Ponniyin Selvan 1 Review – Pure Love

When it was announced that the most beloved novel in modern Tamil Literature is going to be made into a movie, 70 years and endless pursuits by countless others, most notably MGR & Kamal Hassan, more than being elated, I was actually relieved. With no disrespects to anyone who tried before, there could be no one better than Manirathnam and no time better than now. Being one of the biggest fans of the novel, he lets Kalki’s vision flow like Ponni at her peak. And that can be seen in every frame of the movie. To put it simply, it is India’s answer to the Lord of the Rings in the sense that it is the most faithful adaptation of an epic novel.

For the few who have not read the books or know what it is about, PS-I tells the story of Chola Empire just before their biggest boom period. It is a complex political drama of Raja Raja Chozhan’s ascendency to the throne and the many plots to make sure that does not happen.

Vallavarayan Vanthiyadevan is not just the main protagonist of the books but he is written in the most envious way ever. He is charming, he is brave, he is slippery, he is virtuous, he is funny and he is fierce. The whole story is seen through his eyes which can only exacerbate the one selected to play it. But Karthi takes it all on and brings about an array of emotions that only a gifted natural actor like him can. Arunmozhi Varman’s poise and might are renowned and Jayam Ravi with his understated acting has managed to bring just that. There could not be a better choice for Adita Karikalan than Vikram and given what is going to happen in the second part, I feel excited about how his take on the upcoming events are going to be. All the seniors have played their part to perfection but the stand out is obviously Jayaram as Azhwarkadiyan Nambi. You will know from reading the books how difficult this casting was going to be but the veteran knocks it out of the park. Nambi & Vanthiyadevan’s chemistry is a strong point of the books and is the same for the movie.

Right! Now for the most important casting choices. Because the men may be the brawn of the story but the brains are most certainly the women, especially the two forces which are both unstoppable and immovable. I was critical of Trisha’s casting as Kunthavai but watching her on the screen was the happiest surprise. Because Kalki’s women are never frail or afraid. They are brilliant, brave, measured and mature. She is all that and carries herself with so much grace and dignity. Trisha’s performance needed to be all of that because of who she is going against, both as an actor and as a character. Shobita Dhulapia as Vaanathi and Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali have done justice to their part. But for all that, there is one who stands out. Aishwarya Rai is such an inspired choice for Nandhini that absolutely no one who could have played the role better. She spoke in the promotions about discovering the character during the course of the shoot. Of course, those who have read the book knows how difficult that is. Nandhini is a mystery even for those who have read the book multiple times. She is a cornucopia of human emotions. The way Kalki wrote about her, you cannot define her as anything in particular. Is she the antagonist? Is she evil? Does she use her beauty to get her way? Does she have reasons for certain decisions she makes? Was she right in her own way? Does she really want to bring down the Chola empire? I can go on but that would mean I spoil part 2 for you. The point is, she is all of that and none of that. Kalki’s brilliance lay in how he left her undefined and for us to imagine. Aishwarya Rai is such a tour de force in this part that she too lets you pick and choose. And in whatever way you go, you are justified. Or you’ll simply be enchanted by her beauty like how Vanthiyadevan was in that amazingly shot scene when he sees her through the closing door in her palace. “Don’t get mesmerised by the golden treasures on the way” tells Nandhini to Vanthiyadevan. She looks at her and replies “Why would I be since I have already seen a diamond mine!” Indeed!

Manirathnam! What is there to say about this master and PS is most precious masterpiece. What I loved about him is how much love, care and affection he gave to the original story. There is so much actual history in this fiction. Even most of the character names and titles existed in real life and so are the places. Reference points are in abundance and so is the wrath of the passionate millions who have read the book and are ready pounce on any cues of over indulgence. Thankfully Mani being one of them simply decides that the original story is enough. And thank God for that. There is a sense that scenes were rushed in the beginning but everything falls into place eventually for even non-readers to grasp the context. By the time Vanthiyadevan leaves for Sri Lanka we are in the clear. Manirathnam has poured all of his 4-decade long experience in Ponniyin Selvan that is visible in every frame. The vision, the sets, the locations, the planning, the casting and most importantly the writing are all at the apex as he weaves a magic while crafting this masterpiece.

The technical team is the industry’s highest standards with A R Rahman, Ravi Varman and Sreekar Prasad being the obvious standouts. While Kalki himself wrote songs in the book as ornamental pieces, here they are used to progress the story.

I can see why this movie may not work for a section of audience. It would have been so much easier to take the Baahubali route and make it more fantasy with lots of mass scenes. There is great scope for that in the story. But with all due respects to Baahubali whose success is one of the main reasons why PS got greenlit, this isn’t that. This is more about the brain than about the brawn. There were times by the end of book 4, you wonder how in the world would Kalki finish the book because of how complicated it becomes. But he does, beautifully in the end while also leaving us plenty to think about. Mani has already given a cliff hanger of a finish to PS-I. Given I know the book, I can say for sure that PS-II is going to be 5 times as good as PS-I. It is only going to become more convoluted without being confusing. But it will all make sense in the end.

Having seen countless screen versions of novels that I have read and created my own worlds of it and seen most of them crumble, I can only say this about PS-1. Watching PS-I was like reading the book all over again. And that was the most unique of experiences.

Vengayin Mainthan (வேங்கையின் மைந்தன்) – The Movie

It’s quite surprising that when we think about making a Tamil historical movie, we can’t think beyond Shivaji Ganesan. He was at his best in historical roles, be it Thiruvarutselvar, Appar, Raja Raja Cholan, Veerabagu or his multiple roles in Thiruvilayadal. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen good serious Tamil historical movie. Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi came as a surprise but that was a comedy. Even when someone thinks about making a historical movie, it’s quite difficult to think of a good star cast. Let’s take the case of Vengayin Mainthan.

The title character Rajendra Cholan carries with itself, respect and dignity. Kamal Hassan, Prakash Raj, Sathyaraj or Parthiban can carry the role.

Elango’s character is quite difficult to cast. But I think Eeram Aathi (with a toned up body and mesmerizing voice) could pull it off. Prithviraj can be a choice but his Malayalam accent lets him down.

Arulmozhi’s character, a stubborn princess who lets her eyes speak more than her mouth, could only be done by Sneha.

Rohini’s character is the most difficult one to cast. I thought about it but could not come up with a convincing answer. My thinking is a new comer with stunning looks and acting skills. But the only person who has the looks is the girl who compeers for Super Singer Junior in Vijay TV, Divya. She has the looks, especially with such expressive eyes but can’t say anything on acting.
Vallavarayar Vanthiyathevar is another difficult one to think of. More than the age, the mere mention of his name would bring memories of Ponniyin Selvan, so that makes the casting difficult than it actually is.

Kodumbalar Periya Velalar, Elango’s father and a fierce lieutenant of Rajendra Cholan could be enacted by Nasser.

Suggestions are welcome for the characters Veeramallan, King of Rohanam Mahindar, Mahindar’s Minister Keerthi and others. Suggestions are also welcome for my choice of actors given above.

Vengayin Mainthan (வேங்கையின் மைந்தன்) – A Review

One of my biggest regrets till date was that I knew very little about Tamil history. Four magnificent rulers in Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallava claimed stronger hand in South India at various periods. They built such marvelous structures like the Brahadeesvarar Temple in Tanjavur, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, The Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram to name a few. Tamil language and culture attained its peak at their time through times like the Tamil Sangam. Yet I had very little knowledge about them compared to what I knew about the Mughals or the British. It prompted me to start reading Tamil historical novels. Though essentially they are a work of fiction, the facts in them are taken from history books which add to their credibility. Ponniyin Selvan was the choice of so many people. I have heard so much about the book. But I settled down with Akilan’s Vengayin Mainthan. Generally this is read after Ponniyin Selvan but I kind of zeroed in on this.

The title character is Rajendra Cholan, son of Raja Raja Cholan. In his time Tamil Culture attained its peak when he conquered land up to the Ganges in the north to distant islands like Indonesia. He also built a new city, Gangai Konda Chola Puram to celebrate his victories. The novel’s central character however is not Rajendra Cholan, but one of his lieutenants, Elangovel. Elango, as he is called belongs to a small country under the Chola dynasty, Kodumbalur. His family has matrimonial exchange with the Cholas. Chola princess, Arulmozhi is in love with Elango, though she never shows it out. The novel starts with Rajendra Cholan’s quest to recapture Tamil Crown belongings from southern Ceylon, known as Rohanam. The novel revolves around the explosive love affair between Elango and Rohanam’s princess, Rohini. Each gives up secrets about their country in different circumstances which becomes both good and bad for Elango and Cholas. On the good side he is able to retrieve the lost property, able to know enemy’s plan and traps beforehand. On the other side, he almost leads his enemy destroy their new city and burn his Kodumbalur fort. How Elango thwarts their plan and marries both the beautiful ladies forms the climax.

The novel is expertly written with loads of history facts and imaginary characters which make us believe each and every part of it. The constant on off love affair between Elango and Rohini is the backbone of the novel. Rohini, though she belongs to the enemy camp, cannot ignore Elango because of her love. She is caught between her own loyalty towards her county & brother and saving her love, so many times in the novel. Elango is caught between his love and his duty, though for him, duty always comes first. The emotions that love can cause in a short period of time are beautifully imagined. On the other hand Arulmozhi’s character was scripted as an opposite of Rohini. Arulmozhi is very quiet woman, who hides her mind from others despite being in love with Elango, while Rohini is very expressive about her feelings.

Apart from the love triangle, what I loved the most in the novel is the way Akilan describes Tamil culture. Rajendra Cholan shows his broader side when he wants to make friends with his enemy kings, though he is never afraid of wars. In fact all his wars end in victories for him. Such was his army’s force and his command. Though his liberal policies were seen as a weakness, he has enough power and intelligence to overcome his enemies’ plan to use it. His and Vallavarayar Vanthiyathevar’s plan to allow Elango romance Rohini proves to be master strategy. The Tamil spirit prevails throughout the movie. Sundara Pandiyan who was defeated by Rajendra Cholan even goes as far to compliment his rival’s bravery and policies.

Vanthiyathevar, the hero of Ponniyin Selvan and arguably the most beloved Tamil fictional character, plays a smaller but significant character. He plays an elderly minister who is by the king’s side most of the times and takes care of Elango whenever Elango slips emotionally. Akilan created Elango’s character complimentary to Vanthiyathevar’s character in Ponniyin Selvan.

On the flip side, Rohini double sided loyalty baffled me at times. She repeatedly asks Elango for forgiveness after she had done things against him. It was understandable in the beginning, but in the later stages it bores the reader a bit. Also, the number of times a conversation was overheard by another person was a bit too much. I mean, coincidence doesn’t happen every day. Elango’s friend Veeramallan’s constant double crossing is also not so convincing.

But overall, a very enjoyable read. It was a valuable insight on the life of our great ancestors. It was a celebration of Tamil culture which arguably attained its peak during the reign of Rajendra Cholan.