One Line Review: PS-1 aka Ponniyin Selvan Part: One is Mani Ratnam’s version of the classic five-part epic novel in Tamil about the Cholas with the same name.
PS-1 Youtube Trailer
Cast: Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Vikram, Karthi, etc.
Directed By: Mani Ratnam
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Introduction
PS-1 is a visual representation of Kalki’s epic novel, a dream project of Mani Ratnam.
Mani Ratnam’s adaptation of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan is spectacular
~ Times Of India
Our rating for PS-1 is 09/10.
Summary
Aaditha Karikalan sends a warning to the Chola King, his brother Ponniyin Selvan about an incoming threat over the dynasty. Karikalan’s best friend and warrior Vanthiya Thevan is assigned the task of taking this message to Ponniyin Selvan who is in Srilanka. On his way, Vanthiyathevan meets Kunthavai who is also a sibling of both Karikalan and Ponniyin Selvan, and takes her message as well to Ponniyin Selvan.
Aaditha Karikalan is suffering from a heartbreak caused by the love of his life Nandini. Nandini with a cunning plan keeps making her moves to attain the throne while the Chola dynasty is under threat.
Review
PS-1 is an excellent adaptation of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan. Mani Ratnam is a genius filmmaker and he proved it yet again. Encapsulating a five-part book into a single novel is not an easy task. Mani Ratnam had executed PS-1 in such a packed narration without losing the essence of the characters and the story by Kalki, just that, PS-1 is his version of Ponniyin Selvan.
One of the biggest pluses of the movie is the background score and songs composed by the maestro A. R. Rahman. His composition aligns well with the pace and mood of the story. The next big thing is the stellar star cast. While Vikram as a performer nailed it as a broken warrior prince in the limited screenspace, Karthi as Vanthiya Thevan took the story ahead throughout with his charm and dialogues.
Aishwarya Rai and Trisha are a treat for sore eyes. Both of their presence proved what a mastermind Mani Ratnam is when it comes to casting. Then comes Shobitha Dhulipala and Aishwarya Lekshmi who portrayed the roles of Vaanathi and Poonguzhali in a perfect way. Jayaram as Azhvarkadiyan Nambi was brilliant and shady. Jayam Ravi, who plays the title character Ponniyin Selvan aka Arulmozhi Varman comes in the second half of the movie. The only doubt was whether he will be fit to play such a role. But after watching the movie, it felt like none other could have done justice to the play the character of the calm, composed yet clever King.
In short, PS-1 is magnificent in every way!
Conclusion
PS-1 is a must-watch for all cine lovers. After all, just like all other Mani Ratnam movies. PS-1 too is a textbook reference for filmmakers!
