PS2 Review

PS2 or Ponniyin Selvan 2, is a 2023 historical fiction drama by Mani Ratnam. Based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Ponniyin Selvan, this film has a star-studded cast, including Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, and others. The movie is the continuation or conclusion of the first movie, PS1 or Ponniyin Selvan 1.

This film is nothing short of epic. From its technical brilliance to its creative execution, every aspect is executed with perfection. Mani Ratnam, a legendary filmmaker, has brought Kalki Krishnamurthy’s masterpiece to life with his remarkable vision. For those familiar with Mani Ratnam’s work, his classic filmmaking style, and his ability to convey emotions and scenes in a non-commercial manner, PS2 is no exception. While he could have easily turned it into a commercial blockbuster, he chose to remain faithful to the original novel, delivering it with a flowing, classic touch. However, the story isn’t an exact replica of the novel; it introduces significant changes and twists, especially in the climax. This decision, honestly, adds a refreshing layer for book readers. The second part is even more engaging compared to the first part, thanks to the screenplay.

The star-studded cast, including Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha and others did a fabulous job by delivering an extraordinary performance. Aishwarya Rai shines brilliantly. Her portrayal of Nandini is exceptional and truly steals the spotlight. The entire story revolves around her character, and it takes an actress of her aura to convey the range of emotions and thoughts that Nandini possesses. Jayam Ravi‘s portrayal of the title character Ponniyin Selvan is a brilliant choice, portraying a captivating royal appeal. Chiyaan Vikram, known for his outstanding performances, excels as Aditya Karikalan, a character rich in depth and opportunity for powerful acting. Karthi, in the role of Vanthiyathevan, is a delight to watch, skillfully developing the storyline. Trisha’s beautiful screen presence as Kundavai adds to the film’s charm, and the entire cast delivers impeccable performances.

This movie will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest historical films in cinematic history. Technically the movie is top-notch. Art, VFX, Cinematography, Editing and all other departments were headed by the industry’s best technicians. A.R. Rahman is the soul of PS2. His songs and scores remain as the major elevating factor of the movie. Notable sequences in the film include the pre-interval scene and the palace sequence in the second half, both of which are among the film’s highlights.

It’s important to note that PS2 doesn’t rely heavily on war scenes or commercial elements. Instead, it offers a rich storytelling experience with a large number of characters. This can make it challenging for viewers to understand the characters and their relationships, so it’s recommended to check the explanations or summaries available on the internet before or after watching the movie. For those who have read the book, this cinematic interpretation offers a fresh perspective. Before watching PS2, it’s important to watch the previous installment, Ponniyin Selvan 1 or PS1. While the film’s length may test your patience, it’s a cinematic masterpiece that shouldn’t be missed. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, watch it on the big screen with top-notch audio.