Review of Ponniyin Selvan, Part 1: Mani Ratnam’s magnificent adaptation of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan
Rating from critics: 3.5/5
Part 1 of “Ponniyin Selvan” A messenger must safeguard the safety of the Chola empire because the crown prince Aaditha Karikalan, his younger brother Arunmozhi Varman, and the emperor Sundara Cholar are all separated by circumstances. The Chola kingdom is threatened by both internal and external enemies. Can he complete his task, especially when Nandhini, Karikalan’s ex-girlfriend, is attempting to topple the Chola empire?
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Part 1 of “Ponniyin Selvan” Review: Mani Ratnam’s stunning adaptation of Kalki’s enormous epic Ponniyin Selvan, which perfectly captures the mystery, thrills, and page-turning nature of the books, finally brings the dream of many Tamil filmmakers to life. The director and his authors, Jeyamohan and Ilango Kumaravel, rise to the occasion in this first of a two-part franchise. The way the book has been compacted is admirable, and the changes—such as Kundhavai barging into a private meeting and the inclusion of Ponniyin Selvan’s enigmatic savior—have boosted the narrative’s drive. The talks of Jeyamohan stand out in particular because he skillfully combines formal and informal language.
The movie does get off to a rocky start because the filmmaker takes his time setting up the story. The kingdom is under attack, so the crown prince Aaditha Karikalan (Vikram) asks his buddy Vandhiyathevan (Karthi) to inform his sister, princess Kunthavai (Trisha), and the emperor Sundara Cholar (Prakash Raj) of the situation. The empire’s finance minister and commander, Periya Pazhuvettarayar (Sarath Kumar), and Chinna Pazhuvettarayar (Radhakrishnan Parthiban), as well as the numerous kings who have pledged allegiance to the ruler, the survivors of the defeated Pandya king, and—most significantly—Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), a plotter who is determined to topple the entire
As we are introduced to the many participants in the plot and the history connecting them, these sections, which inevitably contain some exposition given the nature of the tale, have very jerky transitions. There are points when we feel that there are too many events happening quickly, which could make it difficult for anyone who haven’t read the books to understand the plot. The quick character introductions also mean that we move on to the next one before we completely understand the motivations of the one we just met.
However, the movie soon settles down, and by the time we get to the intermission (when Karikalan is haunted by the ghost of the previous film), we’ve become captivated in this tale of palace intrigue. The pace quickens and the movie races to its conclusion with nail-biting sequences involving the slain Pandya king’s personal guards, who land there to kill Arunmozhi. Additionally, the director sets up the sequel on a high note with a swashbuckling stunt on a ship in a stormy sea. The action then shifts to Sri Lanka, where Karikalan’s younger brother, Arunmozhi Varman (J
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The casting is essentially perfect. Together with Jayaram, who plays the spy Alwarkadiyan, Karthi, who is fantastic as the jovial Vandhiyathevan, injects humour into the mostly serious proceedings. With her seductive charms, Aishwarya successfully channels the spirit of Nandhini, while Vikram, Jayam Ravi, and Trisha are strong as the royals. Unlike in the Baahubali movies, the frames here have a more subdued grandeur. A considerable portion of the film was shot on location, and cinematographer Ravi Varman dazzles us with images of imposing fort walls, immense halls with numerous pillars and high ceilings, a lone boat on a vast stretch of the ocean, and countless bodies lined up on the beach. While the narrative is mostly advanced by the songs by AR Rahman that have been cut up.
Archana Puran Singh, a Bollywood actor, was injured during a film shoot in Mumbai. She fractured her wrist during the shoot and was taken to Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. Singh apologised to Rajkummar Rao for leaving the shoot midway and expressed her gratitude for the surgery.
She also shared the visible swelling around her lips and the lessons she learned from the incident. Singh was discharged after the surgery and is now back at work. She was last seen in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, which starred Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, Mallika Sherawat, and Vijay Raaz. The film failed to perform well at the box office, collecting only ₹58.03 crore worldwide.
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Veteran actress Archana Puran Singh recently suffered a wrist fracture while shooting for her upcoming film alongside actor Rajkummar Rao. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on the film set, leading to immediate medical attention. She was promptly taken to Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital in Vile Parle, Mumbai, where she underwent surgery for the injury.
Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, has expressed his concern and support for Archana during this challenging time. The two actors share a professional camaraderie, having previously collaborated on various projects. Their mutual respect and understanding have been evident in their past interactions.
Archana Puran Singh, a seasoned actress and television personality, has been a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry for decades. She is widely recognized for her roles in films such as “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” “Maine Pyaar Kiya,” and “Baadshah.”
In addition to her film career, she is a beloved judge on the popular television show “The Kapil Sharma Show,” She was promptly taken to for the injury. where her infectious laughter and warm demeanor have won the hearts of audiences.
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Rajkummar Rao, on the other hand, has established himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation. His performances in films like “Newton,” “Stree,” and “Roohi” have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. Known for his commitment to diverse roles and his ability to bring depth to his characters, Rajkummar continues to be a significant presence in the Indian film industry.
The upcoming film featuring Archana Puran Singh and Rajkummar Rao has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry insiders. Details about the film’s plot and release date are currently under wraps, but the collaboration between these two esteemed actors has piqued interest.
In the meantime, Archana is focusing on her recovery, following medical advice and undergoing necessary physiotherapy sessions. She has expressed gratitude for the support and well-wishes from her fans and colleagues. Her resilience and positive attitude during this period are commendable, and she remains committed to returning to work once she has fully healed.
The incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with the entertainment industry. It highlights the importance of safety measures on set and the need for prompt medical attention in case of injuries. Both Archana and Rajkummar have demonstrated professionalism and dedication, ensuring that the production continues smoothly despite the unforeseen circumstances.
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Fans eagerly await updates on Archana’s recovery and the progress of the film. The collaboration between these two talented actors is anticipated to bring a compelling and engaging story to the screen, further enriching the Indian film landscape.
For more insights into Archana Puran Singh’s journey and her experiences in the entertainment industry, you can watch the following video
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