹80 crore (US$9.6 million) on its opening day worldwide and debuted at the top of box offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Australia, while it reached the top 3 in the United States.[59] By its third day, the film earned around ₹80 crore (US$9.6 million) taking its first weekend worldwide collection to ₹230 crore (US$28 million).[60][61][62] The film performed exceptionally well in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and overseas market, but performed average in Karnataka, the Telugu states, and the Hindi belt. The dubbed Hindi version grossed ₹22 crore (US$2.6 million) at the domestic box office.[63] Nonetheless, the film emerged as the highest grossing Tamil movie in Malaysia, Singapore, United States, Australia and the 5th highest grossing Indian movie in the US at that time.[64]
Controversies
[edit]Ponniyin Selvan was initially involved in a controversy about ignoring the Shaivite nature of the Cholas and using the Sricharanam instead of Tripundra on the forehead. [65] [66] Ahead of its release, this was corrected with visual effects and almost all Chola characters appear with a VFX Pattai in the released film series. Also, the assassins behind Aditha Karikalan were not shown to be all as Brahmins as in history whose names were mentioned in Udayarkudi inscriptions. [67]
Accolades
[edit]Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | 2023 | Best Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Nominated | [68] [69] |
Best Director | Mani Ratnam | Nominated | |||
Best Actor | Karthi[b] | Nominated | |||
Vikram[c] | Nominated | ||||
Best Actress | Trisha | Nominated | |||
Best Actress in a Negative Role | Aishwarya Rai Bachchan | Won | |||
Best Music Director | A. R. Rahman[d] | Won | |||
Best Lyricist | Ilango Krishnan for "Ponni Nadhi" and "Chola Chola" | Nominated | |||
Kapilan for "Ratchasa Maamaney" | Nominated | ||||
Best Playback Singer – Female | Shreya Ghosal for "Ratchasa Maamaney"[e] | Nominated | |||
Best Choreographer | Brinda for "Devaralan Attam" | Nominated | |||
Best Cinematographer | Ravi Varman | Won | |||
Best Editor | Sreekar Prasad | Nominated | |||
Best Art Director | Thota Tharani | Won | |||
Best Dialogue Writer | B. Jeyamohan | Nominated | |||
Best Makeup | Vikram Gaikwad | Won | |||
Best Costume Designer | Eka Lakhani | Won | |||
Best Visual Effects | NY VFXWaala | Won | |||
Best Production | Lyca Productions, Madras Talkies | Won | |||
Best Cast and Crew | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Nominated | |||
Asian Film Awards | 2023 | Best Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Nominated | [70] |
Best Editing | A. Sreekar Prasad | Nominated | |||
Best Cinematography | Ravi Varman | Nominated | |||
Best Music | A. R. Rahman | Nominated | |||
Best Costume Design | Eka Lakhani | Nominated | |||
Best Production Design | Thota Tharani | Nominated | |||
Critics' Choice Film Awards | 2023 | Best Actor | Karthi | Nominated | [71] |
Best Cinematographer | Ravi Varman | Nominated | |||
Kerala Film Critics Awards | 2023 | Best Non-Malayalam Movie | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Won | [72] |
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards India | 2023 | Favourite Song (South) | "Ponni Nadhi" | Nominated | [73] |
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards | 2023 | Best Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Won | [74] |
Best Director | Mani Ratnam | Won | |||
Best Male Actor | Karthi | Won | |||
Best Music Director | A. R. Rahman | Won | |||
Best Lyricist | Ilango Krishnan for "Ponni Nadhi" | Won | |||
K.S.Balachandran Award | Jayaram | Won | |||
SIIMA Awards | 2023 | Best Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Won | [75] |
Best Director | Mani Ratnam | Nominated | |||
Best Actor | Vikram[f] | Nominated | |||
Best Actress | Trisha | Won | |||
Best Music Director | A. R. Rahman | Nominated | |||
Best Lyricist | Ilango Krishnan for "Ponni Nadhi" | Won | |||
Best Playback Singer – Female | Antara Nandy for "Alaikadal" | Nominated | |||
Rakshita Suresh for "Sol" | Nominated | ||||
Best Cinematographer | Ravi Varman | Won | |||
Best Art Director | Thota Tharani | Won | |||
Filmfare Awards South | 2024 | Best Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Won | [76] |
Best Director | Mani Ratnam | Won | |||
Best Actor | Karthi | Nominated | |||
Vikram | Nominated | ||||
Best Actress | Aishwarya Rai Bachchan | Nominated | |||
Trisha | Nominated | ||||
Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Aishwarya Lekshmi | Nominated | |||
Best Music Album | A. R. Rahman | Won | |||
Best Lyrics | Ilango Krishnan for "Ponni Nadhi" and "Devaralan Aattam" | Nominated | |||
Best Playback Singer – Female | Antara Nandy for "Alaikadal" | Won | |||
Best Cinematography | Ravi Varman | Won | |||
National Film Awards | 2024 | Best Tamil Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Won | [77] |
Best Cinematography | Ravi Varman | Won | |||
Best Music Direction (Background Score) | A. R. Rahman | Won | |||
Best Sound Design | Anand Krishnamoorthi | Won |
Sequel
[edit]On 17 September 2022, Ratnam in a press meet, confirmed that Ponniyin Selvan: II (PS:2) would be released in six to nine months after the theatrical release of Ponniyin Selvan: I.[78] On 28 December 2022, it was revealed by the unit that PS:2 would be releasing on 28 April 2023.[79]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The box office estimates by different publications are: ₹450 crore by Zee News,[2] ₹480 crore by Pinkvilla,[3] ₹500 crore by Hindustan Times.[4]
- ^ Karthi was nominated for two films – Ponniyin Selvan: I and Sardar
- ^ Vikram was nominated for three films – Ponniyin Selvan: I, Mahaan and Cobra
- ^ A. R. Rahman won the award for three films[69] – Ponniyin Selvan: I, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu and Cobra
- ^ Shreya Ghosal was nominated for two songs – "Ratchasa Maamaney" from Ponniyin Selvan: I and "Maayava Thooyava" from Iravin Nizhal
- ^ Vikram was nominated for two films – Ponniyin Selvan: I and Mahaan
References
[edit]- ^ "Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan' first part run time revealed". The Times of India. 27 August 2022. Archived from the original on 27 August 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
- ^ "இந்த ஆண்டு வெளியான தமிழ்ப் படங்களில் பாக்ஸ் ஆபீஸ் கலெக்ஷனில் அசத்திய டாப் 10 படங்கள்". Zee News (in Tamil). 30 December 2022. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
கிட்டதட்ட 450 கோடிக்கு மேல் படம் வசூலித்தது.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 2 Final Box Office: Mani Ratnam's epic to end run with worldwide cume of Rs 330 crores". Pinkvilla. 17 May 2023. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
Ponniyin Selvan 1 that grossed over Rs 480 crores
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan I box office: Aishwarya Rai-starrer crosses ₹500 crore worldwide, only the second Tamil film to do so". Hindustan Times. 18 November 2022. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ Palat, Lakshana N (13 October 2022). "The women of Ponniyin Selvan: Aishwarya Rai's vengeful Nandini, Trisha's calculating Kundavai are true heroes of Mani Ratnam's saga". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
- ^ Rajendran, Sowmya (7 September 2022). "Haven't read Ponniyin Selvan? We have a cheat sheet for you". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 12 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
- ^ "'RRR' and 'Ponniyin Selvan Part 1' Belatedly Honored by Filmfare South Awards – Global Bulletin". Variety. 12 July 2024.
- ^ "70th National film Awards: Ponniyin Selvan -1 bags four Awards". www.dtnext.in. Daily Thanthi. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan: Kamal Haasan, Anil Kapoor, Rana Daggubati lend voices for trailers of Mani Ratnam's film". Pinkvilla. 7 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ a b "'Ponniyin Selvan' teaser to be launched at a grand event in Thanjavur". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 teaser: Mani Ratnam's film matches Baahubali standards, Aishwarya Rai is ethereal in dual roles". 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ "A big surprise for fans at the 'Ponniyin Selvan' teaser launch!; deets inside". The Times of India. 7 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ a b "'Ponniyin Selvan: Part One' trailer: Mani Ratnam's magnum opus set to spellbind audiences". The Hindu. 6 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
- ^ "Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan Part-1 to hit the screens on September 30". The Times of India. 2 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ^ Palisetty, Ramya (19 September 2021). "Mani Ratnam wraps up Ponniyin Selvan shoot, film to release in the summer of 2022". India Today. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ "'Ponniyin Selvan' to Become First Tamil Film to Release in IMAX". Variety. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Canada Theatre owners receive threats ahead of Ponniyin Selvan release". 28 September 2022. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Castaldo, Joe (23 November 2021). "Cineplex theatres vandalized in apparent attempts to sabotage screenings of films in South Indian languages". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Oakville, Ont. movie theatre 'will not cave' amid threats over new Tamil-language film". CBC. 29 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: 1 still playing in Toronto due to high demand". Firstpost. 29 October 2022. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan release date to be announced soon". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
- ^ "Dil Raju to present Mani Ratnam's most-awaited multi-starrer project Ponniyin Selvan in Telugu". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 21 August 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan: Sree Gokulam Movies Acquires Distribution Rights In Kerala". News 18. 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Pen to distribute PS-I – Hindi in Northern territories". Cinema Express. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- ^ "Amazon Prime Video Bags OTT Rights For Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 1". News18. 29 April 2022. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ K., Janani (12 September 2022). "Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, 2 sold for Rs 125 crore to Amazon Prime Video: Reports". India Today. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 OTT release: When and where to watch Mani Ratnam's historical drama starring Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan". The Indian Express. 28 October 2022. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan OTT release: All you need to know". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
- ^ "Hindi version of Ponniyin Selvan 1 to premiere on OTT on November 26". The Tribune. 12 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 – Official Hindi Trailer". Prime Video India. 23 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan: I". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan I box office day 1 collection: Mani Ratnam film earns ₹40 cr, becomes best opening Tamil movie of 2022". Hindustan Times. October 2022. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
The film has opened to critical acclaim with special praise for Mani Ratnam's direction, Aishwarya Rai's performance, and AR Rahman's musical score.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan I box office collection Day 1: Mani Ratnam's film delivers third-best opening in Tamil Nadu; outperforms RRR and Vikram, breaks records overseas". The Indian Express. October 2022. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
Ponniyin Selvan: I has impressed film critics.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan I box office day 1 collection: Mani Ratnam film earns ₹40 cr, becomes best opening Tamil movie of 2022". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
The film has received mostly positive responses from the fans and even the film critics have praised the director for trying to portray the movie as much as possible as the real novel.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 review: Mani Ratnam's largely faithful and brilliant adaptation has no dull moments". The Indian Express. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review: Mani Ratnam Finally Brings His Dream Alive with a Spectacular Adaptation". News 18. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan review: Mani Ratnam's epic is true to the spirit of Kalki's novel". The News Minute. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "'Ponniyin Selvan' Review: In This Enigmatic World, The Women Hold As Much Sway". The Quint. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review: Awesome!". Rediff. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1: A mighty triumph | Tamil Guardian". www.tamilguardian.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 movie review: Literary classic gets a grand second life". Zee News. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Movie Review: Tasteful writing and top performances make this a likeable adaptation". Cinema Express. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review: Exhilarating And Enriching, With Impressive Performances By Vikram And Cast". NDTV. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan: I Movie Review". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan-1 Review: Mani Ratnam's magnum opus brings Kalki's novel to life". The Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ "'Ponniyin Selvan 1' Review: Mani Ratnam Brings A Remarkable Revival of A Literary Classic". ABP News. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Suganth, M. (30 September 2022). "Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 Movie Review : Mani Ratnam's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan is spectacular". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 movie review: Mani Ratnam's film, starring Aishwarya, Vikram, creates intrigue but leaves much to be desired". Zoom. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ "'Ponniyin Selvan: I' movie review – A visual spectacle with the trademark Mani Ratnam flare". Deccan Herald. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 movie review: Mani Ratnam film is a visual spectacle that is a little less magical than the book". Firstpost. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review – Royal & Spectacular". Lehren. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review: A grand spectacle that sets the tone". Deccan Chronicle. October 2022. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ "Review: Ponniyin Selvan (Part 1) – Glorious attempt which was effective but too delicate". October 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ K, Janani (30 September 2022). "onniyin Selvan Part 1 Movie Review: Mani Ratnam's epic adaptation is family friendly GOT". India Today. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Movie Review: Mani Ratnam's Dream Project Comes True". The Hans India. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ Subramanian, Lakshmi. "Ponniyin Selvan review: Palace intrigue and the power struggle". The Week. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan I movie review: Aishwarya Rai is a revelation in Mani Ratnam's masterful adaptation of classic". Hindustan Times. 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (30 September 2022). "'Ponniyin Selvan: 1' movie review: Epic story gets Mani Ratnam's royal treatment". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Collection Day 2: PS1 Enters Rs 150 Cr Club In Just 2 Days, Rules In US". News18. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan box office collection Day 3: Mani Ratnam's film crosses Rs 230 crore globally". India Today. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan I box office day 3 collection: Vikram-starrer crosses ₹230 crore worldwide on opening weekend". Hindustan Times. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 1 Box Office Collection Day 3: PS1 Earns Rs 230 Crore In First Weekend". News 18. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ "'Ponniyin Selvan: I' crosses 400 crore worldwide, Hindi dubbed version struggles with Rs 21 crore". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan beats Rajinikanth's 2.0 to become highest grossing Tamil film in the US". India Today. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "Ahead of Its Release, Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan Mired in Controversies".
- ^ "Mani Ratnam, Vikram slapped with legal notice over Aditya Karikalan's look in Ponniyin Selvan".
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan: Mani Ratnam's movie brings imperial Cholas under scrutiny".
- ^ "Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards 2022". Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards. 16 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
- ^ a b "Cinema Awards 2022 – Tribute to talent". Ananda Vikatan. 23 March 2023. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (6 January 2023). "Asian Film Awards: Decision to Leave And Drive My Car Lead Nominations". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 6 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
- ^ "Critics Choice Awards 2023: Rocket Boys, Gargi lead nominations list, check out the full list here". Wion News. 24 March 2023. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ "Kerala Film Critics Awards: Kunchacko Boban, Darshana Rajendran share acting honours". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
- ^ "Nickelodeon kids choice awards 2022". Nickelodeon India. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
- ^ "14th Norway Tamil Film Festival Tamilar awards – winners list". Kalaignar Seithigal. 14 February 2023. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
- ^ "SIIMA 2023: Best Film to Best Actress - List of Awards 'Ponniyin Selvan' won". The Times of India. 17 September 2023. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ^ "Winners of the 68th Filmfare Awards South (Tamil) 2023". Filmfare. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ "70th National Film Awards for the year 2022 announced; Aattam bags the Best Feature Film award". Press Information Bureau. 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan Part 2 will release 6 to 9 months after part 1's release, says Mani Ratnam". India Today. 17 September 2022. Archived from the original on 18 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ "Ponniyin Selvan 2: Vikram And Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Film Gets A Release Date". NDTV. 28 December 2022. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
External links
[edit]- 2022 films
- 2020s historical action films
- 2020s historical drama films
- 2020s Indian films
- 2020s Tamil-language films
- 2022 action drama films
- Adaptations of works by Kalki Krishnamurthy
- Fiction about regicide
- Film productions suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Films about princes
- Films directed by Mani Ratnam
- Films released in separate parts
- Films scored by A. R. Rahman
- Films set in the 10th century
- Films set in the 13th century
- Films set in the Chola Empire
- Films shot at Ramoji Film City
- Films shot in Hyderabad, India
- Films shot in Karnataka
- Films shot in Madhya Pradesh
- Films shot in Pollachi
- Films shot in Puducherry
- Films shot in Rajasthan
- Films shot in Tamil Nadu
- Films shot in Thailand
- Historical epic films
- Indian action drama films
- Indian epic films
- Indian historical action films
- Indian historical drama films
- Indian IMAX films
- Tamil-language Indian films
- Films produced by Mani Ratnam
- Films that won the Best Audiography National Film Award
- Films whose cinematographer won the Best Cinematography National Film Award
- Best Tamil Feature Film National Film Award winners