Ponniyin Selvan 1 movie review live: Mani Ratnam's magnum opus is all set to release in theatres this Friday. The film stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, ...
It’s very rare that you want them to excel in what they’re doing and want to keep up with that.” Praising Karthi and Jayam Ravi, he said, “Karthi carries the whole film on his shoulder. [Ponniyin Selvan](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ponniyin-selvan-box-office-prediction-mani-ratnam-epic-set-for-an-earth-shattering-opening-8177768/) is based on the novel of the same name by Kalki Krishnamurthy, which was first published in 1955. [Ponniyin Selvan 1](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/check-out-this-spoiler-free-guide-to-ponniyin-selvan-novel-before-watching-mani-ratnams-film-adaptation-8173832/) releases in theatres on Friday.
Vikram stars as Aditha Karikalan, the crown prince and the commander of northern troops during Sundara Chola's reign. (Lyca Productions pic).
Connection is secure Checking if the site connection is secure Occasionally, you may see this page while the site ensures that the connection is secure.
Interval: Sets up the premise. The dramatic moments are minimal as the focus is on introducing most of the key characters. Karthi shines and his porti.
But PS 1 is certainly engaging and worth catching on the big screen. PS 1 is largely condensed and focuses more on the plot points. The dramatic moments are minimal as the focus is on introducing most of the key characters.
Ponniyin Selvan I box office day one prediction: Going by advance booking numbers and early trends, trade sources indicate a massive ₹50-60 crore first day ...
Ponniyin Selvan I is the first of a two-part historical drama set in the Chola Empire. The novel’s popularity in Tamil-speaking masses is also a contributing factor around the anticipation and hype for the film. In addition, the overseas advance booking numbers of the film are reported to be around $1.3 million ( ₹10 crore) as well. The early reactions from critics, trade analysts, and audiences to the film have been overwhelmingly positive, which means that word of mouth will be strong. That gives Ponniyin Selvan I a first-day worldwide gross of ₹50-60 crore, which will be the highest for any Tamil film this year. As per trade sources, Ponniyin Selvan I had advance booking sales of almost ₹17 crore for Friday.
Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan I has a star-studded cast that understands the weight of translating Kalki Krishnamurthy's masterpiece on the silver screen ...
Whether you are a fan of Kalki’s epic novel or not, Ponniyin Selvan I is a must-watch for the plot and the music alone. Of course, there are differences between the book and the movie but that was to be expected. At the core, the movie remains true to the soul of Kalki’s books—a top-notch narrative, which is propelled forward by compelling performances. The background score is urgent and coaxing, setting the pace of the story. From the grand journey that is PonniNadhi to the lyrical beauty of Chola Chola (shoutout to Ilango Krishnan) and the eerie melody of Alaikadal, the album is a masterpiece in itself. However, it is evident that without VFX, a movie of this scale and grandeur would have been very difficult to execute for the sheer cost alone.
Directed by Mani Ratnam, 'Ponniyin Selvan' is a historic epic drama adapted from the novel. The story revolves around the rise of Chola Empire. Starr.
Taking to Twitter, movie audience state that the screenplay of the story has hooked everyone to the screen without batting an eye and that one even forgets that the film is three hours long. As everybody knows, the magnum opus of Mani Ratnam, 'Ponniyin Selvan' is an adaptation of the novel written by Kalki on the historic fictional royal drama. Now, that the movie has been released, reportedly, people who have read the book said that the movie is extraordinary. Over the years, Bollywood has been making films of Mughal or the kings from history and Tollywood had joined the list with 'Baahubali'. Directed by Mani Ratnam, 'Ponniyin Selvan' is a historic epic drama adapted from the novel. The story revolves around the rise of Chola Empire.
Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan' is based on the historical fiction novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy.ponniyin selvan. movie review. vikram. jayam ravi.
The role is safe in his hands though Ravi overshadows him towards the end of the film. Karthi plays Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan, a witty and charming messenger-warrior who turns out to be the link between the rest of the characters. Vikram’s Karikala Cholan has equal or a little more prominence than the title character in the fist installment of the film series. It has a set of characters and sequences that look all too familiar. Ponniyin Selvan 1 is an epic which has its share of war, revenge, conspiracy, love and what not! That is expected from the master filmmaker especially when it’s his one of the most ambitious works.
Director Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 starring Karthi, Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha and Jayam Ravi is an epic period drama that ...
Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 ends on a high as it reveals the identity of an important character. He takes his own sweet time to build the world of Ponniyin Selvan and throws in crucial details through his characters matter-of-factly. Jayam Ravi, who plays Arunmozhi Varman, in the film, gets introduced in the second half and manages to hold our attention. Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj) is ailing and has announced his eldest son, Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram) as the crown prince. He wants Vanthiyathevan to find out the plan that’s brewing and report it to Sundara Chozhar and Kundavai. Has the film lived up to the expectations?
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 ...
[Mani Ratnam](https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mani-ratnam-ponniyin-selvan-offered-huge-scope-to-me-as-a-filmmaker/article65949411.ece) has pulled off a subject that MGR and [Kamal Haasan dreamt of making](https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ponniyin-selvan-audio-launch-rajinikanth-and-kamal-haasans-camaraderie-steals-the-show/article65860770.ece), is no mean feat. Is he like Karthik ( Alaipayuthe) or Amarkant ( Dil Se...), the one getting his characters to be full of life and romance, akin to the way we felt when we were in love? Or, is he like Surya ( Thalapathi) or Velu Naicker ( Nayakan), people who have weighty choices and decisions to make? But what the audiences will follow — and probably marvel at — is the film's ability to take you into a world from many centuries ago. The source material is rich with myriad characters that undergo a rollercoaster of emotions, and Mani Ratnam gleefully picks them all up to give it a cinematic touch. In PS: 1, he has to deal with both in equal measure. The issue with an epic of this kind is that all characters, except the leads, get little prominence. His only connection to the story is being Aditha Karikalan's friend, but he is the primary gaze through which the film unfolds. [Kalki’s ](https://www.thehindu.com/books/kalki-krishnamurthy-his-life-and-times-more-than-just-a-biography/article65296015.ece)original, that is widely considered the greatest novel written in Tamil literature, will probably be championing their favorite characters among the leads, or waiting for their cherished sequences to unfold on screen. This story can unravel through many avenues, but writer Kalki — and filmmaker Mani Ratnam now — choose to narrate it through the eyes of Vanthiyathevan (Karthi). Vanthiyathevan is us, the audience, peering curiously into a film that packs in valour, greed, honesty and treachery in equal measure. There are quite a few contenders, the lead among them being his son Aditha Karikalan (Vikram).
Ponniyin Selvan I movie review: Mani Ratnam has managed the unthinkable--adapt the literary classic with finesse and impact. All actors do their parts well ...
[Vikram](https://www.hindustantimes.com/topic/vikram)) with the task of delivering important messages to his father Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) and his sister Kundhavi (Trisha). It’s really commendable of Mani Ratnam and his team of writers to pick crucial moments from the five-part novel and turn them into captivating scenes for the big screen. Aishwarya Rai as Nandini has to be the pick of the actors as she has very little to say in terms of dialogues but has so much to express with her eyes and she nails it so convincingly. Mani Ratnam relies more on drama to create the tension and it works to a large extent. [ Ponniyin Selvan I](https://www.hindustantimes.com/topic/ponniyin-selvan), based on the eponymous novel by Kalki, the veteran filmmaker shows who’s the boss, and in what’s easily his most ambitious film ever, he passes with flying colors. It becomes Vanthiyathevan’s duty to find out what the evil plans are and who’s orchestrating everything to tarnish the glory of the Chola Empire.
To fully enjoy the film is to also fully succumb to this one particular vision of one particular director. This process might take a little long, ...
This is a strange feeling because a lot of what you know about these characters isn’t quite earned by the film itself. We discover them through the eyes of Vandhiyathevan, but you need to observe these gorgeous scenes to understand just how much more the film does to elevate the reams of text Kalki writes to describe their beauty. It is brutal, vivid and inescapable like a recurring nightmare that has become much larger as a result of years of regret. Beyond one’s imagination is the least one expects from filmmakers like him and it’s perhaps this weight that has pressed down on a few scenes that did not do more than just efficiently translate text to screen. I also knew the risk of expecting the film to stick to the structure the book followed, forcing you to wait for the big moments that were rousing, hoping for the film to do the same. “Story” is hardly the focus of one’s expectations and it was not like knowing the Mahabharata or the Satyavan Savitri myth lessened the blow Thalapathi (1991) or Roja (1992) left you with.
The film marks the collaboration of some of the stalwarts of Indian cinema such as Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ravi Varman, ...
However, the grandiosity and scale of the epic story made it a hurdle for many actors and film-makers who wanted to make it. Her character Nandini is believed to be the catalyst for the dramatic turn of events in the epic actioner. The actor who has already won legions of admirers for his acting chops is expected to win over the audience with his warrior act. Bachchan who is one of the original pan-India actresses will be seen collaborating with Ratnam for the fourth time. Along with the songs, those who have a penchant for background scores are definitely in for a treat. The novel commands a cult following even today, and several film-makers have attempted to bring it to celluloid. More interestingly, the former Miss World will be seen in the author-backed roles of Pazhuvoor Queen Nandini and Mandakini Devi. Chiyaan Vikram is one of the biggest and most widely known actors from the Tamil film industry. For ‘PS:1’, Rahman has kept the tunes in sync with the period and its dramatic plot line. Ratnam has been known for bringing beauty to the silver screen in its essence. As evident in the trailers and promos, ‘PS:1’ will be a grand feast for the eyes. With its mammoth scale and ensemble cast, ‘PS:1’ has generated considerable interest among moviegoers across the globe.
Vikram Vedha Ponniyin Selvan I movie review and release live updates: Read all updates from reviews to box office predictions and more for both big releases ...
Vikram Vedha has relased in over 4000 screens in India alone, making it one of the biggest releases from Bollywood this year. - Sep 30, 2022 11:28 AM IST The little sister in me walked out of the theatre feeling PROUD. #manisir is a true true genius.” Actor Kangana Ranaut shared her excitement at watching Aishwarya Rai on screen in Ponniyin Selvan: I. Check out box office predictions, movie reviews, and all live updates from the two releases right here.
Ponniyin Selvan I vs Vikram Vedha box office: While both films are targetting different demographics, current trends suggest that Mani Ratnam's historical ...
Across languages and regions, the film is currently expected to make around Rs 40 crore, which could increase to Rs 50 crore as the day progresses. The film is expected to make more than Rs 20 crore in Tamil Nadu alone. The film’s box office potential is also being impacted by the release of director Mani Ratnam’s historical epic [Ponniyin Selvan: I](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/tracing-the-journey-of-ponniyin-selvan-mgr-kamal-haasan-mani-ratnam-8175332/), which is opening to sold-out shows in Tamil Nadu as we speak.
While Vikram Vedha received mixed reviews from audience and critics, Ponniyin Selvan: I or PS: I garnered applause from the audience.
After listening to these stories, Vikram’s understanding of right and wrong begins to alter. This was a historical book which was adapted from a book. Far far better than the original. Just want to say, audience forget theater don't dare to go near to its poster, the criminalized Sasta remake will make you vomit. Witness the carnage on screen. They've gone berserk in the cat and mouse chase game!!! Pushkar and Gayatri have weaved an intricate web with this story and its nothing short of a masterpiece. I can say this with confidence because I have watched the original one and still was hooked and intrigued and entertained!!! Overall, Vikram Vedha is a frame to frame remake of the original Tamil version, those who haven’t seen the OG, they may like the film more. Kadel wrote, “Vikram Vedha is an errant let down, lousy remake of the original. Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh gave the Hritik Roshan film a four-star rating and gave it a one-word review of “terrific.” Adarsh wrote, “Engaging. Saif Ali Khan and Hritik Roshan-starrer Vikram Vedha and Chiyaan Vikram and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Ponniyin Selvan: I have released in theatres today.
Ponniyin Selvan 1 movie review: Mani Ratnam understands Kalki's novel is a mainstream page-turner, so he retains its flavour and neither intellectualises it ...
The next time when we see Karthi, he is in a boat in the ocean. He also understands that Ponniyin Selvan is itself a mainstream page-turner that panders to the audience. Another thing that is majorly in favour of the film is the effective performances. It’s one thing to make shots scream ‘grand’ and another to shoot the innate grandness of things. Another hero of the film has stood behind the camera. When Kundhavai sends Vanthiyathevan to Sri Lanka, the film takes a huge leap. Personally, I felt the most heroic moments went to Trisha as Kundhavai, and not for a second she fails to live upto them. The director has said earlier he was worried about the dialogues as he wanted them to be pure Tamil but not dramatic and archaic. Here’s how: the king is undergoing acupuncture treatment and the doctors are piercing his ‘back’ with needles as he speaks to the traitors. Like in the novel, Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan steals the show effortlessly. The meeting of Nandini ( The war sequences, however, make PS 1 the most commercial film of Mani Ratnam’s career.
The film marks the collaboration of some of the stalwarts of Indian cinema such as Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ravi Varman, ...
However, the grandiosity and scale of the epic story made it a hurdle for many actors and film-makers who wanted to make it. Her character Nandini is believed to be the catalyst for the dramatic turn of events in the epic actioner. The actor who has already won legions of admirers for his acting chops is expected to win over the audience with his warrior act. Bachchan who is one of the original pan-India actresses will be seen collaborating with Ratnam for the fourth time. Along with the songs, those who have a penchant for background scores are definitely in for a treat. The novel commands a cult following even today, and several film-makers have attempted to bring it to celluloid. More interestingly, the former Miss World will be seen in the author-backed roles of Pazhuvoor Queen Nandini and Mandakini Devi. Chiyaan Vikram is one of the biggest and most widely known actors from the Tamil film industry. For ‘PS:1’, Rahman has kept the tunes in sync with the period and its dramatic plot line. Ratnam has been known for bringing beauty to the silver screen in its essence. As evident in the trailers and promos, ‘PS:1’ will be a grand feast for the eyes. With its mammoth scale and ensemble cast, ‘PS:1’ has generated considerable interest among moviegoers across the globe.
Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners' Association president Tiruppur Subramaniam said most theatres sold tickets for 10 days straight. “The film is a big hit ...
“If one were to give a sense of the opening, it has been better than actor Vijay’s recent film, Beast, which saw terrific opening. The reviews are good, which has made sure that the tickets for the next 10 days are booked. Dhananjayan, founding member, Tamil Film Active Producers’ Association and founder, BOFTA film institute in Chennai.
Hrithik Roshan replied to Karthi and mentioned how he has been hearing only good things about Ponniyin Selvan 1.
My love & best wishes to Mani Ratnam Sir & the entire team. [#PS1]looks amazing & I’m hearing only good things about the film. [Ponniyin Selvan 1](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/ponniyin-selvan-1-movie-review-mani-ratnams-aishwarya-rai-8182366/) released in theatres along with the [Hrithik Roshan](https://indianexpress.com/about/hrithik-roshan/) and [Saif Ali Khan](https://indianexpress.com/about/saif-ali-khan/)-led [Vikram Vedha](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/vikram-vedha-movie-review-story-is-the-biggest-star-hrithik-roshan-saif-ali-khan-8181676/) on Friday.
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.
This is a battle much simpler in scale, and yet, much scarier to witness. For one character, in fact, it’s as much a psychological battle as it is physical. Perhaps the foremost pleasure of a Mani Ratnam film is in experiencing his wizardry over the medium. It’s a world in which a man has to undertake an adventure of a thousand miles just to pass on the message of a dozen words. You notice that this isn’t a thousand men taking on another thousand men to bring an epic film to its conclusion. Or how about that incredible pre-interval scene—a directorial masterclass really—that condenses grief and sleeplessness of years into a few minutes of dialogue? Yes, there’s urgency in capturing the violence of thundering hooves and swinging swords, but the fight choreography feels mostly generic with individual set-pieces not bursting with personality—except, I suppose, that final stretch that captures the chaos of a mad sea. He utilises an operatic voice to present a crucial flashback moment, a grand orchestral score for the moments that lead up to it. In fact, Aditha Karikalan’s two powerful moments in this film are big beneficiaries of the Academy Award winner’s score. It’s a world in which a lover has to wait for weeks to learn whether her words of affection have been delivered. It also doubles up as an example of why Mani Ratnam is a master at creating memorable, visual drama. He’s on point as ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, the dutiful prince who comes into the limelight later in the film.
'PS1' is a screen adaptation of the Kalki Krishnamurthy epic serialised from 1950 to 1954, following the rise of the golden age of the Chozha dynasty in the ...
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. However, the film refers to the island mostly as Ilankai, occasionally as Eelam, and subtitled as Lanka. My personal favourite of the track-list is ‘Alaikadal’, a transcendental piece of music, transporting the listener to a boat, ebbing gently on calm seas. My only issue with the soundtrack was that these songs were cut down in the film, to shorten the film’s length. Throughout the novel, Krishnamurthy referred to the island as Eela Naadu. Once in a while, he will release a film reaffirming his status as the cream of the crop. The Chozha rulers are warned of the spilling of Chozha blood, which sets off a plot of treachery, treason and double crossing. The most memorable performances were Trisha as Kundavai (who emitted a majestic aura throughout), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini (a stoic queen, who keeps her cards close to her heart), Vikram as Aditha Karikalan (a brutal heir to the throne, torn up by heartbreak), Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varman and Jayaram as Nambi (the comedic relief for the film, which he performs spectacularly). The needles in his back foreshadow the many minute betrayals in store for him. Vanthiyathevan is the glue holding together the multiple concurrent stories in ‘PS1’, and the casting decision for the part was crucial for the success of the film. Therefore, one of the most celebrated Indian epics seemed to be in pretty stable hands. Indians wear their pride for the two films like a badge of honour, hailing Rajamouli as the King of Indian cinema, especially seeing how his three most recent features (all of them historical fictions) are among the ten highest grossing Indian films of all time.
Ponniyin Selvan witnessed an exceptional opening on Day 1. The Mani Ratnam film stars Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ...
Film has comfortably managed 3rd best opening of the year in TN after #Valimai and #Beast. The film's cinematography has been handled by Ravi Varman. Early box office estimates suggest that the film witnessed an exceptional opening on Day 1. Trade analyst Ramesh Bala writes, "EXCEPTIONAL opening for #PonniyinSelvan part 1 at the Box office. It has been distributed in Tamil Nadu by Red Giant Movies. In spite of facing tough competition from
Ponniyin Selvan, Kalki Krishnamurthy's five-part historical novel on the Chola dynasty, not only captivated generations of Tamil readers, it also cast a spell on Tamil filmmakers and actors, including M.G. Ramachandran, Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam and ...
“If one were to give a sense of the opening, it has been better than actor Vijay’s recent film, Beast, which saw terrific opening. The reviews are good, which has made sure that the tickets for the next 10 days are booked. Dhananjayan, founding member, Tamil Film Active Producers’ Association and founder, BOFTA film institute in Chennai.
Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, Karthi. Director: Mani Ratnam. Rating: 4 stars (out of 5). Shrinking a complex five-volume novel ...
With the air of outright make-believe masterfully reined in, PS-1 is a historical saga that draws the audience in without resorting to the conjurer's art. The film inevitably packs too much into too little time but it never fails to look and sound - A.R. PS-1 is a treat for the eyes as much as it is for the mind. PS-1 is a marvellously tactile film that stays rooted in a specific period without having to create improbable, cardboard cut-out sets suspended somewhere between a puerile understanding of design and a puerile imagination. Mischief is afoot in the expanding Chola empire with Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), wife of the scheming finance minister Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (R. The story unfolds in spaces that are eye-popping without being fantastical in the way that settings of historical epics of this nature usually tend to be. Besides the beauteous and strong-willed Nandini, the tough and clear-headed Chola Princess Kundavai plays an important role as the story progresses. Ratnam is too good a craftsman and storyteller to over-rely on the razzle-dazzle of the kind of unbridled visual effects that have driven recent Indian blockbusters such as Baahubali, RRR and KGF. The characters, be they Chola royalty or men of common stock, sound believable even when they are in declamatory mode, moving seamlessly from uncommon wisdom to chatty banter. It presents a phenomenally smooth ride through an exciting series of events - fierce battles, palace intrigue, lost love, vanquished soldiers seeking revenge, brave resistance - that records the high points of Chola history in a manner that is both tangible and texturally immersive. Needless to say, the tale makes huge technical and artistic demands on Ratnam and his cast and crew. Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1, a period epic that is vast in scale and varied in visual scope, is proof.
The film, which is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Kalki Krishnamurthy, has collected Rs 25.86 crore in Tamil Nadu, outperforming SS Rajamouli's ...
He tweeted, “#PS1 becomes the first Tamil Movie to do back to back $1 Million per day (Sep 29th and 30th) in USA 🇺🇸 🔥.” The film has also performed well in Australia. [Ponniyin Selvan](https://indianexpress.com/article/research/understanding-cholas-the-south-indian-dynasty-that-left-its-imprint-on-southeast-asia-8114552/): I has recorded the best-ever box office collections for a Tamil film. Film trade expert Ramesh Bala shared that the epic has recorded “the Biggest Day 1 opening for a Tamil movie at the WW Box office for 2022.” The film has stiff competition from Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan-starrer Vikram Vedha in the Hindi-speaking states. [Kalki](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/tamil-novel-ponniyan-selvan-adapted-big-screen-by-mani-ratnam-8158446/) Krishnamurthy, has collected Rs 25.86 crore in Tamil Nadu, outperforming SS Rajamouli’s RRR and [Kamal Haasan](https://indianexpress.com/about/kamal-haasan/)’s Vikram. The positive reviews and years of anticipation have helped the film garner a great opening at the ticket counters.
Ponniyin Selvan I box office: Mani Ratnam's period drama starring Karthi, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha Krishnan, and Jayam Ravi, has registered the best ...
The film will be followed by the second part next year. Trade experts are predicting the film to cross ₹200 crore globally in its opening weekend itself. It has made an additional ₹16-18 crore in the rest of the country from its Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada versions, for a total pan-India first day nett collection of ₹40 crore.
The digital rights of the movie have been sold to Amazon Prime Video for Rs 125 crore.
Ponniyin Selvan: I is the third collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Aishwarya Rai after Guru (2007) and Raavanan (2010). Set in 1900 AD, the film will tell the story of Arulmozhi Varman, often called Raja Raja the Great, and his journey to becoming a Chola emperor. [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan](https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/aishwarya-rai-bachchans-massive-rs-776-crore-net-worth-here-are-all-the-insanely-expensive-assets-that-contribute-to-it) has charged Rs 10 crore for playing a dual role in the film.
Mani Ratnam's on-screen adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy's Ponniyin Selvan by the same name is a visual treat. As intriguing and gripping as the book, ...
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. As for Karthi, who breezes through his part effortlessly, some moments make it entirely his film and in some, the humour is forced on the audience. After all, he is entrusted to play the emperor, who ruled a sprawling kingdom, and reigns hearts even today as Raja Raja Cholan. However, it establishes the plot at a built-up pace and Mani Ratnam is in no hurry to quicken it. Vikram as the hot-blooded Karikalan is convincing in his role. With Vanthiyathevan galloping on his horse, we travel through the lush fields along the sparkling waters of Cauvery or Ponni river to the walls of the Chola centre and inside the spectacular palace.