Ponnlyin Selvan: Part Two

Adapting a book to screenplay is never a easy task, especially if the book spans across multiple parts. The movie should never lose its core value and at the same time keep its viewers entertained.

Maniratnam has done his best to achieve both but at some times we are left wondered if he should have made it a trilogy rather than a duology. At times it felt like there was a lot happening that could have been expanded into a 3rd movie.

The moment you walk out of PS 2,you have mixed feelings about it. It runs for 2.45hrs and yet the plot feels rushed at times.

Jayaram Ravi was the show stealer in this one while Trisha had pretty much nothing to do except the beautiful Aga naga sequence with Karthi.

The final battle had no impact on the movie.

Overall PS2 is a worthy sequel to its predecessor.

I am not reveal any spoilers, but my anger was that the story was totally ruined, the part of story has been completely changed which is the core part. As a book reader i am really disappointed but general audiance liked the movie. But it could have been better with some investment and story telling. Didnt expect this from mani, many secrets didnt reveal and all being hidden and history told is also so wrong. The dailogues not entirely in pure tamil which disrupts the beauty of Ponniyin selvan. The ponniyin selvans beauty is the dialogues and screenplay kalki possessed. The screenplay is good but dailogues were worst. I expected more mani sir. The camera work is average , vikram was top notch in his acting he nailed it as always, others were just in frame. But if u arent a book reader u wud love this movie but i cant. Pls do check out this movie in theater.

Finally, the dream of director "Mani Ratnam" become a reality with release of part 2.

Part 1 was exactly what I thought, a setup for more drama and twisted political games.

What I anticipated for Part 1 is a setup for greater drama and deranged political games and that is exactly what I got.

Better action scenes, cinematography, beautiful lighting, lavish scenery, expansive art direction, authentic costumes and an engaging story are all there in Part 2. I had my doubts about how the director would manage to fit in so much of the tale in this one, but he managed it almost flawlessly, except for the final war sequence, which felt clumsy and averagely staged otherwise it could have been a fantastic conclusion. In the war sequence, camera was too shaky, And I forgot where the warriors were in the field.

A brief backstory of "Aditya" and "Nandini" is given at the start. It helps us to understand the reasoning behind Nadini's action, And Aditya's behaviour.

Reasons why minister trying to coronate "Madhurantkan" as next king, What's "Nandini's connection to "Pandays".

We get to see how different religion and belief were coexisted that time. Whether its "Shaivism", "Vaishnavism" or "Buddhism".

We learn the minister's motivations for wanting to appoint "Madhurantkan" as the new monarch as the plot develops. How each person's loyalty is motivated differently. Some people are driven by friendship, while others are driven by vengeance and pride.

The meeting sequence between "Aditya" and "Nandini" is handled masterfully, and both "Vikaram" and "Aishwarya" gave flawless performances. Their emotional state is shown with circular camera movement, while keeping its focus on their expressions. "Aditya" keeps a smile on his face while carrying guilt in his heart and desire for vengeance of "Nandini" fading away is beautifully done. Fire burning in the back and "Nandini" realises her mistake, and scene end with voice of helplessness, Just beautiful.

Due to Mani Ratnam's cautious direction and AR Rahman's soundtrack, the drama in the film avoids becoming overly dramatic.

When compared to the first part, music whether it be BGM or songs is an improvement.

A beautiful, intimate, and sensuous encounter occurs when "Kundavai" and the blinded "Vallavaraiyan" they meet without being sexually or verbally explicit.

I enjoyed "Jayam Ravi" who played "Arunmozhi" in that role, but the director's decision to have him fight against Pandya assassins in slow motion appeared artificial in the environment, which was depicted as being rustier and rawer.

I would suggest a recap of first part to enjoy part 2 more, And watch it on big screen.

The movie has lot of emotional moments but none gets you high and low in the scheme of things. The movie runs and runs without any emotion to connect with. It seems the makers have focused more on the visual elements losing out on the basic stuffs.

The initial flashback is actually parts of a story rather than a narration, and it only gets uplifted purely from Vikram and Aishwarya Rai performance in the later half. The plot reveals are great and stunning, but it is not impactful - it just happens in the scene without any significance.

The climax fight sequence and last act lacks punch and could have been made better!!

Worthwhile storytelling Quite precise and cautious with the writing!!

Unlike part 1 this one has it's own high moments which makes the narration very engaging and entertaining!!

Gripping screenplay right from the start off... well introduced setup with proper establishment of flashback episode!!

Well executed action & emotional sequences... especially intensity in the interval block and making of the pre-climax war episode Bar was pushed a notch higher this time in terms of technicalities... enhanced the chances of valuable development towards the plot and conflict in the story!!

Except for the pace of story progression this movie has got all the potential to be it's better version!!

Authenticity of background score is well maintained throughout!!

Wonderful framing and brilliant shot making!!

Splendid performances from entire cast Overall: Definitely made a better impression for the expectations... emotional quotient outshined every other craft and stood-out to it's range.