Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 Movie Review – A Tale of Romance, Rebellion, and Betrayal

The highly anticipated second part of Mani Ratnam’s epic historical drama, Ponniyin Selvan, continues the story of the Chola dynasty and the impending danger of rebellion and betrayal. Part 2 delves deep into the ill-fated romance between crown prince Aaditha Karikalan (Vikram) and Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and how it affects the fate of the Cholas.

The film begins with a prelude that captures the romance between the young prince and the orphan girl, and the heartache it leaves in the wake of their being separated by forces beyond their control. This doomed romance is what sustains the tension in the tale and drives the characters to make decisions that have far-reaching impacts.

The brisk narration continues from the first part, proceeding more like a swashbuckler, with daring attempts to murder Prince Arulmozhi Varman’s (Jayam Ravi) and Vandhiyathevan’s (Karthi) efforts to foil them. The latter half is more concerned with the fate of Karikalan, and Mani Ratnam fills the much-anticipated moment between Karikalan and Nandhini with so much dread and pain that we even forget the rest of the characters for a brief while.

The performances by Vikram and Aishwarya are terrific in these portions, delivering performances that are so naked and deeply heartfelt, adding to the vulnerability of their characters. The climax, however, falls a bit flat, with a rather low-key ending and a speech by Arulmozhi that fails to pack a punch.

Unlike other period epics, Ponniyin Selvan hews closer to the spirit of Kalki’s novels, a fictionalized account of historical personalities, largely focused on interpersonal drama. The grandeur comes mainly from the emotions of the characters within the palace walls.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 is a tale of romance, rebellion, and betrayal, filled with thrilling action sequences and terrific performances. However, the underwhelming climax and lack of stunning visual effects may leave some viewers wanting more. Nevertheless, the film is a testament to Mani Ratnam’s storytelling prowess and his ability to transport us to a bygone era with his cinematic vision.