Ponniyin Selvan: I

Ponniyin Selvan : Part One is director Maniratnam's vision of the epic Tamil novel by Kalki. True to the poster the movie is based on the novel but is purely Maniratnam's movie. It does have some minor deviations in plot narrative which might upset purists.

The good part about this movie is one does not have to have read the book. Viewers can experience a version of director Maniratnam's PS:1. It does feel a little bit rushed, however those uninitiated to the PS landscape will be able to catch up. The entire cast and crew deserve a major round of applause and kudos. The visuals, cinematography and performances are the highlights of the movie.

Dare I say, but the parts that annoyed me were that I found the movie highly rushed. I'm no one to judge casting decisions but somehow Lal as Thirukovilur Malayamaan and Mohan Raman as Anirudha Bhramayar didn't quite cut it. Personally, some of the scenes could be a tad brighter and action at times shorter. And Yes, someone else could've played Vanathi.

But above all, this is a wonderful movie. Director Maniratnam's effort has to be appreciated. I gave the movie an 8 based on cast, cinematography, costume and art but have changed it to a 6 for being fragmented.

The book trumps the movie and I'm sure viewers have ample time to read the epic before the next release.

Great screenplay, great visuals, beautiful actors, great performances and really soulful music. An experience through and through, the old mani ratnam is back and this time he has something to prove. Aishwarya and Vikram proves why they are one of the finest actors that have graced Indian cinema and how experience matters the most. Every actor plays their part well, it's such a visual treat.

Maybe the only nitpick that i have is the length, gosh this movie is too detailed and lengthy, but don't let that inhibit you from watching it. One of the finest historical period dramas to come out of India.

I am the biggest fan of Maniratnam. I was so eagerly waiting for this film. I watched it on the first day itself. This film needed a better hero than Karthi. It was hard to take him seriously as a picaresque swashbuckling warrior. He lacked the physical frame and the acting chops to pull it off. Trisha looked gorgeous. The sets and visuals were also lavish. Songs and background score were unremarkable at best. Has Rehman declined this badly? He used to bring his A game for Manirathnam movies. I wouldn't really recommend this film.

So what really went wrong? A lack of narrative punctuation. It lacks those memorable and spectacular scenes that ties it all together. The narration is quite flat and only the occasional beautiful visual spruced me up as a viewer. Remember the Udal Mannukku monologue in Iruvar? That 3 minute 24 second clip on Youtube was more innovative and had more swag than this whole film.

But I am so glad the film is a big hit and it is a pleasure to see your favorite director smiling and celebrating. Mani sir really stuck his neck out with Iruvar and Kannathil Muthamitaal. He deserves this success. Bravo, Mani sir.

The Common Fiction mood is there in the film that mainly progresses the story in a very different and enfold way . The fiction itself lies on the title of the Film as Ponniyin Selvan son of Ponni ( River Ponni ) is saved by her from drowning and thereafter holds the Title.

Rivalry, War and Diplomacy are the stuff that surround the events. There are multiple action scenes. But the main motion is controlled by efficient diplomacy and conspiracy by the people of the royal family and their close ones.

The Screening is undoubtedly amazing. Whether it's the entries of the mainstream characters or the presentations of the songs and dance performance.

All the characters have their own shade and caliber to get the audience's attention. Each character is connected to each other in some way. And the net is spread in a very beautiful manner through all of them.

Very much progressive as a cinematic prologue in its own way.

Mani Sir literally insists the audience by his storytelling to think in a way like the dynasty about which the film is. PS I is mostly about knowing the characters and critical assumptions of the audiences.

Must Watch to Know a deep Rooted psychology and chronological suspense. Its a film greatly scripted down.

And and and Last But Not The Least A. R Rahman's music are just gob smacking.

Mani Ratnam delivers a masterpiece yet again. One would have been forgiven for being a sceptic considering the fact that Ponniyin Selvan is an all time classic of Indian Literature and could have forgiven the makers for not living up to the expectations. However, Mani Ratnam and crew delivers aplomb with PS1. Vikram, Karthi and the rest of the stellar cast did not disappoint a wee bit. The screenplay, direction and music holds its lofty standards throughout the movie. The numerous delays that the movie had before finally hitting the theaters now make sense as well as Mani Ratnam did not leave any stone unturned in making sure the audience were treated to a visual masterpiece.

Part 1 is a must watch and cant wait for Part 2.