The Ponniyin Selvan movies directed by Mani Ratnam are Tamil cinema's ambitious period drama, not just for the budget but for the amount of time it took to bring Kalki Krishnamurthy's timeless story onscreen.  To the unversed, Ponniyin Selvan is one of Tamil literatures best works; The historical fiction based on 9th century Chola empire is from the '50s. 

Our valiant #PonniyinSelvan has something to tell you!#PS2 trailer releasing on 29th March🔥

5 DAYS TO GO!#PonniyinSelvan2 #CholasAreBack #ManiRatnam @arrahman @madrastalkies_ @LycaProductions @Tipsofficial @tipsmusicsouth @primevideoIN @actor_jayamravi pic.twitter.com/lROXOIqhMC

— Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) March 24, 2023

It took 60+ years for the Tamil cine industry to finally adapt the famous novel into movies and Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 aka PS 1 released in theaters on September 30, 2022. The film made its digital premiere in November, 2022 and can currently be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Ponniyin Selvan 2, its sequel is currently awaiting release in theaters on April 28, 2023. 

With a first single composed by AR Rahman out, the makers of PS-2 have updated that a trailer from the movie will be released on March 29, 2023 [Wednesday]. Though a continuation of the events of PS-1, director Mani Ratnam has said that PS-2, if watched as a standalone would make sense as well. 

"Even those who haven't watched part 1 should understand part 2. Both parts must be indivual as well as go well with each other", said director Mani Ratnam of what he had in mind when he set out to make these films. Ponniyin Selvan story is about who will be the next in throne to the Chola empire. Aditha Karikalan (Vikram), the heir prince stands challenged by the rebel Pandyas - a clan out to revenge the Cholas. He also has his long-lost scorned lover Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), and the Chieftains of his own clan who have mutiny on mind, as obstacles. 

Aditha's  enemies are out to get his younger brother Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi) as well, and movie one ended with Jayam Ravi stranded in the middle of the ocean. Aditha's trusted aide Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) is also stranded in his efforts to save Jayam Ravi, while the rest of the family including princess Kundavai (Trisha) think Ponniyin Selvan is dead.