“Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2,” released in 2023, is the much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed historical epic “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1.” Directed by the visionary filmmaker Mani Ratnam, this Bollywood masterpiece continues the grand saga of power, betrayal, and valor set in the Chola dynasty. The film is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s beloved Tamil novel, which intricately weaves together the lives and destinies of its central characters against the backdrop of 10th-century South India.
Overview
| ASPECT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Title | Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Genre | Historical Drama, Epic |
| Director | Mani Ratnam |
| Cast | Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, and others |
| Plot Summary | Continuing from Part 1, the second installment delves deeper into the political intrigue and the battles for power within the Chola dynasty. As the young prince Arulmozhivarman rises to prominence, the film explores his journey towards becoming the celebrated emperor Rajaraja Chola I. The narrative weaves through alliances, betrayals, and battles both on the field and within the royal court, richly portraying the medieval South Indian culture. |
| Key Themes | Power, Loyalty, Betrayal, Destiny, Cultural Heritage |
| Visual Style | Lavish sets and costumes, grandiose battle scenes, and meticulous attention to historical detail, capturing the grandeur of the Chola Empire. |
| Critical Reception | The film has been widely praised for its storytelling, production values, and performances, solidifying its status as a landmark in Indian cinema. |
Songs
| TITLE | SINGERS | MUSIC COMPOSER | LYRICIST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chola Chola | Sathya Prakash, VM Mahalingam | AR Rahman | Ilango Krishnan |
| Alaikadal | Antara Nandy | AR Rahman | Ilango Krishnan |
| Aga Naga | Shreya Ghoshal, Shakthisree Gopalan | AR Rahman | Ilango Krishnan |
| Devaraalan Aattam | AR Rahman | AR Rahman | Ilango Krishnan |
| Raatchasa Maamaney | AR Rahman, Bamba Bakya | AR Rahman | Ilango Krishnan |
Cast
| ACTOR | ROLE |
|---|---|
| Vikram | Aditya Karikalan |
| Aishwarya Rai Bachchan | Nandini / Mandakini Devi |
| Jayam Ravi | Arunmozhi Varman |
| Karthi | Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan |
| Trisha Krishnan | Kundavai Pirattiyar |
| Aishwarya Lekshmi | Poonguzhali |
| Sobhita Dhulipala | Vaanathi |
| Sarathkumar | Periya Pazhuvettarayar |
| Prakash Raj | Sundara Chozhar |
| Parthiban | Chinna Pazhuvettarayar |
Short story
Meanwhile, Arulmozhivarman, known as Ponniyin Selvan, is on a diplomatic mission to Lanka. Unbeknownst to him, dark forces are at play to prevent his return. As he navigates treacherous waters and fierce battles, he finds an unexpected ally in the form of the enigmatic Nandhini, whose motives remain unclear.
Back in the Chola heartland, Aditya Karikalan, the fiery crown prince, is consumed by a thirst for vengeance against the Pandya assassins who killed his father. His obsession leads him into a deadly confrontation, orchestrated by the treacherous conspirator, Ravidasan.
