Most of these historical dramas have the same beats. The intrigue, the succession, the backstabbing, the twists, the deaths, the grandeur…It’s something Indian audiences are used to. So you have to do great for the audience to like your historical drama. Where movies like Baahubali decide to go big, Ponniyin Selvan decides to go small.
The first 10 or so minutes of Ponniyin Selvan Part 2 is a flashback that fleshes out the relationship between Karikaalan and Nandhini, two lovers separated for reasons beyond their control. PS-2 could have used a lot of its runtime for mind-blowing action sequences. But instead, it chooses to focus on the relationships between these royals and the reasoning that powers their decisions. If you’re expecting a more grandiose, mass-template historical movie, Ponniyin Selvan ain’t it. It’s its own thing.
Plot & Performances
Based on Kalki’s famous novel of the same name, Ponniyin Selvan Part 2 continues the story from PS-1, with Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), the youngest prince of the Chozha kingdom and the titular “Ponniyin Selvan”, presumed dead after a shipwreck. In the ensuing chaos, various factions are vying for control or destruction of the Chozha kingdom for their reasons. Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai), queen of the Pazhuvur Clan, wants the Chozha kingdom destroyed as revenge for the death of her adoptive father, the Pandiyas want revenge on the crown prince of the Chozha kingdom Aditha Karikaalan (Vikram) for the death of their king. Meanwhile, Madhurantakan (Raghuman), son of an erstwhile Chozha king, considers the throne as his birthright and is in cahoots with a rival kingdom to get what he wants.
Since PS-1 did the heavy lifting of setting up the world, characters and their motivations, PS-2 gets to fly at full speed from the word go. Mani Ratnam cast a strong set of actors for this series and the performances are strong across the board. Be it the charming Vanthiyathevan (Karthi), the tactically minded princess Kundavai (Trisha) or the comic relief/spy Alwarkadiyaan (Jeyaram), the history, relationship and banter between these characters is what makes PS-2 such a good movie.
The scene stealers of the movie were easily Vikram and Aishwarya Rai. As former lovers turned enemies, their complicated relationship was the highlight of this movie. Vikram radiates the pain of a tortured soul with such intensity without mouthing a word. With just his eyes and facial expressions, Vikram gets to flex his acting muscles in a way he hasn’t done since 2010’s Raavanan. Aishwarya Rai, in a double role no less, matches his intense acting blow for blow. As Nandhini, Aishwarya Rai powers her character with anger and confusion that leaves every other character in the dust. The chemistry between these two was smoldering that I wouldn’t have minded if the film was just about these two.
One aspect that felt weak to me in PS-1 was Jayam Ravi. As the titular “Ponniyin Selvan”, he didn’t have much of a role or a personality in the first movie. If the movie weren’t named after him, I don’t think any one will believe he was the hero of the story. That issue’s rectified in the second installment to an extent. While he isn’t a scene stealer, Jayam Ravi’s affable presence and charm serve him well as a kind, responsible prince that wants to see his kingdom do well. The supporting cast also consists of heavyweights and solid performers that perform their roles well.
Technicals
Mani Ratnam films have always employed masterful technicians and the Ponniyin Selvan movies are no exception.
Thotta Tharani’s set design for the movie was impeccable as always. With the grandiose fortresses, the intimate halls, and the colorful villages, Tharani imbues his sets with grandeur and world-weariness that’s awe-inducing. Combine that with Ravi Varman’s trusty camerawork that’s easy on the eyes. Ponniyin Selvan doesn’t have to do much to suspend our disbelief about watching a movie about a bygone era.
Barring “Aga Naga” and “Veera Raja Veera”, AR Rahman’s music for the movie isn’t going to be regarded as a classic. But it flows well with the movie and the background score provides extra impact to the important scenes.
It’s not all roses though.
I haven’t read the novel. So I have no clue if Mani Ratnam adapted the novel as is or if he made any changes. Some of the more important plot threads get a pretty limp resolution that might make the audience feel cheated. The first movie took its sweet time setting up the world. But PS-2 seems to barrel towards the end at lightspeed, especially in the second half. This ends up taking away some context for some scenes that might confound the audience. If this is Mani Ratnam just adapting the novel as is, then some effort should have been taken to improve certain plot points.
One other aspect that I found PS-1 lacking was the staging of the action sequences. Unfortunately, this is an area that PS-2 hasn’t improved upon much. The action sequences were done well. But the war sequences lacked the necessary punch and pizzazz that these movies usually require. Sreekar Prasad’s editing is rock solid for the movie. But it does take the wind out of the war sequences with those rapid cut style editing. It does feel like Mani Ratnam can’t direct a war scene even if his life depended on it.
On the whole, PS-2 is a worthy follow-up to the first installment of Mani Ratnam’s historical epic. It’s not without its issues. But if you looking for a well directed, terrifically acted historical drama, Ponniyin Selvan has you covered.