‘Ponniyin Selvan’ Review: In This Enigmatic World, The Women Hold As Much Sway

There is the eldest son, the hot-headed crown Prince, Aditha Karikalan (https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/must-be-so-scary-being-who-you-are-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-actor-vikram-at-ponniyin-selvan-press-conference”>Vikram). Or will it be Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), the clear favourite of the people? Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) arrives with a special message for the Chola emperor and Kundavai (Trisha) makes a trip to Thanjavur to find out about who is conspiring against the King.

The major preoccupation of the first half is to introduce us to the many characters and their motivations. As details bleed out and we peel out the many warring factions, the drama takes hold. Here the VFX is not added to simply dazzle and stun. It’s a more subdued, lived-in vibe that creates lasting impact.

Thanks to Ravi Varman’s brilliant camera work, we get to soak in the luscious hues. For instance, the top angel shot of Nandini – the statuesque Aishwarya Rai as she gracefully gets up to receive a visitor. The colors and set design almost take your breath away. And then, there is AR Rahman’s music seamlessly complimenting the on-screen proceedings.