Vasudha Siva

Overall rating 7/10. First half 9/10. PS-1 is based on the history based novel Ponniyin Selvan written by the inimitable Kalki. The plot revolves around the scheme to capture the great throne of the Chola dynasty from the designated crown prince (Aditya), his brother (Arul Mozhi) and their intelligent sister (princess Kundavai). Converting a popular 5 volume story into movie is a heavy task and Mani Ratnam has done a remarkable job of it. The main characters have delivered well. Karti as VD and Trisha as Kundavai have done a good job. Vikram as Aditya is good albeit old. Aishwarya as Nandini is just a pretty piece. She does not show the nuances of a crafty, pretty and petty woman out for revenge. Sharath Kumar and Partibendran as the brothers Pazhuvettarayar are very unimpressive. Neither love nor anger are expressed impressively. This is esp true for Sharath Kumar. Jeyan Ravi's tamil diction could use great improvement. Cinematography is expansive and wonderful. Dialogue are short and sharp. Battle scenes are well taken. Emotional/ romantic scenes cd show more passion. Music is tappable and entertaining, though one wonders why ARR relied heavily on Arabic beats for the songs.