Ponniyin Selvan 2 movie review: An incredible visual spectacle

Ponniyin Selvan 2 movie review: An incredible visual spectacle

What: Ponniyin Selvan 2 – PS 2 - the second and final instalment of Madras Talkies's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan book, takes its legacy forward along with the vision, scale and ambition of the master filmmaker Mani Ratnam

Ponniyin Selvan 2 movie review

It's a visual delight - adorned with grand and spectacular set pieces and boasts of exquisite cinematography (by Ravi Varman). Ratnam's flair for intrigue, humour, intimacy and menace is clearly demonstrated in his visual imagination of the source novel.

Digging deeper into the Adithya and Nandini dynamics, played by Vikram and Aishwarya respectively, Ponniyin Selvan 2 also focuses its spotlight on the titular prince Arun Mozhi aka Ponniyin Selvam (Jayam Ravi) who is presumed dead in a shipwreck but is saved by a mysterious old woman and is now safeguarded by the hyper energetic and funny Vanar clan prince and boyfriend of Kundavai(Trisha) played by Karthi.

We were already overloaded with the historical information on the Chola dynasty and it's plethora of characters, the sequel is much more gripping and engrossing and the master storyteller lends more meat and depth into the narrative. The Cholas are under constant threat. Danger lurks at every corner as they navigate betrayal, deception, ambition and guilt on their pursuit to expand their empire.

Driven by a desire for vengeance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is as brooding as beautiful. When the camera flatteringly lenses her green eyes, you know you are exploring the abyss of the ethereal. Vikram always aces in scenes involving high pitched drama and he nails here as well. However, Karthi, Jayam and Trisha get more footage than him. Karthi is brilliant and probably the best in terms of his character evolves.

The actress brigade - Shobhita Dhulipala and Aishwarya Lakshmi struggle to shine as they are somewhat cornered in this twisty tale hallmarked with strategic alliances, conspiracy and clout.

Prakash Raj humanizes his character Sundara Cholan, the ailing emperor of the Chola Dynasty and brings out hid frailties incisively. Needless to say, he stands out from the other veterans - R. Parthiban and R. Sharath Kumar.

Post interval, the pace slackens. A prudent use of editing scissors was definitely required to trim down overlong and Mani's self-indulgent portions from this 2 hours and 45 minutes film.

 

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