The highly anticipated second part of Mani Ratnam’s historical epic, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, made its global debut in 2023, delighting cinephiles worldwide. Adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s revered 1955 Tamil novel, the film franchise has garnered significant attention and praise. Despite facing challenges along the way, Ratnam’s perseverance has finally paid off, culminating in the realization of this ambitious project.
1995 Novel
Mani Ratnam’s two-part adaptation of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ stands as a testament to his commitment to bringing literary masterpieces to the silver screen. Drawing inspiration from Krishnamurthy’s magnum opus, Ratnam embarked on this cinematic journey, driven by a desire to capture the essence and grandeur of the novel’s narrative.
Only Vikram As Aditha Karikalan
The road to bringing ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ to life on the big screen was fraught with obstacles, with Ratnam encountering numerous setbacks before achieving success. Despite previous failed attempts by revered actors and filmmakers, Ratnam remained undeterred, persisting through challenges to realize his vision for the epic saga.
Notably, actor Vikram’s involvement in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ underscores Ratnam’s discerning eye for talent. Having approached Vikram for the role of Aditya Karikalan on two separate occasions, Ratnam recognized Vikram’s ability to embody the character’s complexity and depth, cementing his position as a central figure in the film’s ensemble cast.
While Vikram’s portrayal of Aditya Karikalan adds depth to the narrative, Ratnam also explored the possibility of collaborating with other leading actors. From approaching Mahesh Babu and Thalapathy Vijay for pivotal roles to receiving interest from Rajinikanth himself, Ratnam navigated the complexities of casting with tact and consideration.
Superstar Rajini Requested To Cast Him
Rajinikanth’s eagerness to participate in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ underscores the allure of the project, yet Ratnam remained steadfast in his vision, adhering to his artistic instincts and creative direction. Despite Rajinikanth’s interest, Ratnam opted to pursue alternative casting choices, prioritizing the cohesion and integrity of the film’s ensemble.
Ss Rajamouli As Inspiration
The success of S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali’ served as a catalyst for Ratnam’s confidence in realizing ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ on the silver screen. Inspired by the monumental achievement of ‘Baahubali’, Ratnam embarked on the ambitious endeavor, leveraging his newfound determination to propel the project forward.
In contrast to the lengthy production timeline of ‘Baahubali’, Ratnam’s efficient approach resulted in the swift completion of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ within a mere 150 days. This accelerated pace speaks to Ratnam’s dedication and meticulous planning, ensuring that the film remained true to its source material while meeting production deadlines.
Sentiment For Tamilians
As a revered literary masterpiece, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ holds a special place in Tamil literature, captivating readers with its compelling narrative and rich historical backdrop. Ratnam’s adaptation endeavors to honor the novel’s legacy, offering audiences a cinematic interpretation that pays homage to its literary origins.
At its core, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ chronicles the captivating journey of Arulmozhivarman, portrayed by Jayam Ravi, as he navigates the complexities of power, ambition, and destiny. From his humble beginnings to his ascent as the formidable Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I, Arulmozhivarman’s story captivates audiences with its depth and resonance.