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Ponniyin Selvan: Part II

Now’s not the best time to appreciate “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” the back half of a highly anticipated Tamil language adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy ’s revered multi-volume historical drama. The indeterminate future’s probably the moment for this sequel, by which time S.S. Rajamouli’s influence might not seem as important to contemporary Indian pop cinema, and Indian movie lovers can (maybe) see with clearer eyes the many imitators of “Baahubali,” Rajamouli’s trend-setting two-part mythopoetic fantasy.

Adapting “Ponniyin Selvan” has been a dream project for a few Indian filmmakers, including writer/director Mani Ratnam , who’s best known to American cinephiles for helming the epochal 1998 Bollywood romantic drama “Dil Se.” Ratnam has also admitted that his two-part version of “Ponniyin Selvan” could not have been made without the inspiration and success of “Baahubali.” It’s easy to see why based on “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” a sequel that, like Rajamouli’s “Baahubali: The Conclusion,” often feels like an involved-but-satisfying de-escalation of the first movie’s dramatic tension. You can’t enjoy “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” without having already seen “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I,” not unless you’ve read Krishnamurthy’s books.

Some good news, which is also bad news: many viewers have probably already read Krishnamurthy’s popular epic, which was originally serialized in “Kalki” magazine throughout the early 1950s. Anyone who hasn’t read the book, but still wants to see “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” on a big screen should know that “Part I” was more about the itinerant Vanar prince Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi) than the beloved title character (Jayan Ravi)—a nickname for the 10 th century Chola dynasty Prince Arunmozhi—or his hothead older brother Aditha (Vikram).

Arunmozhi and Aditha necessarily take more central roles in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” and so do the other main subjects of “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1,” like the princes’ troubled and presumed wicked stepmother Nandini ( Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and their treacherous rival Madhuranthakan (Rahman). Everybody suspects Nandini of scheming to betray her husband—and also murder Aditha, who also suspects and has romantic tension with Nandini.

There’s more Nandini in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” and a lot more supporting characters who either support or defy her, like the Chola chieftains who not-so-secretly back Madhuranthakan, or the Chola princes’ many advisers, like their sister Kundavai ( Trisha Krishnan ) and, oh yeah, Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan. Vallavaraiyan, an itinerant fabulist, zips around “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I” without a formal invitation; he negotiates facetime with various high-powered characters using token favors—a sword, a signet ring, and hand-written messages—and effectively unites the many threads of Krishnamurthy’s sprawling narrative.

In “Part I,” Vallavairyan embodies the Byzantine, freely-associated story-telling traditions that clearly inspired both Ratnam and his two Tamil-speaking co-writers. What arguably puts “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2” over the top, as an overburdened sequel to a long-gestating adaptation, is Ratnam’s characteristic visual acuity, his co-writers’ careful attention to detail, and his mega-watt ensemble cast’s performances. Nandini, in particular, seems more like an emotionally complex character in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” than she did in the last movie. And both Arunmozhi and Aditha smolder more often, though only Vikram gets to show off with equally angsty dialogue like, “Happiness and peace elude those who hate themselves.”

All of the low-key craftsmanship that went into the otherwise high-toned “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I” is still present in “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II,” which was shot concurrently with the last installment over 150 days from 2019 through 2021, and then split in two a la “Baahubali.” Ratnam’s characters have less time indulge in romantic sighing and unrequited romance, though he does make the most of those scenes. I won’t spoil your enjoyment by telling who gazes longingly at whom, since being led around by the nose is a good part of the fun in both “Ponniyin Selvan” movies. That also makes judging “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” a little difficult right now, since it, like “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I,” will likely appreciate with time.

There’s probably nothing in this sequel that could not have also been done by the makers of the many other recent “Baahubali”-inspired mytho-historic epics, so there’s not much that essentially distinguishes “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” as “A Mani Ratnam Film,” as an opening credit says. Then again, it’s a relief to see that “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” looks and moves as well as it does, even if one suspects that it will also hold up when it inevitably surfaces on streaming services like Prime Video, where you can still catch up with “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I.” Ratnam and his collaborators stick the landing on their gargantuan pot-boiler, and while Krishnamurthy’s world may not look as grand as it seemed, either in the moviemakers’ heads or on the page, it is big enough to get lost in.

In limited theatrical release now.

Simon Abrams

Simon Abrams is a native New Yorker and freelance film critic whose work has been featured in  The New York Times ,  Vanity Fair ,  The Village Voice,  and elsewhere.

• Vikram as Aditha Karikalan
• Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini / Oomai Rani
• Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varman
• Karthi as Vanthiyathevan
• Trisha Krishnan as Kundavai
• Prabhu as Periya Velaar
• R. Sarathkumar as Periya Pazhuvettarayar
• Sobhita Dhulipala as Vanathi
• Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali
• Vikram Prabhu as Parthibendran Pallavan
• Prakash Raj as Sundara Chozhar

Original Music Composer

• A. R. Rahman
• Mani Ratnam

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review: An Exceptionally Intimate Epic That Thrives When It’s Not Chasing Bigness

Director: Mani Ratnam

Writers: Mani Ratnam, Jayamohan, Kumaravel

Cast: Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Aishwarya Rai, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayaram

Based on: Kalki Krishnamurthy's novel

It’s the intimacy of  Ponniyin Selvan 2  that is likely to be remembered for longer than its many stretches of spectacle or grandeur. Right from the start, which opens with a detailed flashback that takes us to young Nandini and Adhita Karikalan, we’re reminded that the stakes may be high with the fate of an entire kingdom left hanging, but the priority is always to address deeply personal matters of the heart. The cliffhanger at the end of the first film might not have been a shocking endpoint but the new film takes its own time to get back there because it wants to be rooted in the individual politics of its characters before it reaches the larger politics of the State. 

If the first film only had so much room to go into the specifics of these relationships, given how we first needed to be introduced to these characters,  PS2  thrives on the collective affection/resentment we now feel for them. This gives rise to a series of parallels in the new film which eclipse similar moments from the first. This could be something light and playful like the many times Vandhiyathevan ( Karthi ) runs into Alwarkkadiyan (a hilarious Jayaram) in the weirdest of places or the absolute joy of romance when Vandhiyathevan meets Kundavai (delightful Trisha ) again, this time in a tiny heart-shaped islet (their first meeting was on water too and Vandhiyathevan’s face is covered on both occasions). 

Yet this feeling of familiarity does not fully prepare you for the impact these characters leave you with at the end of the film. The full extent of this is only felt when you analyse the whirlwind of emotions as we go through the many stages of Nandini’s ( Aishwarya Rai ) complex relationship with Adhita Karikalan (Vikram). At first, we may not have understood their respective heartbreaks and the madness it has led them to, yet the novel’s two most fascinating characters get their full arc and the sort of closure befitting two lovers constantly separated by fate. In fact, the soul of  PS2  is dependant so much on this relationship that we feel a void whenever we switch to another chapter or when the focus shifts to other people. 

What makes  PS2  a special film is how we’re always accepting of these characters for who they are as regular people, devoid of the stature their positions come with. Instead of constantly placing them at a pedestal as royalty or as warriors with their lives at stake, the film is capable of showing us a side to them that other films of this scale rarely get to. This is perhaps why the best scene in the film has nothing to do with the kingdom, a throne or an army. It is simply the most private of moments inside a small room within a monastery in which three siblings simply hug (the choreography of this intimate moment is exquisite). It is when this moment hits you that you realise how we’ve invested close to two full films before these siblings finally get to meet and Rahman’s music in this stretch, with a hint of melancholy, also suggests how there may not be another moment such as this.

This is also what makes it exciting to observe how the first film was so different in spirit from  PS2 . If the highlight of the first film included brilliant scenes such as the one in which Kundavai dismantles an entire conspiracy with one clever tactic, the second film dwells on the vulnerabilities of the same individuals, none of whom are at their tactical best. Kundavai fails as a tactician, the same way in which Vandhiyathevan fails as a protector; Nandini fails in her mission much like how Karikalan remains a slave to his past. 

All of these complexities lead us to a terrific character study rather than just remain a visual spectacle (Ravi Varman’s cinematography is expectedly unforgettable) meant to display splendour. When these larger-than-life moments click into place, like a thrilling action block that involves Karthi stumbling down a tall bamboo structure, there is a lot of fun to be had. But for the most part, it is these action set pieces that remain underwhelming later on when the complex conflicts need to be set aside for the resolutions. This is felt strongest in a long stretch that follows a major scene involving Karikalan and Nandini. Without a moment to pause, and with so many major events that happen one after another, this major battle rushes us into a space that is not just emotionally draining but also flat as an action sequence. 

The smooth flow of events in the first half and the complexity of an entire machinery working against the three siblings get diluted as the film rushes past major events later on in the film. A shocking revelation involving Sundara Chola ( Prakash Raj ) and another significant character does not leave you with a moment to reflect. If you’ve read the novels and have lived with these characters for days, you feel you deserve a second to fully absorb the gravity of this information. And if you’re discovering this detail afresh, the film’s pace is such that it remains a mere twist without giving us the space to place it in context and the impact it has on other characters.

But with long stretches of intense interpersonal drama before that, the second film takes us into deeper spaces that remain constantly engaging and consistently rewarding. And even if we find the film moving towards a need to impress with its brute force, it has already given us moments of sensitivity that will remain with us long after the battles. Who else but Mani Ratnam to redefine the term ‘epic’ to mean the hugeness of one’s emotions than the hugeness of budget. 

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 Review: An Epic That Looks Primed To Stand The Test Of Time

Ponniyin selvan 2 review: vikram's powerful presence serving as a firm anchor for a few of the most important sequences. the others in the cast, notably aishwarya rai bachchan, karthi and jayam ravi, are also on the ball..

Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj

Director: Mani Ratnam

Rating: Four stars (out of 5)

With the scale and spectacle of the first part intact in every respect, the Ponniyin Selvan follow-up is shorn of the information overload that made huge demands on those segments of the audience that were not familiar with the long and eventful history of the Chola dynasty. The two parts are roughly identical in length but they differ in the matter of how the plot is underwired. Ponniyin Selvan-2 (PS-2) feels far leaner and more briskly paced than its predecessor.

Palpably more straightforward, the PS-2 narrative, a Tamil historical epic released nationwide in multiple languages, is much easier to grasp and savour. But like the first part, it is frequently eye-popping in terms of its visual grandeur. Mani Ratnam's measured directorial style ensures that the film is much more than just dazzling. It is consistently entertaining and engaging.

PS-2 starts off with a lavishly filmed, wonderfully mounted prologue that takes the audience back to the time of the young Aditha Karikalan's first meeting with orphan girl Nandini, who strays into the kingdom and catches the eye of the Chola prince. The film then dives into the many conspiracies, internecine tussles and secret liaisons that threaten the kingdom.

The script does not let the spotlight move away from the wide spectrum of the drama that is at the heart of the sweeping saga of ambition, betrayal, guilt and expiation. An enemy's enemy is a friend - that is a line that is spouted on more than one occasion. The Cholas have no dearth of enemies lying in wait to forge strategic alliances and launch an attack.

Ponniyin Selvan , based on an adaptation of Kalki's magnum opus by director Mani Ratnam, B. Jeyamohan and Elango Kumaravel, takes some liberties with the much-loved literary work. It yields dividends because the departures are never unduly self-conscious. The overall impact of the construct is accentuated by Ratnam's firm grasp on the technical aspects and the textual essence of the story.

PS-2 , certainly to a significantly greater extent than the first part, is remarkably sinewy and compact whole despite its nearly three-hour runtime. The film is a treat for the eyes. Cinematographer Ravi Varman composes frames that capture the expanse of the locations even as they drill into the granular details of the exquisite images that the camera conjures up. The appeal is neither just sensory or superficial. PS-2 has enough in its folds to touch the mind and the heart.

The pomp and pageantry that are woven into the narrative tapestry do not take attention away from the story - a testimony to Ratnam's ability to achieve an alchemy of visual flourishes, emotional traction and technical finesse. The multiplicity of characters can still baffle a tad, but the free-flowing drama and action on the screen is never less than spellbinding.

On one level, PS-2 continues to be a story of unrequited love. Karikalan's (Vikram) choppy relationship with Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and the danger that it poses to the Chola crown prince constitute an important part of the sprawling plot.

On another, the film addresses the making of the model ruler who was destined to usher in the golden age of the Chola dynasty. It tracks the steps taken by Aditha Karikalan's younger, even-tempered brother, Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), towards the throne as well as the ups and downs that confront Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi), the Vanara clan warrior-prince, as he fights off a series of physical threats.

Arunmozhi's voice of reason and restraint is central to the film because it delivers one of the central themes of the story - the nature of power and ambition weighed against the duties of a ruler. The benign and brave Prince puts a King's purpose into perspective. In one scene, he is advised to hoodwink his people and slip out of a tight spot. He refuses. Without trust in your subjects, governance isn't possible, he asserts. That truism has timeless resonance.

When PS-2 gets into its stride post-credits, Arunmozhi is believed to have perished in a shipwreck, there is talk of revenge in the air and a band of Pandyan warriors are in the middle of covert preparations for an attack on the Cholas. The kingdom is surrounded by traitors and threats lurk at every corner for the ailing King Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) and his children.

PS-2 reveals the story of the grey-haired Mandakini (Aishwarya in a double role), who the audience had seen briefly in the final moments of PS-1 . It delves into the reason for the resemblance that she bears to Nandini and the nature of her relationship with Veerapandiyan, whose dastardly beheading drove a wedge between the Cholas and the Pandyans.

The quality of the performances that the director extracts from the actors is extraordinarily consistent, with Chiyan Vikram's powerful presence serving as a firm anchor for a few of the film's most important sequences. The others in the cast, notably Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi and Jayam Ravi, are also always on the ball and lose no opportunity to make their presence felt.

Trisha (as Chola Princess Kundavai), Sobhita Dhulipala (as Kodumbalur Princess Vaanathi) and Aishwarya Lekshmi (as Poonghuzali alias 'lady of the sea' Samuthirakumari), too, have their moments although they are somewhat crowded out of the film.

With literally a cast of hundreds to deal with, Ratnam does remarkably well to fit them all in and impart to each of the characters a distinct space in the larger scheme of things. Veteran actors like Prakash Raj, R. Sharath Kumar and R. Parthiban have to make do limited footage but they are by no means reduced to irrelevance.

Ponniyin Selvan-2  completes what PS-1 set out to create - a screen version of a daunting text. The result is a cinematic work of monumental proportions, an epic that looks primed to stand the test of time.

• Cast Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 aka PS2 (2023) Ending, Explained: Does Aditha Karikalan Meet a Grim Fate?

Ponniyin Selvan 2, aka PS2 (2023) Ending, Explained: Kalki’s historical fiction Ponniyin Selvan is a fine exercise in mythmaking. The revered author perceived real-life historical figures and events, from the 10th-century Chola Empire, through a dramatic yet somewhat grounded lens. Perhaps, the most ingenious aspect of Kalki’s novel was how he explored the conflicts and character dynamics through his entirely fictitious protagonist – the suave, flirtatious, and yet laser-focused protagonist Vanthiyathevan. The intrepid outsider’s adventuresome journey through the Chola Empire and into the Chola power corridors made Ponniyn Selvan an engrossing page-turner.

It is the kind of epic tale that suits a filmmaker of Mani Ratnam ’s temperament. The veteran director is skillful at gracefully dramatizing conflicts between on-screen characters, although his detailing of contemporary social and political backdrops can be strictly cinematic (or flat). In fact, Ponniyin Selvan doesn’t demand much from a filmmaker in terms of painstakingly establishing the era’s sociopolitical and sociocultural perception.

Yet, apart from the logistics of making such a large-scale film, condensing a 2000+ page novel into a two-part movie adaptation felt like a big ask, even for a Mani Ratnam . Whether you have read the novel or not, Ponniyin Selvan I (PS1 ) felt too rushed and a bit convoluted, as the characters and the emerging conflicts weren’t given enough breathing space for the viewer to process. Kalki’s original story retained the intrigue in the proceedings. Furthermore, the distinct Mani Ratnam signature was missing. It felt like his style was rather subservient to the inherent substance.

Ponniyin Selvan 2, aka PS2, thankfully flows more smoothly and coherently. Most importantly, it offers Mani Ratnam an opportunity beautifully realize his emotional and theatrical set pieces . Now let me briefly recap PS1 before taking a little detailed look into the second and final part of the Ponniyin Selvan saga. Of course, a spoiler alert before wading into the Chola territory.

Ponniyin Selvan Part-I (PS1) Recap:

Part I of Ponniyin Selvan opened with the captivating voice-over of Kamal Haasan, chronicling the internal and external threats plaguing the mid-10th Chola Emperor. The conflicts ensue as the reigning Chola King, Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj), is sick and might not hold on to the throne for long. The succession, however, didn’t seem to present a problem for the kingdom. The Crown Prince is the King’s elder son, Aditha Karikalan (Vikram), an erratic, battle-field loving warrior.

The ailing King Sundara Chozhar lives in the Chola Empire Capital, Thanjavur (aka Tanjore). The king and his fort are protected by a powerful warrior clan spearheaded by the Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (Sarathkumar), who is also the Empire’s treasurer. The old warrior is entangled in a conspiracy driven by his young wife, Nandini (Aishwarya Rai). Under the guise of making Pazhuvettaraiyar more powerful, Nandini asks her husband to support Maduranthaka Chozhar’s – King Sundara Chozhar’s younger brother – right to inherit the throne. Pazhuvettaraiyar and Nandini bring together all the small kings of the Chola Kingdom, alongside Maduranthakan, to gain their complicity in this conspiracy.

Crown Prince Karikalan is in the distant lands on the northern side of his kingdom, waging wars and winning them. Whereas Sundara Chozhar’s second son, Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), is engaged in a battle in Sri Lanka. Hence, it seems like the right moment to usurp the throne. This is where Karikalan’s friend and easygoing warrior of the Vaanar Clan, Vanthiyathevan (Karthi), comes into play. He journeys across the Chola Empire, later to Sri Lanka, falls in love with the King’s only daughter, Princess Kundavai (Trisha), and tries his best to break the conspiracy and protect the three offspring of the Chola King.

Of course, one more intriguing layer to this conspiracy involves Nandini’s vengeful quest. On the one hand, she stokes the internecine conflicts in the Chola Empire through her husband. On the other hand, she is loyal to a wandering tribe of the Pandya Kingdom, who are the archenemies of the Chola Empire. Nandini’s past is a mystery. As an adolescent girl, she was wooed by Aditha Karikalan. But Nandini was soon sent away, citing that she wasn’t a right match for the Chola Prince. Years later, in the battle against Pandyas, Karikalan sees Nandini on the deathbed of Veerapandian (Nasser) – Nandini’s adoptive father. Enraged at finding his former lover tending to the wounds of his enemy, Karikalan takes the man’s head and satiates his blood lust.

Nandini’s grudge against the Cholas, particularly against Karikalan, grows stronger after the incident. She marries Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar to try to dismantle the empire from within. Part I of Ponniyin Selvan ends with the death news of Arulmozhi Varman in the Sri Lankan seas. However, it’s hinted that he is saved by a mute elderly woman who resembles Nandini.

Ponniyin Selvan 2, aka PS2 (2023) Plot Explained:

Ponniyin Selvan 2 opens with a prologue that provides more details about the budding romance between young Karikalan and Nandini. Kundavai – Karikalan’s younger sister – is wary of her brother’s association with Nandini. The young girl is sent away when he declares she will be his future wife and Queen. The painful separation has pushed Karikalan away from palace life to find solace on the battlefields. Nandini has had her share of bitter experiences after falling in love with Karikalan. Now she is determined to slay the man she once loved.

As anticipated, Arulmozhi Varman, aka Ponniyin Selvan, is safe and secure. He is down with a poisonous fever and secretly moved to a Buddhist Monastery in the Tamil coastal town of Nagapattinam. Vanthiyathevan, however, is caught by the Pandya conspirators. A sacrificial ritual of Pandyas unfolds under the presence of Nandini, who unveils her plan to kill the Chola King and his two sons simultaneously. She swears that Karikalan will die at her hands, as she has already invited him to the palace in Kadambur. He is invited under the pretense of solving the crisis within the Empire through dialogue.

The captive Vanthiyathevan overhears Nandini’s assassination plans. But just when he is about to be killed, he reveals to Nandini about seeing a mysterious woman in Sri Lanka, who might be her mother. He says that her name is Mandakini, but she is called ‘Mute Queen.’ Nandini sheds tears hearing about her mother and spares his life. The Pandya men leave him tied up, and he is saved by his friend and sidekick, Nambi (Jayaram). Naturally, Vanthiythevan passes off the information he overheard to the recuperating Arulmozhi Varman and later to Kundavai at Pazhayarai – in an extended sequence that overflows with romantic interplay.

Meanwhile, at Pazhayarai, Maduranthakan – the throne-hungry younger brother of Sundara Chozhar – declares his plans to take control of the Empire without much bloodshed. He enters into a secret agreement with the King of Rashtrkuta Nadu – Chola’s enemies. Karikalan spared the life of that same King after the opening warfare scene in Ponniyin Selvan Part-I. The idea is to make Maduranthakan take the throne from his brother in Tanjore and give a few parts of the Kingdom to Karikalan and Arulmozhi Varman if they swear allegiance to him. He will also marry the daughter of the Rashtrakuta Nadu King’s daughter to expand the Chola Kingdom. However, from Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar to the enemies outside Chola Empire perceive Maduranthakan as a puppet who can be easily controlled, unlike the cunning and assertive sons of King Sundara Chozhar.

An elaborate scheme to kill Arulmozhi Varman at the Buddhist Monastery unfolds. But before that, the three children of the Chola King secretly meet each other in the monastery. Kundavai asks Karikalan not to visit Kadambur, and Arulmozhi Varman speaks of his encounter with the Mute Queen, Mandakini. Soon, the news of Arulmozhi Varman’s survival reaches the people, and crowds surround the premises. The Pandyas spread the rumor that the Buddhists hold him captive. As a result, Arulmozhi Varman is forced to appear in front of the masses and later participate in their festivities. This leads to a riveting set piece where Arulmozhi Varman and Vanthiyathevan effortlessly dispatch the assassins, who are mixed within the crowd.

Upon hearing about Mandakini, Kundavai confronts her father and King Sundara Chozhar. She enquires if Nandini is his illegitimate child. Kundavai recalls how, years back, she sent away Nandini on his insistence and also how he reacted upon seeing Nandini years later at the palace. While the King accepts that he fell in love with Mandakini before taking the throne, he assures Kundavai that Mandikini died long before he married and became the King. Sundara Cholar’s confession or recollection of the past is shot in a manner (an overhead shot) that refers to a scene in the director’s 1997 movie Iruvar.

Subsequently, Kundavai asks the same question to Sembiyan Mahadevi (Jeyachitra) – the devout and just mother of Maduranthakan (who stands against her son’s actions). The old woman swears that Nandini isn’t the King’s illegitimate daughter. But she agrees that the identity of Nandini’s father is a mystery.

Karikalan isn’t shocked upon hearing that there are plans to assassinate him at the Kadambur Palace. He bears the guilt of ruthlessly killing the wounded Pandya King, despite Nandini’s pleas to spare his life. Moreover, he is still unable to forget her. The fearless prince feels it’s only right to confront his enemies and accept the fate that’s dealt to him. Just as Karikalan sets off to Kadambur to meet Nandini, Pandya assassins enter Tanjore Fort through the secret pathway of Nandini and Pazhuvettaraiyar’s quarters. The old yet agile Mandakini with free-flowing white hair appears out of nowhere and follows the assassins into their secret lair.

Arulmozhi Varman reaches in time at Tanjore to meet his father and King. It’s not only Mandakini who identifies the assassins; the fisherwoman Poonguzhali (Aishwarya Lekshmi) also sees the suspicious group and alerts the men protecting the Fort. And just as arrows fly past the King’s quarter to kill him, Mandakini sacrifices herself to save the King. Arulmozhi Varman goes berserk and slashes his way through the intruders.

Ponniyin Selvan 2, aka PS2 (2023) Ending Explained:

Does karikalan meet a grim fate.

At Kadambur, Karikalan engages in talks with Pazuvettaraiyar and the small kings. He is enraged at their idea to divide the Kingdom. He offers to give up the throne, but only if they give him assurance to assume power over the lands he conquers from now on. At the same time, Karikalan knows that his fate will become apparent only with his later meeting with Nandini. Vanthiyathevan usually finds ways to thwart the conspiracies and tries to do the same to save Karikalan. Alas, the Crown Prince, with a smile on his face, yearningly gazes at Nandini and has come prepared to die at her hands.

The face-off between the former lovers is too intense. Karikalan’s conviction to die shakes up Nandini’s resolve to kill him. If Nandini fails to do the deed, the Pandya men are prowling in the shadows to have their vengeance. Karikalan snuffs out the lights and awaits his death and liberation in the darkness.

What’s the Shocking Truth Behind Nandini’s Birth?

Nandini has eventually succeeded in keeping up her promise to the Pandyas. She has reaped her share of Chola blood. But she is broken after looking at the corpse of Karikalan. Vanthiyathevan is deeply hurt for failing to protect his Prince and initially stands accused as the murderer. Later, before the King, Vanthiyathevan states that while he didn’t wield the knife that killed Karikalan, he is responsible for his death. Nandini escapes on a ship with her co-conspirators and unexpectedly learns the shocking truth about her biological father.

Veerapandian – the father figure who protected her throughout her youth – is her birth father. Nandini also learns that she was born out of rape. The Pandya assassin, Ravi Dasan (Kishore), discloses that it’s why Veerapandian atoned for his sins on his deathbed and why the remaining Pandya men followed her without any questions.

What Happened to Nandini in the End of Ponniyin Selvan 2 aka PS2?

The truth pushes Nandini to despair, and she drowns herself. Since the Pandyas’ plan to kill the King failed, and the Kingdom remains strong despite Karikalan’s death, they will only be hunted down. Moreover, Nandini’s identity and schemings are now known to everyone, including Pazhuvettaraiyar. The imagery of her death in the water hints at the full circle of the bleak love story between Karikalan and Nandini.

Ponniyin Selvan, however, doesn’t end on a grim note. The Chola Empire’s old enemy, the Kingdom of Rashtrakuta Nadu, invades their lands, hoping that the Kingdom is divided. Fortunately, Maduranthakan finally comes to his senses, and the Cholas stand united on the battlefield. While it’s not a thoroughly captivating or inventive warfare sequence, it’s adequate enough and an improvement over the action set pieces in Part I.

Like Kalki, Mani Ratnam ends Ponniyin Selvan on a high note and gives into the mythmaking of Arulmozhi Varman, later known as Raja Raja Cholan, who reigned the Chola Kingdom between 985-1014 CE. He was the most powerful Tamil King, whose military conquests, administrative mechanisms, and naval expeditions are well-documented.

Final Thoughts:

Ponniyin Selvan 2, aka PS2 (2023), is a slow-burn period drama, which is a little tough to sell in the current high-octane blockbuster format of Indian cinema. Yet the film largely works due to the beautiful staging techniques of Mani Ratnam and his cinematographer Ravi Varman. While the faithful followers of the novel might be disappointed by Ponniyin Selvan on the whole, PS2, in particular, I felt takes up a suitable dramatic canvas to bring alive the crux of Kalki’s sprawling story. Only time will tell if Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2 remains one of Mani Ratnam’s best works. Despite numerous criticisms we have about his films and themes, it’s inspiring to see the man embarking on such adventurous movie projects and delivering them in style in his fortieth year of filmmaking.

Related Read: Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022) Movie Ending, Explained – Who is the woman with white hair?

Ponniyin selvan 2 (ps2) (2023) links: imdb , letterboxd, ponniyin selvan 2 (ps2) (2023) cast: vikram, aishwarya rai, karthi, trisha, jayam ravi, prakash raj, sarathkumar, sobhita dhulipala, aishwarya lekshmi, parthiban, and prabhu..

Arun Kumar is an ardent cinebuff, who likes to analyze movie to its minute detail. He believes in the transformative power and shared-dream experience of cinema.

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Ponniyin Selvan: Part I

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PS2 box office collection prediction: Will Ponniyin Selvan 2 be the new industry hit in Tamil Nadu?

Ps2 box office collection prediction: the much-awaited film is a two-part historical saga and its first part earned over rs 500 crore worldwide. the second film is expected to do equally well..

Updated Apr 28, 2023 16:53 IST

PS2 box office collection prediction: Will Ponniyin Selvan 2 be he new industry hit Tamil Nadu?

#PonniyinSelvan2 will be the new Industry Hit in TN.. undefined — ANI (@ANI) Apr 28, 2023

Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two (PS2) IMDB Rating

Ponniyin selvan: part two (ps2) review by public on microblogging site.

Just finished #PonniyanSelvan2 and personally I enjoyed it more than the first, absolutely a brilliant film from… t.co/qG6nzkRPFz — ANI (@ANI) Apr 28, 2023

That's it.. that's the Tweet..! #PonniyanSelvan2 #CholasAreBack ✨🔥 t.co/NP7PR74Icq — ANI (@ANI) Apr 28, 2023

Showtime 📺 : #PS2 ( #PonniyanSelvan2 )Runtime 📽️: 2Hr44minsFull House occupied with maximum number of Family Aud… t.co/17E2a0Gfdq — ANI (@ANI) Apr 28, 2023

#PS2 #PonniyinSelvan2 Vikram and Aish Rai stole the show. Trisha, JR, Karthi all very good. Visuals and art 🔥 No id… t.co/F6RCXHwtd8 — ANI (@ANI) Apr 28, 2023

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 movie review and box office collection LIVE updates: Khushbu watches the film in IMAX at the US

"Just watched #PS2 in US, in IMAX. what an experience! It's not a movie, it's an emotion. A well deserving standing ovation to one & only, The #ManiRatnam !! Brilliant performances. Every actor has lived the character. @arrahman breathes into story with his magic. Only #Subhashkaran can do this grandeur. A must watch! @hasinimani @LycaProductions. #PonniyinSelvan2"

Khushbu Sundar

'Ponniyin Selvan 2' becomes one of the top 3 openings in Tamil Nadu

Following the big films released this year, 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' after 'Varisu' and 'Thunivu' falls in the line as the third film that gets a massive opening in Tamil Nadu.

'Ponniyin Selvan 2' box office collection day 1

'Ponniyiin Selvan 2' made a box office collection of Rs 38 crore on day 1. However it has not exceeded the first day collection made by its prequel which was Rs 80 crore. The first part of the film performed well overseas, but reportedly the sequel has not made much news abroad.

Hollywood actor Daniel Caltagirone wishes his 'Thangalaan' costar Vikram!

Taking to Twitter, the foreign actor wrote, "A big shout out to my friend, the incredible @chiyaan, on the amazing film #PonniyinSelvan2, released today. Love ya!"

Vikram wants a happy ending love story!

"#PonniyinSelvan2 is enthralling. Visually sumptuous but more importantly, rich in emotion. The superbly rendered tragic love story between Aditya and Nandini powers the film. Detailed review coming soon but do watch - preferably in Tamil with subtitles!"

Anupama Chopra

"#PonniyinSelvan2 - Big credit to #JayamRavi for convincingly pulling off the role of the king, with so much elan and valor. His performance in the interval block, the fort fight and the climax show us why he is such a good choice for the role. Terrific overall show"

Siddharth Srinivas, Film Strategist

Fans want Aishwarya Rai to win a national award for her acting in the film!

'Ponniyin Sevlan 2' to make a great opening as theatres run housefull for a week!

After its release today, 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' through word of mouth has received a huge praise and the theatres are brimming with audience. Reportedly, theatres in Tamil Nadu are running housefull for a week as all the tickets are sold!

Fans applaud recreating similar scene sequence of Aishwarya Rai and Vikram from Raavanan!

Hatsoff #ManiRathnam sir to recreate this scene❤️🥵 ⚔️#Ravanan X #AdithyaKarikalan🤴 Best wishes for all my chiyaan v… https://t.co/NVodAkeY9o — Thalapathy ⚔️ Thalaivan Orey Rasigan🗡️ (@__Vj_Str) 1682674606000

The cast of PS2 watched the FDFS along with fans!

#PonniyinSelvan2 is Epic

Rathna Kumar, Director

Did you know Trisha had to follow this political leader style to play Kundavai in 'Ponniyin Selvan'?

Trisha played the female lead role as 'Kundavai' in 'Ponniyin Selvan'. In a recent promotional interview, the actress said that Mani Ratnam asked her to follow late actress and politician J Jayalalithaa to play her character as Kundavai in the right way.

Here's when you can watch 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' on OTT!

'Ponniyin Selvan 2' will be makings its digital premiere in June second week. Reportedly, the film will be available on OTT after 5 weeks from its release date.

"#PonniyinSelvan2 First half takes it up a notch higher. Drama intensifies. Not a single character wasted nor compromised. Narration pace is not hurried as more knots unfold. Maniratnam makes sincere attempt to stay true to the Kalki's vision #ARRahman #ManiRatnam #Chiyaan."

Movie audience

Fans compare 'Ponniyin Selvan' with ;Baahubali'

This is not the first time that fans are comparing 'Ponniyin Selvan' with 'Baahubali. But, last time when the comparison just stayed with visuals, this time movie audiences reportedly took to social media to state that Mani Ratnam's creation is 100 times better to Baahubali in comparison with story and screenplay. Earlier, Mani Ratnam revealed that he decided to make 'Ponniyin Selvan' in two parts after thinking about how 'Baahubali' was made.

Here's a lovely picture from the film!!

'Ponniyin Selvan 2' leaked online!

Reportedly, the HD prints of the film is now available on multiple illegal sites. Though the movie makers warned over the pirating the film, the full film has been entirely leaked. Official action is yet to be taken.

'Ponniyin Selvan 2' shows in USA is fully booked!

#PonniyinSelvan2 running successfully in USA, huge crowd gathered for matinee show 🥵💥 #Bahubali2 box office record… https://t.co/8rUV5liUH4 — 🥶. (@KuskithalaV6) 1682668870000

"#PonniyinSelvan2 Interval: Really good. Mani Ratnam presents a clear cut story with zero distractions, smooth narration all the way with such glowing performances from all the actors. Not about the high moments but does engage you, of course - with AR Rahman's blazing score!"

Siddharth Srinivas, Film strategist

Here's the 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' movie review

Having set the plot in motion in the first part, with Ponniyin Selvan 2, Mani Ratnam dives right into the heart of the novel.

Here's how Chiyaan Vikram made a stylish entry for 'PS 2' FDFS

பொன்னியின் செல்வன் 2 யை பார்க்க வந்த நடிகர் சியான் விக்ரம்... #PS2 #palazzo https://t.co/sxMdjRRFbd — Libika Palanivel (@CpLibi) 1682662278000

Fans call Aishwarya Rai a brilliant performer

Updated Apr 28, 2023, 10:44 IST

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Twitter Review: Mani Ratnam's Magnum Opus Earns Praise (Image Credit: Twitter)

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 review and release LIVE UPDATES: Mani Ratnam film gets positive response

Ponniyin selvan 2 movie release, movie review live updates: aishwarya rai, jayam ravi, karthi, trisha and vikram return in mani ratnam film based on kalki krishnamurthy’s five-part novel series..

The second part of Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan 2 is now out in the theaters. Actors Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Jayaram, Prabhu, R Sarathkumar, Parthiban, Rahman, and Vikram Prabhu reprise their roles in the second installment of the epic drama that narrates the story of the Chola Dynasty. The film is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s five-part novel series of the same name. Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 covered one-third of the novel series and the rest is expected to be told in the second part.

From the trailer of Ponniyin Selvan 2, we already know that Vikram’s Karikalan is offered to rule half of the Chola kingdom and for the other half, a new crown prince has been announced after the apparent death of Ponniyin Selvan. However, Jayam Ravi, who plays the titular character, is shown to be alive.

Ponniyin Selvan 1 received mixed reviews. But the film did a smashing business at the ticket counter, minting over Rs 480 crore globally.

Ponniyin Selvan 2 marks the fifth collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after Iruvar, Ravan, Guru, and Ponniyin Selvan 1.

When asked if Aishwarya is his lucky charm, the filmmaker said during a press conference, “Filmmakers are very selfish people. Absolutely heartless and selfish, the only thing they care for is the film. However much I love her, I ask her only if I think she is right for the role. Every time I have asked her is because I have believed that she was absolutely right for the role and she has been nice enough to say yes. So, she is not just a lucky charm for me, it is her talent and her personality that was right to portray this character.”

Follow latest updates about Ponniyin Selvan 2

In case you missed it, here is our review of Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 2.

Wishing #Mani sir & team #PonniyinSelvan great success! ?? @arrahman @MadrasTalkies_ @LycaProductions @chiyaan @actor_jayamravi @Karthi_Offl #AishwaryaRaiBachchan @realsarathkumar @trishtrashers #AishwaryaLekshmi #SobhitaDhulipala | Prabhu | Jayaram | @prakashraaj | Jayachitra… pic.twitter.com/u8WPOFCsgf — Silambarasan TR (@SilambarasanTR_) April 28, 2023

Silambarasan took to Twitter to cheer for the Ponniyin Selvan 2 team.

This scene is ?, the romance is just free-flowing between #VandhiyThevan @Karthi_Offl and #Kundhavai @trishtrashers . They were too good as on-screen pair, it’s time for filmmakers to use them in an out and out romantic drama or comedy ! ?? pic.twitter.com/846zyVyusS — Rajasekar (@sekartweets) April 28, 2023

Only love for our Cholas! #PS2 has arrived! Book now on https://t.co/xsst5ge6pu ! #PS2FromToday #CholasAreBack #PS2 #PonniyinSelvan2 #ManiRatnam @arrahman @LycaProductions @RedGiantMovies_ @Tipsofficial pic.twitter.com/HYlxbLHCwg — AGS Cinemas (@agscinemas) April 28, 2023

FDFS has never been more electrifying! Our #PS2 team watched the FDFS with the audience! The Cholas have arrived in theatres near you! #PS2FromToday #CholasAreBack #PS2 #PonniyinSelvan2 #ManiRatnam @arrahman @LycaProductions @RedGiantMovies_ @Tipsofficial @tipsmusicsouth @IMAX … pic.twitter.com/F3Tg6Evgcz — Madras Talkies (@MadrasTalkies_) April 28, 2023

The Twitter handle of Mani Ratnam's production house Madras Talkies shared this picture of the Ponniyin Selvan 2 cast watching the film.

Ready to watch ponniyin Selvan with family and friends now pic.twitter.com/zMB5xrf3oi — Suhasini Maniratnam (@hasinimani) April 28, 2023

Filmmaker Mani Ratnam's wife Suhasini Maniratnam posted a picture just before watching Ponniyin Selvan 2.

Know your level ra goltis ? #ManiRatnam >>> @ssrajamouli #PonniyinSelvan2 >> #Bahubali2 PRIDE OF INDIAN CINEMA #PS2 ?? pic.twitter.com/wVG0JmSyut — Kanchipuram Vijay Fan (@VfcKanchipuram) April 28, 2023

Many fans are comparing Baahubali and Ponniyin Selvan 2, calling Mani Ratnam the better filmmaker.

Actor Vikram, in an interview with PTI, said that the aura of the film was bigger than the cast's individual image. "When you go to a set, you have your aura, big or small hero, and everybody responds to you that way, unless you are a new face. So, the way you are treated you take that for granted. But when you have a film like this, everybody here is a hero or heroine. Then there is Mani sir, who is the master craftsman, (so) when we went there, we all forgot that image."

My Guru, Rocks on!! ♥??? #PS2 #PonniyinSelvan2 pic.twitter.com/Ms829gawpS — Sudha Kongara (@Sudha_Kongara) April 28, 2023

Soorarai Pottru director Sudha Kongara tweeted a clip of Mani Ratnam from Ponniyin Selvan sets and cheered for him.

Actor Jayam Ravi, who plays the titular role in Ponniyin Selvan 2, watched the movie in Vetri theatre.

. @actor_jayamravi watching #PonniyinSelvan2 in Vetri Theatre along with fans? Here is the grand entry and Vibe video of him? pic.twitter.com/LTBIxwp2A1 — AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) April 28, 2023

Trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai has given a positive review to Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 2.

#PonniyinSelvan2 Review: Brilliant! An outstanding masterpiece from #ManiRatnam , where storytelling, perfect casting, production design & making blend beautifully. Terrific performances - #Vikram as #Karikalan & #AishwariyaRai as Nandini are the pivot around which film… pic.twitter.com/He6BcMHh8R — Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) April 28, 2023

Mani Ratnam rejected Trisha's request of wanting to play Nandini in Ponnyin Selvan and he said ‘only Aishwarya Rai can do it’. Trisha went on to essay the character of Princess Kundavai. READ MORE

Indian Express gave Mani Ratnam's film a four out of five stars. A part of Ponniyin Selvan 2 movie review read, "Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 2 will have polarizing views. While the fans of the book might be disappointed with some major deviations from the book, the ace director understands the form won't let him be entirely faithful to the novel." Read the full review here.

@MovieCrow tweeted, "#PonniyinSelvan2 First half takes it up a notch higher. Drama intensifies. Not a single character wasted nor compromised. Narration pace is not hurried as more knots unfold. Maniratnam makes sincere attempt to stay true to the Kalki's vision #ARRahman #ManiRatnam #Chiyaan."

Anupama Chopra shared her review for Ponniyin Selvan 2 and tweeted, "#PonniyinSelvan2 is enthralling. Visually sumptuous but more importantly, rich in emotion. The superbly rendered tragic love story  between Aditya and Nandini powers the film. Detailed review coming soon but do watch - preferably in Tamil with subtitles!"

Nandini/Mandakini is easily one of the finest performances by #AishwaryaRaiBachchan ? I'm completely speechless ? Her scenes with #ChiyaanVikram are simply outstanding ? She perfectly showcases various emotions? A Brilliant Performer? #AishwaryaRai #PonniyinSelvan2 #PS2 pic.twitter.com/hfCMexelRt — Kumar Swayam (@KumarSwayam3) April 28, 2023

A Twitter user @KumarSwayam3 posted, "Nandini/Mandakini is easily one of the finest performances by #AishwaryaRaiBachchan ?I'm completely speechless ? Her scenes with #ChiyaanVikram are simply outstanding ? She perfectly showcases various emotions? A Brilliant Performer?#AishwaryaRai #PonniyinSelvan2 #PS2."

When director Mani Ratnam‘s Ponniyin Selvan 1 released on September 30, 2022, it turned out to be a disruptor at the box office. While the original Tamil version raced ahead of its other regional counterparts, the film emerged as the highest Tamil earner of 2022, with its global gross collection above Rs 500 crore. Now, as the film’s second part Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2) gears up for release this Friday, all eyes are on the sequel’s performance not just on home turf but across all five languages too. READ MORE

Siddarth Srinivas shared via Twitter, "#PonniyinSelvan2 Interval: Really good. Mani Ratnam presents a clear cut story with zero distractions, smooth narration all the way with such glowing performances from all the actors. Not about the high moments but does engage you, of course - with AR Rahman's blazing score!"

Actor Siddharth is super excited about veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 2, which hit the theatres on Friday. Taking to Instagram, Siddharth shared the film’s poster and wrote, “The master has delivered. Let the records tumble! Don’t miss the epic finale! Ponniyin Selvan-2..what a historic moment for Tamil Cinema and our culture.” READ MORE

A user @KuskithalaV6 tweeted, "Watched #PS2 ? This is the real pride of Indian Cinema! Sorry tollywood fans #PonniyinSelvan2 is far better than overrated than #Baahubali2 ?? Box office in DANGER ?."

A fan @KumarSwayam3 tweeted, "#PonniyinSelvan2 Review: Brilliance Written All Over It? #ChiyaanVikram & #AishwaryaRai were superb & their scenes were? #Karthi again shines? #Trisha & #JayamRavi were good too Music & BGM? Cinematography? Rating: ????/5."

Actor Suriya Sivakumar tweeted, "Hearty wishes to Mani Sir & Team Ponniyin Selvan!! Wishing the wonderful cast & crew a larger and mightier blockbuster!! #PS2."

A user @SmartBarani tweeted, "#PonniyinSelvan2 A good slow paced drama, fairly engaging.. great performance from Vikram & Aishwarya Rai face off scene, Oomai Rani ?? loved the way scenes unfolded. Karthi & Aishwarya ? Everyone did justice to their role ? Overall an good entertainer Rating 4/5  ?  WORTH."

A Twitter user @_satyatweets posted, "Absolutely loved #PonniyinSelvan2 !! Everyone was terrific but #AishwaryaRai , #ChiyaanVikram & #JayamRavi were jus too perfect ? The movie and some of the powerful scenes will not have the same effect without #ARRahman ???."

Full on celebrations at KASI opening with #PonniyinSelvan2 #PS2 today ?? @Karthi_Offl @Suriya_offl #PS2 #CholasAreBack @aishwaryaleksh7 @Karthi_Offl @chiyaan @actor_jayamravi @aishwaryaleksh7 @LycaProductions @MKB_KFC @RedGiantMovies_ @sobhitaD @StudioGreen2 @MadrasTalkies_ pic.twitter.com/oIkO9LLPKe — Pasumpon Mahadevan (@PasumponMahade1) April 28, 2023

Ponniyin Selvan 2's release saw a grand celebration at the theaters.

Happy morning all you beautiful people out there!! ? #PonniyanSelvan2 #PS2 pic.twitter.com/vnTMdMvkym — Vikram (@chiyaan) April 28, 2023

Ponniyan Selvan 2 actor Vikram tweeted a beautiful poster of the film and wrote, "Happy morning all you beautiful people out there!! ? #PonniyanSelvan2 #PS2."

Excited as the Cholas return to the screens tomorrow! Sending best wishes to the entire team of #PonniyinSelvan2 . #AishwaryaRaiBachchan @chiyaan @trishtrashers @Karthi_Offl @actor_jayamravi @MadrasTalkies_ pic.twitter.com/PMoyGUPjAF — Abhishek ???????? (@juniorbachchan) April 27, 2023

Ponniyin Selvan 2 star Aishwarya Rai's husband and actor Abhishek Bachchan tweeted last night, "Excited as the Cholas return to the screens tomorrow! Sending best wishes to the entire team of #PonniyinSelvan2.  #AishwaryaRaiBachchan @chiyaan @trishtrashers @Karthi_Offl @actor_jayamravi @MadrasTalkies_".

A movie buff @CinemaWithAB tweeted, "#PonniyinSelvan2 - ManiRatnam sir has done a perfect JUSTICE to movie eventhough there is a change of story from Novel?? Though the screenplay was a little slow, it was completely ENGAGING ? Aish, Vikram, JR & Karthi SCORES in #PS2 ? Overall a GOOD one? #ABRatings - 4/5."

Guru every moment spent with you is priceless. #PonniyinSelvan2 worldwide from today. #PS2 #ManiRatnam @arrahman @chiyaan @actor_jayamravi @trishtrashers @madrastalkies_ @LycaProductions @RedGiantMovies_ #?????????????????2 pic.twitter.com/zgIuVjLCK7 — Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) April 28, 2023

Karthi announced Ponniyin Selvan 2's release with a poster of the film. He also shared a click with the ace director Mani Ratnam and wrote, "Guru every moment spent with you is priceless. #PonniyinSelvan2 worldwide from today.#PS2 #ManiRatnam @arrahman @chiyaan @actor_jayamravi @trishtrashers @madrastalkies_ @LycaProductions @RedGiantMovies_ #?????????????????2."

Check out some reactions here - 

Chiyaan as Aditya Karikalan……….Watta Perf? * Scene with Vikram Prabhu * Kadambur Entry Seq * Siblings Meet * Nandini Faceoff He Nailed It!! #PonniyinSelvan2 #PS2 — Christopher Kanagaraj (@Chrissuccess) April 28, 2023

#PonniyinSelvan2 what a movie ??. Brilliant performances ?. Pre climax between Aishwarya and vikram is ????. — saisrikar sharma (@saisrikardhava1) April 28, 2023

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Lyca Productions (@lyca_productions)

Many characters were introduced in a short span in Ponniyin Selvan 1, which made the film a bit of an information overload for many. So, here's a list of characters inhabiting the Chola kingdom which will keep you prepared for the second part. READ MORE.

In an interview with PTI, Mani Ratnam said, "For years, India has been making films in Hindi and they have travelled down south. Aradhana was a huge hit there and there have been several instances. It is only a return gift I think. It's a fantastic sign that you can make a film in any language in India and it'll become an Indian film, not necessarily a north, south Indian film or a Hindi film. So I think it's good. I think people have become more open to it, and that will only increase the variety of films, variety of talent, and improve the overall standard of films.”

Our Cvf's are gearing up for the grand release of #PonniyanSelvan2 ?? by placing banners and sticking posters respectively @chiyaan #ChiyaanVikram @sooriaruna @Kalaiazhagan15 @proyuvraaj @mugeshsharmaa pic.twitter.com/7UTiXl5Okp — Chiyaan Vikram Fans (@chiyaanCVF) April 27, 2023

Ponniyin Selvan 2 will hit theatres across the world on April 28.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Karthi Sivakumar (@karthi_offl)

Karthi shared new pictures on Instagram ahead of Ponniyin Selvan 2’s release.

In an interview with PTI, Karthi said, “All of us have a feeling that we have spent a lot of time on this film. We did it with a lot of love. We know that these kinds of films don't happen often. So, from the very first day we were cherishing every moment. We were like a cricket team, where the opening batsman has to do well, the middle order has to be good, and the bowlers have to be good too. So, we were always looking out for each other because each one had to do their part well for the film to be good. This film is going to be remembered for a very long time.” 

In an interview with NDTV, Chiyaan Vikram opened up about what may happen in the second installment of the Mani Ratnam directorial. He said, “I can't let you know that but I just say that the romance between him (Aditya Karikalan) and Nandini is... I think it will go down in cinema history as something very special, because you know you have romance, you have one-sided romance. You have someone who is jilted. This one is something... it's love-hate. She loves me so much that she could kill me. It's almost like in The Fountainhead... Dominique Francon and Howard Roark.”

Hot Air Baloon ? Hollywood ? Sky Diving ? NASDAQ ? And…. The Statue of Liberty ? We are extremely proud & honoured to promote our ambitious film #PonniyinSelvan ?? at the Statue of Liberty ? USA ?? #CholasAreBack #PS2 #PonniyinSelvan2 releasing worldwide FROM TOMORROW,… pic.twitter.com/helRaZyFiG — Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) April 27, 2023

The makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2 have dropped a video of their unique way of promoting the upcoming Mani Ratnam directorial.

In an interview with NDTV, Chiyaan Vikram opened up about his bond with Ponniyin Selvan 2 co-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and said, “We are good friends." The actor added, “I share very very special friendship with Abhishek Bachchan, Aaradhya and Aishwarya. And, of course, Mr Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan). It's a nice relationship I have with them. It's been about work, but otherwise whenever we get time, we chill."

Bollywood actors Aditi Rao Hydari (Kundavai), Rajesh Khattar (Aditya Karikalan), Ranvir Shorey (Vandhiyathevan), Avinash Tiwari (Ponniyin Selvan/Arulmozhi Varman), Manoj Joshi (Alwarkadiyaan) and Dayashankar Panday (Kishore) have lent their voices to the Hindi version of Ponniyin Selvan 2. The film is slated for a worldwide release on April 28 in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Trish (@trishakrishnan)

Trisha took to her Instagram handle and dropped a new picture with Ponniyin Selvan 2 co-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Fans called them ‘two queens’.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vikram (@the_real_chiyaan)

Chiyaan Vikram took to his Instagram handle and shared a video of Ponniyin Selvan 2 promotions in Mumbai.

#PS2 huge expectations in the trade especially after #PS1 ’s record shattering run last year. Will the #ManiRatnam magnum opus join the worldwide 100 ?Cr club by Sunday? Analysis ? pic.twitter.com/yJDUqCs9MK — Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) April 27, 2023

Abhishek Bachchan, whose wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stars in Ponniyin Selvan 2, tweeted, “Excited as the Cholas return to the screens tomorrow! Sending best wishes to the entire team of #PonniyinSelvan2.”

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took to her Instagram handle and dropped mesmerizing pictures from the promotions of Ponniyin Selvan 2.

We don't mean to flex but the mood at #StarSportsHQ is: ???? after we interviewed the #PS2 mega starcast! Stay tuned for this ?-studded segment! https://t.co/veiX94AAUz — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2023

A special segment on Star Sports show Cricket Live will feature Ponniyin Selvan 2 stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi and Sobhita Dhulipala.

With just a few hours left for the release of Ponniyin Selvan 2, here’s a quick recap of what has happened in Mani Ratman’s adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s five-part novel series. READ MORE .

In an earlier interview during the promotion of Ponniyin Selvan 2, Jayam Ravi said playing the title role was a “big responsibility”.

“Down south, this is an epitome of a character. They look at him as God, the ruler of the rulers, that’s why Rajaraja means ‘king of kings’. Mani sir called me and said ‘I don’t worry about other characters…’ what he meant was ‘I can handle every other character, but (in) this you have to bring something. You go and live as Rajaraja Chola for six months,” he shared.

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Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2) Lifetime Box Office Collection Worldwide & Budget

Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, and Trisha starrer Ponniyin Selvan 2 Box Office Collection Lifetime Worldwide  PS 2 is 4th on the Highest grossing tamil movies list and also the 16th movie to have crossed 100 Crores gross in Tamil Nadu alone

Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2) Day 35 Box Office Collection

0.1 Crore gross worldwide

Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2) Total till Now Box Office Collection

342.65 Crore gross worldwide or 171.45 Crore distributor share

All India: 215.5 Crore gross

Overseas: 127.15 Crore gross

Tamil Nadu: 142.05 Crore gross

Andhra Pradesh / Telangana: 14.2 Crore gross

Karnataka: 19.25 Crore gross

Kerala: 18.15 Crore gross

Hindi + Rest of India: 21.75 Crore gross

Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2) Daywise Box Office Collection

0.15 Crore gross worldwide

0.2 Crore gross worldwide

0.25 Crore gross worldwide

1 Crore gross worldwide

0.85 Crore gross worldwide

0.45 Crore gross worldwide

0.5 Crore gross worldwide

0.55 Crore gross worldwide

0.6 Crore gross worldwide

0.65 Crore gross worldwide

2.9 Crore gross worldwide

2.5 Crore gross worldwide

0.8 Crore gross worldwide

0.9 Crore gross worldwide

1.15 Crore gross worldwide

3.25 Crore gross worldwide

2.85 Crore gross worldwide

1.65  Crore gross worldwide

2.85  Crore gross worldwide

Tamil Nadu: 1.7 Crore gross

All India: 2.8 Crore gross

3.25  Crore gross worldwide

Tamil Nadu: 2.15 Crore gross

All India: 3.2 Crore gross

5.25  Crore gross worldwide

7.35  Crore gross worldwide

18.85  Crore gross worldwide

13.45  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 9.95 Crore gross

9.8  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 8.05 Crore gross

10.8  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 7.5 Crore gross

14.25  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 10 Crore gross

18.25  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 11.35 Crore gross

39.55  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 22.1 Crore gross

65.05  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 31.65 Crore gross

45.46  Crore gross worldwide

All India: 25.9 Crore gross or 21.75 Crore nett

64.14 Crore gross worldwide

All India: 32 Crore gross or 26.9 Crore nett

Tamil Nadu: 18.1 Crore gross

Kerala: 2.8 Crore gross

Andhra Pradesh / Telangana: 2.8 Crore gross

Karnataka: 3.25 Crore gross

Hindi +Rest of India: 2.05 Crore gross

Overseas:   32.14 Crore gross estimate

USA: $ 1.65 Million or Rs 13.5 Crore gross

Australia: A$320,512 or Rs 2.62 Crore gross

New Zealand: NZ$ 43,869 or Rs 2.21 Crore gross

United Kingdom – £160,395 or Rs 1.64 Crore gross

Singapore: SGD250,000 or Rs 1.5 Crore gross

Malaysia: MYR 1.5 Million or Rs 2.75 Crore gross

Middle East + Rest of World:  $ 1 Million or 8.17 Crore gross estimated

Top Opening Day All Times Tamil  Movies At Worldwide Box Office

• 2.0 (Tamil, Telugu &  Hindi): 94 Crore gross
• Kabali (Tamil, Telugu &  Hindi): 87.5 Crore gross
• Beast (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada &  Hindi): 84.13 Crores gross
• PS 1 (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada &  Hindi)   82.5 Crores gross
• Sarkar (Tamil & Telugu)- 67.2 Crores gross
• PS 2 (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada &  Hindi)- 64.14 Crore gross
• Bigil (Tamil & Telugu)- 63.4 Crores gross
• Vikram (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada &  Hindi)- 56.68 Crores gross
• Master (Tamil, Telugu &  Hindi) -52 Crore gross
• Annaatthe (Tamil & Telugu) 51.5 Crores gross
• Darbar (Tamil, Telugu &  Hindi) 51 Crores gross
• Valimai (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada &  Hindi)- 50.5 Crore gross

The highest Opening of a movie across all languages worldwide is RRR at 223 Crores worldwide, followed by KGF 2 at 163 Crores.

Top Opening Day 2023 Tamil  Movies Worldwide

• Ponniyin Selvan 2: 64.14 Crore gross
• Varisu: 47.5 Crore gross
• Thunivu: 41 Crores gross
• Vaathi : 14.85 Crores gross
• Pathu Thala: 8 Crore gross
• Rudhran: 5 Crore gross
• Viduthalai Part 1: 4.5 Crore gross
• Agilan: 2.75 Crores gross

Top Opening Day 2022, 2023 Tamil  Movies At Tamil Nadu Box Office 

• Valimai: 36.17 Crore gross
•  Beast: 31.4 Crores gross
• PS1: 26.85 Crores gross
•  Thunivu: 22.15 Crores gross
• Varisu: 20.15 Crore gross
• Vikram   20.61 Crores gross
• PS 2: 18.1 Crore gross
• Cobra -15.5 Crore gross
• ET 15.21 Crores gross
• RRR 12.73 Crores gross

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Budget

Ponniyin Selvan 2 is made on an overall budget of 500 Crores for both parts so the effective budget for this part is 250 Crores

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Pre-Release Business

Ponniyin Selvan 1 has done an overall pre-release business of 170 Crores

Tamil Nadu: 80 Crores valued an own release

Andhra Pradesh / Telangana: 10 Crores

Kerala: 9 Crores

Hindi + Rest of India + Karnataka: 21 Crores

Overseas: 50 Crores

Total  Theatrical Business: 170 Crores

Digital Rights : 125 Crores for Amazon Prime for both parts

Satelitte Rights: 25 Crores to Sun TV for each part

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Screens

Ponniyin Selvan 2 is releasing on approx 2800 screens worldwide

600 screens in Tamil Nadu

200 screens in Kerala

340 screens in Andhra/ Telangana

860 screens in Rest of India and

800 screens in Overseas

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Hit or Flop

Ponniyin Selvan 2 will be a hit if it does 340 Crores worldwide and 160 Crores in Tamil Nadu itself

PS 2 Review

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