The trailer for Ponniyin Selvan was unveiled on Tuesday. (Photo; Lyca Productions/Twitter)The trailer and audio launch of Mani Ratnam’s ambitious historical drama Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 was held in Chennai on Tuesday. The film has a star-studded cast that includes Vikram, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prabhu, R Sarathkumar, Vikram Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Rahman and R Parthiban. The teasers, posters and the songs released so far have generated much hype among the audience.
Ponniyin Selvan I tells the story of Arul Mozhivarman (Jayam Ravi) and his ascent to the throne of the Chola kingdom against a coup. The story will be narrated from the point of view of Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi), a messenger of Aditya Karikalan (Vikram), who travels through the southern kingdoms to pass on the messages between the Cholas. The teaser of the film also hinted at a romance between Aditya and Queen Nandini (Aishwarya).
The movie is based on writer Kalki Krishnamurthy’s iconic five-volume novel Ponniyin Selvan and the first part will release on September 30. The film also marks Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s return to the big screen after over four years.
Here is our take on the trailer of Mani Ratnam’s historical drama Ponniyin Selvan Part 1. READ MORE.
“Once in Kumutham Magazine, former CM Jayalalithaa answered a reader's question. One guy had asked who would she like to see as Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan if Ponniyin Selvan was made into a film. She wrote a one-word answer: Rajinikanth,” says Rajinikanth.
Kamal Haasan later shared even Sivaji Ganesan wanted Rajinikanth to play Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan.
“My first thanks to Kalki. Next is Subaskaran. When he asked me what I wanted to do after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, I said I wanted to do Ponniyin Selvan. He thought for a while and said let's do it. He then asked me if it would be like Baahubali. I said no it won't be. He later asked if it would be like Padmaavat. I said no. Then he asked how will it be. I said I am planning to make like what Amarar Kalki had written,” says Mani Ratnam.
“When I told Mani Ratnam that I wanted to play Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, he said no. He said your fans will hate me. But he told me seriously that I will not exploit you that way. Any other director would have used me but that's Mani Ratnam," says Rajinikanth.
"I returned from Bombay and asked for a makeup man. They said just wear foundation. Then the costume came. It was loose pants and loose shirt. I was like what is this. The first scene was with Shobana. She is a bully of sorts. She taunted me that I was going to be removed from the film and Kamal will replace me. It was tough to act in the film. Like stock images, I had a set of stock expressions for the film. For love I had some and emotion some. Mani didn't accept any (laughs). He was asking me to feel. I was like what do I feel. I then called Kamal and said it's really tough to act with this guy (Mani Ratnam). Kamal said I knew this would happen. He suggested me to ask Mani to act and just copy him. That worked. Thanks Kamal."
“There are three heroes of this event. One is Kalki, next is producer Subaskaran and Mani Ratnam. People were waiting for the magazine like fans wait for tickets in theatre. I used to wonder why this novel series was never made as a film. I think it could be because back then the part 1 part 2 trend was not there. That could be the reason. This film will become an achievement in Indian cinema,” says Rajinikanth.
“I don't know where to begin. Mani Ratnam and I have spoken about the film a lot. That itself is a separate story. The story was with MGR and when I went and asked, he gave it to me. And he told me to make the film immediately. I didn't understand why back then. The novel came to public domain. I felt very bad about that. I always thought whether it will be me or Mani who will be make something like Ponniyin Selvan. I tried but couldn't. But Mani has had this dream all along. This film will be a success. And I am glad I am a part of it," says Kama Haasan.
“I thought of saying something, but Aishwarya mam spoke in Tamil and I didn't know if I can do better than that. But I remembered what Kamal sir said in Vikram - 'Indha maadhuri neruthula veernagalaam solrathu enna theriyuma…Paathukalaam’. I kept thinking what did I do for getting this role. I don't think I did anything big. Then later I remembered the dialogue of Rajinikanth sir – ‘Kedakerathu kedakama irukaatha.. kedakama irukarathu kedakathu’. Then I realised the reason why I got the film. It's just simple. For the past 20 years, I woke up and went to work every day. I think if you do that for your work, things will happen," says Jayam Ravi.
The music of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 is composed by Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman.
“This is a historical stage. When people call us with the name of our characters, I think careers are going to change. I salute Kalki here. Love, valour, spirituality, and everything is in this. This has been a decades long dream of Mani Ratnam. Kamal sir wanted to do this with Mani back in 1989. I thank Kamal sir for leaving something for us to do. We are happy to be born in this generation. I was scared about playing the role because even Kamal sir wanted to play the role of Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan. We have enjoyed watching Vikram on screen. To see him in person was an exhilarating experience. Jayam Ravi is my friend. A close friend to whom you can talk about family and things. It was great working with him," says Karthi.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Passion, commitment, dedication, and focus in what you do.
Trisha: Unlearn everything that you have learnt before getting into his film. And everything that Aishwarya mam has said.
"Mani Ratnam is my guru and he will always be my guru...Forever. I started my journey with him with Iruvar and thanks for the honour yet again. This film will he forever memorable. Thank you Suhasini for being there for me always. It is a dream moment to sit together with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan,” says Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
“This is a dream come true for me. To look at the first row of this event... En kannae pattudum pola irukku,” says Trisha.
“I could speak endlessly what a privilege and pleasure it is to be working on this project with Mani Ratnam. He is ever curious,” says Sobhita Dhulipala.
“We shot for Alai Kadal song 3 years back. I remember every single word considering my bad memory. The live performance brought back the memories,” says Aishwarya Lekshmi.
“Yesterday one schedule of Indian 2 got over. We are starting the next schedule in the third week of this month with Kamal Haasan,” says director Shankar.
“Pan-India is a term that's being used everywhere now. According to me, Mani Ratnam is the first pan-Indian director. His Roja laid the pan-Indian path for us to travel easily," says Shankar.
“I was planning to do an album with Bamba Bakya. Unfortunately, he left before that. I hope he is happy wherever he is,” says AR Rahman.
Superstars Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth will launch the trailer of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 in a short while.
"We went to Bali to research for the film. 19th century Tamil sound can be created only by imagination. I sent Mani something. He got back after one month and that's how the journey of the film began," says Ponniyin Selvan music director AR Rahman.
"It was not tough because it was a period film. It is always difficult to work with Mani sir. I started off as an intern with Raavan. Now it's great to work as a costume designer for PS1," says costume designer Eka Lakhani.
“No is a word that Mani Sir doesn't like and I don't know. I am not a cameraman. I am his fan. It's a boon to work with him,” says cinematographer Ravi Varman.
“We had great moments. It's been twenty years since Bombay (first film with Mani Ratnam). It felt like my first film," says art director Thotta Tharani.
"Your effort for the film and to play the role of Nandini is brilliant given that you don't know the language. I am so moved by your performance," says Parthiban.
"I am speaking in all the languages because Ponniyin Selvan is a pan Indian film. Even before loving Suhasini, Mani has loved Ponniyin Selvan. Because of that only he has done this one so well," says Parthiban.
"No one in North knows about Cholas but they will once the film comes out. In Indonesia, Chola Chola song is being heard," says writer Jeyamohan.
Murali of Thenandal Films requests Tamil Nadu government to give tax exemption to Ponniyin Selvan as the film is about our culture and language.
Rajinikanth gives a warm hug to Aishwarya Rai and Mani Ratnam. Vikram touches the superstar’s feet.
Superstar Rajinikanth has arrived for the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1.
Vikram has arrived for the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1. The actor plays Aditya Karikalan in the Mani Ratnam film.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has arrived for the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1. The Bollywood actor plays Nandini in the Mani Ratnam film.
Naaser, who plays Veerapandiyan in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here!
Jayaram, who plays Alwarkkadiyan Nambi in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here. He is accompanied by his son and actor Kalidas Jayaram.
Aditi Rao Hydari looks gorgeous at the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1.
Karthi, who plays Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here!
Trisha, who plays Kundavai Pirattiyar in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here!
Jayam Ravi, who plays Arulmozhivarman in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here!
Vikram Prabhu, who plays Parthibendran Pallavan in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here!
Songs composed by AR Rahman are being played at the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1.
Sarathkumar, who plays Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar in Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, is here!
Superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan will attend the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1.
Dhivyadharshini turns host for the trailer launch of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1.
Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 director Mani Ratnam has arrived for the trailer launch.