Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 (U/A)
30/Sep/2022 History, Drama 2hrs 47mins

3.00

Engaging big scale epic minus the drama!

Your experience could largely vary depending on your familiarity with Kalki's novel. PS 1 is largely condensed, and plot driven. So, the emotions of characters and the significance of crucial events don�t register as impactfully as one would have liked. But it also has some other things going for it...(more)

Source: Bharath VijayaKumar, MovieCrow

3.00

Mani Ratnam's epic adaptation is family friendly GOT

Mani Ratnam�s adaptation of the epic is high on VFX and does not follow the usual template of a period film. He takes his own sweet time to build the world of Ponniyin Selvan and throws in crucial details through his characters matter-of-factly. There are several high moments sprinkled throughout th...(more)

Source: Janani, India Today

3.50

Mani Ratnam's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan is spectacular

The casting is more or less spot on. Karthi is terrific as the playful Vandhiyathevan, and along with Jayaram, who plays the spy Alwarkadiyan, infuses humour into the largely serious proceedings. Aishwarya captures the spirit of Nandhini with her beguiling looks, while Vikram, Jayam Ravi and Trisha ...(more)

Source: Suganth, Times Of India

3.50

Epic story gets Mani Ratnam's royal treatment

In PS: 1, he has to deal with both in equal measure. For every ounce of goodness he shows in Arunmozhi Varman, there's a scheming Nandini to balance it. For every second of earnestness in Aditha Karikalan, there are moments of fun that Vandhiyathevan provides. Ponniyin Selvan: 1 is 167 minutes of po...(more)

Source: Srinivasa Ramanujam, The Hindu

3.25

Ponniyin Selvan has grandeur written on each frame, signed by Mani Ratnam the master craftsman.

The film gets its casting on point with each actor fitting their character to the T, and they all emote so well. Vikram gets a meaty scene to showcase all his acting capabilities in the interval block, Jayam Ravi looks super perfect as Arunmozhi Varman, while Karthi is the one who carries the film t...(more)

Source: Behindwoods, Behindwoods.com

3.00

Aishwarya Rai is a revelation in Mani Ratnam's masterful adaptation of classic

Karthi as Vanthiyathevan keeps the mood in an otherwise serious film very lively with his slightly exaggerated but strong performance. Vikram as Aaditha Karikalan lands a very emotional part and as a tragic hero delivers a measured performance. Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi Varma only appears in the secon...(more)

Source: Haricharan Pudipeddi, Hindustan Times

4.00

Mani Ratnam's largely faithful and brilliant adaptation has no dull moments

The difference between Mani Ratnam�s brand of commercial films and the rest becomes evident with Ponniyin Selvan. He doesn�t make demi-gods out of his heroes, they are just kings. Also, the filmmaker respects the audience. When Kundhavai sends Vanthiyathevan to Sri Lanka, the film takes a huge leap....(more)

Source: Kirubhakar Purushothaman, Indian Express

2.50

Mani Ratnam Brings Out The Divinity In Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Yet Again But Rest Everything Is Just Too Scattered

Ponniyin Selvan is an iconic book and one that has enthralled readers in the South for years, the adaptation does manage to explain why showing the basics, but the big show lacks the thunder it must have. Part 2 has a lot to answer and if the approach stays like the first, hopes are dim.(more)

Source: Shubham Kulkarni -, Koimoi