Ponniyin Selvan: I Movie REVIEW!! | Vikram | Karthi | Mani Ratnam 

What did you think about the movie?

I saw this on IMAX, we had iMAX screening for only 2 days in Arizona. The theatre was fully packed, and once the movie ended there was standing ovation, the entire theatre clapped in Arizona.

Indians : Why India can't make Game of Thrones like story ? Also Indian audience after watching Ponniyin Selvan : baahubali kee tarah nahin

I am a North Indian and really loved this movie. Thanks Kollywood

I feel it’s an honest tribute to Kalki’s novel by Maniratnam and team. The makers could have easily exaggerated the characters to give more impact to the audience. Instead they tried to just stick to the flavour of the original. This shows the respect they have for Kalki’s writing. We should all watch this movie in theatres to show our respect to the film crew’s hard work, perseverance and dedication 🙏

As a Telugu guy I must say this is the best film I have seen until now. Cinema chaala bavundi. Unnadi unnatu chupincharu without elevation and unnecessary songs

As a North Indian I have never seen such an engaging movie in many year. This is purely a masterpiece and tomorrow I am going to watch it again #PS1❤️

I am from Hindi speaking region but I am a history student and have read the novel Poniyan Selvan. Never felt more proud on the justice done to story after seeing the movie.

Thanks for the honest review... As an avid reader and a die hard fan of the artists and the technicians in the film, I am really happy they didn't overplay or underplay it. Honestly, you guys understood the movie better than most Indians.

Korbin and Rick, you've made me proud.. One well know Tamil reviewer talked about how this could have the masala of Bahubali 🙄 Another one mentioned how it was never clear who the hero or villain was 🙄 These people are honestly heartbreaking and here y'all are being positive yet honest ❤️❤️ Thanks guys 😍

Super glad that you guys loved it !! This is a novel so close to our hearts and is nearly an impossible task to make a movie out of it but Mani Ratnam has pulled it off and made it as realistic as possible. The entire cast and crew was impeccable ❤

I am a North Indian. I watched PS-1 and got completely lost in it. It doesn't feel like you are watching a movie. It's perfectly connected to reality. Don't listen to people who just want more action in every movie. Rick and Korbin are totally correct on their statement.

I was an avid reader of Ponniyin Selvan. That novel was my soulmate and everything for the entire duration of days when I was reading it. It make such an impact on me. After 13 years, when I went to watch this movie, I was glad that Mani Rathnam had made it true to it's original theme and interpretation. This story doesn't deal with the war aspects in the story of life of the great Emperor, RajaRajan , but it's a fictional in "romantic drama" story built around his life and the lives of his family and his generals/ministers who lived with him around that time. For someone who had watched movies on Emperors like Genghis Khan, Akbar or Alexander it was always a question on why nobody has made a movie on the Tamil Kings of Chola dynasty like RajaRajan or his son Rajendran Cholan who ruled the entire SE Asia, stretching as far as Cambodia. It was immense satisfaction to see someone make a movie finally on the Great Tamil Emperor , RajaRajan (King of Kings) of the Chola dynasty. Ponniyin Selvan will cover only the time until he ascends the throne. I sincerely hope that in future Tamil producers make movies on both RajaRajan and Rajendira Cholan, the great.

Happy to hear such positive reviews...nowadays many people are expecting fantasy film like Bahubali,RRR,etc.. they don't understand this movie concept is different from others

As a malayalee guy I really appreciate the team for their efforts to bring the movie 🔥🔥 in a best way🥰🥰 eagerly waiting for PS2

I am from Kerala . I really njoyed the movie. This typ of film is classic because of its real storyline. it's not a fantasy film. so the director can't add mass massala in each scenes like rrr , bahubali etc . so we should watch it as a story which happened in earlier periods......Even though I don't know that this will become a big hit bcoz . nowadays more audience are interested to watch action mass masala in theatres

A generation of Tamils named their newborns after these characters from PS and another story by Kalaki. 😀 I have an aunty named Vaanathi and cousin Nandini. Every Tamils read this book during summer break from schools. It's a must read. Three generations of family r connected by this book.

I honestly before clicking on the video thought u guys might tell that it was very difficult to understand the characters and hence the first half narration was boring as told by most non Tamil viewers...but boy u proved me wrong... Glad that you were able to understand the nuances and drama... And I'm very happy that u guys loved it... Quality review...

Did you know? ARR tweeted this video link on 7th Oct 22 at 7.47pm ist shows he really respects you both and your reviews. Only a few around this world gets such respect 🌺 Build on it 👍👍👍

Great thoughts!! Being a non tamilian tracking name for me was also a little difficult but the movie was so captivating!! and beautifully made!! I loveddd the ladies!! 😮❤❤So happy to see in historic era women had such amazing political power!

Your Nanbar Shared this video on twitter 😊❣️

As a North Indian I loved this movie….. I actually love such historic epics❤……waiting eagerly for PS-2

I went to watch this movie in IMAX. It was the first time I went to the cinema without my family as I just moved away from home for university. I am Telugu, was packed in a cinema full of Tamil people because I wanted to watch it in its original language. I enjoyed every second of this movie

Watching Vikram in ponniyanselvan I started crushing on him again after so many years. Also I felt he could actually act in Hollywood historic series

I completely agree. This film was a visual and technical masterclass.

Surprised that they got it right 😮❤that’s how you understand the art. the one Korbin is talking about(Alwarkadiyan)is going to be an interesting character reveal in part 2.😂

A foreigner gets this movie , i have no idea why the Hindi belt is rejecting this film. Cultural difference?

Vikram’s Interval block was awesome. There is no other Indian actor can bring such a screen presence! Ravi Varman’s shots of this scene was out of this world! Best part of the movie! Vikram is a bad ass warrior! He roars like a lion with his hair flying like mane! Goosebumps all the way! What a movie? Last 10 minutes of fighting on a ship, in a monster stormy night, was unbelievable! I never seen anything like it in an Indian movie! Great visuals! This movie is not a shallow one, just glitz and glamour with overused, tiring VFX galore, PS1 is a well grounded, believable, authentic, complex, rich, well acted and completely satisfying movie! I already saw it twice!But still thinking about the movie! An epic of a movie!

You guys have got the essence of what Mani went for. I think being a global audience to understand and appreciate that is deeply rooted south Indian tale, it is fantastic. When some Indians look beyond petty fights and look at appreciating cinema for what it is, that's when we will grow as an audience.

Korbin getting pissed for not having full songs in movie is such a transformation of him from where he started.

I am a Telugu guy , never heard any review of this film on release day but friends of mine told me that there is an issue going on between Telugu and Tamil guys but don't know about that , I am being very honest i really loved the film especially the costumes ♥️♥️ and actors performances 🔥🔥, Personally I liked karthi's role more♥️♥️, and the climax ship scene is amazing and it's choreographed well ♥️♥️ the ending is 🔥🔥 we can say PS1 is civil war among a kingdom which is very cool ♥️♥️ waiting for part 2 🔥🔥

Ponniyin Selvan is My favourite movie of all time. I am so much happy and proud while listening everyone says how great Ponniyin Selvan is 😍😍😍. Big thanks to Mani rathinam and his team. He delivered it ❤️❤️❤️.

When we will watch in Hindi it seems slow...but in Tamil with subtitle ...the movie is marvelous. Everyone was fantastic.. can't wait for the PS-2 .

Korbin is right, this should have been an epic series instead of a movie. But still appreciate the efforts of the makers.

OMG ..Rick has all the 5 volume Books 📚📚📚📚📚 . Finally Rick loved PS 1

These guys have great movie knowledge than some people india who are the one still thinks bahubali like fiction movie is better than PS1😂😂🤦🏼‍♂️mani rathnam is not here to do fiction movies he's trying to create a movie which can never be done even if u pour 2000 or 3000 crores in it that's what manirathnam's way...And remember he finished the two parts in 150 days and there are other directors who spends the producers money like hell for 4 or 5 years😂😂🤦🏼‍♂️

You guys had better take on the movie than other region of Indian audience.I very much enjoyed your review.There is so mystery left in the part 2 which I know you guys will love it

Absolutely great film . Experience of an era. 🙏👍

Movie is super hit in Kerala and tamilnadu. North Indians are stucked in 2010 only mass entertainers

Rick really liked and enjoyed PS1. 😀 I don't remember Rick this happy reviewing a film.

Telgu and north people expectations : *Palm tree fight *Item dance from Trisha *Jumping from bridge and giving tough to gravity * Fight scene with tiger *America and London return hero 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

We are familiar with Jayaram comedy ..he is veteran Malayalam hero actor din feel out of place.. yeah disappointed the songs wer cut off… please ManiRatnam release the songs music videos as Deleted Scenes 🙏🏼

This book is 70 years old. I'm only 24 and I just read it. And it completely changed my perspective of my life. 😁

Mani Rathinam had to cram 2000 pages to a 6 hour movie, so obviously it is hard. Now that the movie is done, people will be inspired to make it a 5 Season web series with 8 episodes each. But we need this movie in our library even if a series is done.

Rick and krobin do give the novel a read. MANY scenes are not in movie due to time constraints...these scenes will make u like characters more. Especially poonguzhali's role!!

Guys You Forget To Mentioned Jayam Ravi The Ponniyin Selvan Himself ? 🤷

Surprisingly yu guys Truely understood the fact that Maniratnam focused only on the soul f the story and characterization rather than big VFx effects as we experienced in Baahubali. The wonder is that this movie looked so real n couldn’t differentiate between reality n CG works. Giving realistic experience is great lit 🔥 fr this movie.

Korbin you are the man, what you said is true this movie is not like bahubali, that movie maker showed in trailer and interviews, but lot of douchebags in India still compare with bahubali cultural behaviour I think it's shame

Wow AR rahman sir shared this video link in twitter ❤️

I see My Tamil , Telegu, Hindi Guys fighting with one another about what is good and what isn’t. Guys Grow up! You live in Bharat where each region has their own unique taste. And its all our Collective culture. Its like food, each region has their way of doing things. Each of them have developed their own taste and own way of telling stories. Instead of bickering over we must try as an audience to not expect the same from everything. We have such a diverse culture and it is diverse precisely because here our Audience has had an open mind. Understand the context behind any film first, understand the director his style & the motivation behind the film. Rajamouli is a Brilliant Visual Story teller who can have Masala with emotions, Mani Ratnam is a different beast. He is a naturalist, a Realistic story teller, watch him for that, there are Some marathi Film makers like director of Mulshinpattern whi we watch for the dialogues and story telling in a very interesting way. Try to enjoy all different flavors. But yeah I think we can all agree on this that bollywood is mostly garbage. Its not even north Indian 😅its a Bombay film Industry that makes films for Pakistan & NRI. Nit really for Hindi audience of UP BIHAR, Rajasthan MP. They don’t even market their films in HINDI. So don’t get over posessive about those guys. Where as our real gems are these guys like Mani Ratnam, Rajamouli, Praveen Tarde, etc etc who make genuinely good films with their own flavor. And if you constantly keep demanding only one then don’t complain if there is no diversity in things. Please Don’t make fun of Rajamouli too, he has taken Indian culture to global level, appreciate his effort in telling story telling through emotions. Each one has their place. While making judgements we must understand the Maker also. So that we can appreciate the Art better. You can’t possibly eat Dal roti every day, its nice to have a Idli dosa for once or a Pithla Bhakri for a change.

Anyone after ARR's Tweet 🌚?

Korbin, you are pissed because the songs are cut in a movie? Imagine yourself saying this 4 years ago. You've come a long way. :))

AR Rahman sir's tweet💀❤️

Thank you guys, great reaction. Loved the movie. Everyone from technicians to actors gave their best. And Maniratnam pulled this off beautifully, Hats off to everyone involved in this project ❤️❤️❤️

A very great movie! Had a wonderful experience. And Rick is spot on with the cinematography in this film. It was gorgeous and he worked beautifully with Mani Ratnam. Hats off to the PS1 team! *SPOILERS AHEAD* Another small cinematography detail I noticed is when Kundavai (Trisha) and Aditha (Vikram) talk with each other and when Aditha sits down, the camera blurs a bit and gets clear two or three times that clearly shows his disturbed mental state when thinking about Nandini and refusing to go to Thanjavur. Also when Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) learns about the Pazhuvettaraiyars causing the treachery, he lays on the bed going through acupuncture treatment and it's all done in the back, probably for the 'stabbing in the back' metaphor. There were a lot of cinematic genius in a lot of the scenes!

we watched in IMAX in ATlanta. it was a great experience. Actually book goes chronographically linear, but Mani telling it nonlinear . actually he is reserving beautiful CGs and actions for second part, I believe. so Don't miss IMAX next year!

Most honest and good review guys. Most realistic and excellent story based epic historical period film ever see. Ps1 hats of the master director mani sir 👏

Well, Arr posted this video's link in his Twitter 🔥🔥he is gonna be always a great Nanbar of yours

Some negative reviewers are saying that ps1 is not bahubali ,, and I am thinking that is a compliment ,, thank god we are not seeing the same over the top bahubali bs again and again ,, why can’t we just grow beyond bahubali ,, this movie has a lot more political drama and lot more characters than bahubali

This is one of those films that gonna become masterpiece, classic in future

We need more of this kind of movies which try reach the distant past.. it's sheer joy. Not just fantasy.. like many popular ones. We need ever living creations.

The mermaid aishwarya isnt nandhini. She is mandakini. She is the mysterious woman who keeps saving arulmozhi varman when ever he is in trouble ( the lady in the elephant).Its not very clear in the novels, but she is likely Nandhinis mother and Veerapandiyan's (the king who was beheaded by Vikram is front of Aish) wife,

Liked the movie.. It's more of a highlight reel, my single complaint about the movie is about the lack of breathing space comparing to the Novel, It's has a great flow. However liked it more after watched second time.

Glad you guys loved the movie ❤ those who watched the movie, the tamil audience really loved the movie and fans of the book loved the movie as well coz everything is detailed. We who haven't read the book talk abt the shots but they actually noticed and appreciated every little details of the sets and how it depicts the novel so yeah it's win to win. Most ppl are going for second watch coz they liked it and as you said they want to watch again in imax to experience more.

I am shocked you guys understood this film better than most Indians, this clearly shows the IQ of Indian audience, they want a hero, a villain, a simple cliched story, they are unable to digest such a complex story with layered characters.

You guys are correct do not compare with bagubali. This movie related to real lifes not fantasy movie

You're review & understanding story of Ponniyin Selvan was far better than our goltis 😂

Its a great novel. Converting it into a movie and doing justice to the novel is a great challenge.

Most people outside Tamil Nadu don't even know that this is a book adaptation, or anything about the history of Cholas. Telugu and Hindi audience probably think this is a spinoff of Bahubali or something, because that's the only epic film they know. These people will say even the Roman Empire is inspired by Bahubali. One is a market saturated with low IQ, mass masala films and the other just makes pretentious romcoms, biopics or patriotism jerk-off films. So they don't have the ability to appreciate quality content.

Who are all here after ARRahman tweeted this video

I LOVED this movie. I am so sick of cheesy over the top action films from India. Its just so exhausting to watch the same thing over and over. To see actual good cinema, so tastefully done, so beautifully shot and so well made was such a breeze. I know it won't speak to the wider audience that loves trashy cinema. But I am glad my type of audience is getting something.... The narration could have been better though. Like making it about Aditya Karikalan and his safety, about his dark past with Nandini and the whole conflict could have been more relatable to the fresh northern belt. Most movie goers can't keep track of all the those characters. And that's probably why it is getting a dull response from Northern belt. But over time this will stand out as a cult classice. P.S. I fricking ENJOYED the climax. The battle in a sinking ship, amidst the cyclonic storm was CHILLING!!!

Chiyaan killed it. Proves again why he is considered one of the greatest actors not just in India but in the world.

PS 1 blockbuster For Reviewers who intentionally downgrading the movie your review won't affect a masterpiece movie

Comparing Ponniyin Selvan 1 and Baahubali is very similar to Dune: Part 1 and Star Wars. Both Ponniyin Selvan and Dune talks about the chosen one and both the movies are slow paced and brilliant setup for the sequel, which everyone is eagerly awaiting for. Both movies, spoke about politics in their respective world. Both stand above their counterparts as grounded, without any flashy scenes. Both are cinematic brilliance. And score, what can you say.... Both Baahubali and Star Wars were copied from those two novel series. After when people started noticing similaries of the respective novels and the movies, the filmmakers started accepting the novels as their 'inspiration'. Until then they've been getting away without giving any credit (which they still haven't). Now half-baked Star Wars and Baahubali fans are calling these movies as copies.

2:36.. Yeah that's noted.. Mani Ratnam is all about international appeal.. Seriously Indian ppl did not deserve him..

Mani is also a master at long single shots...and in this movie the long single shots were so mesmerizing and his best work in his life

English people watched many slow paced movies so they will definitely like PS 1 but for Telugu and Hindi mass who don't watch slow pace movies much may not like it, irrespective of region and language every History follower will love PS 1, I am Telugu person but love PS 1 because I know the History, best movie for people interested in history

That's how we tamil women are - brave, bold, strong !

As a hindi audience , I find it's a totally story driven movie with grand level cinematography, but it's very difficult to remember even names of characters cause they r tamil names mostly.....maybe the story is familiar to tamil audience that's why they like it! But for hindi audience it's very confusing & complex story! But overall it's a good cinematic experience, specially both Aishwarya & Trisha looks so adorable in this!

Ar Rahman sir 💙💙 tweet

You’re spot on about the movie focusing on the characters and story. I loved it. I heard the audio book before watching the movie and I absolutely enjoyed the movie when I saw the characters come to life. My friend next to me did not know the story and did not seem to enjoy the movie as much as I did.

20:10 that's one of my fav too.. ❤❤❤ Even there are so many going on, that one scene with gorgeous camera movement, vikram's performance was keep running on my mind..

Epic, Colossal, Triumphant Yesterday, I saw the movie, Ponniyin Selvan 1, on IMAX screen. Awesome movie with great story, based on Chola empire! Mani Ratnam is probably the best director from India. This movie solidified that claim. This period novel has 100s of characters, factual and fictional, rich and complex with twists and turns, written in 5 volumes, comprising 1000s of pages. Doing justice to such a well read, most popular novel is impossible! Peter Jackson needed 6 movies to tell Tolkien’s story of Middle Earth, Hobbit and LOTR. Here Mani Ratnam is attempting to do it in two. Though the odds were against him, I will happily proclaim/conclude that the wizard has pulled it off gloriously! First let’s thank Kalki for such a wonderful novel that tells the story of India’s greatest Chola empire! Secondly, ARR’s music takes us on a wonderful journey along Ponni Nadhi, Tanjavur, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali, underpinning myriad of emotions from love, courage, victory to heartbreak! It was soulful, exhilarating, teasing, haunting, triumphant, melancholic and quite simply blissful! All actors were amazing! You forget them as actors, they truly became the characters! Vikram, Aditya Karikalan - He once again proved that he is one of the top actors from India! He is our Russel Crowe in this movie! As much as he roared in the battlefield, butchered his enemies, scored victories, partied hard, he also carried the burden of failed love! He was simply superb in the interval block! Karthi, Vandhya Devan - Lifeline of the movie! Perfect portrayal of courage, loyalty, charm, wit and romance. He is awesomely chivalrous and boisterous! His smile is bewitching and infectious! Jayam Ravi, Arul Mozhi Varman - The novel and the movie is named after his character. He is like his older brother Aditya Karikalan, a Prince. He is more regal, patient, majestic and as brave as his brother. Karthi and Jayam Ravi were amazing in the climax and the entire last 5-10 mts of the movie can compete with any obscenely budgeted Hollywood movie! Action was relentless! Aishwarya Rai Bachan, Nandini - She is a beauty with brain just like Kundhavai (Trisha), the princess. Aishwarya looked gorgeous! Her past life made her who she is, tragic but resolute. A woman with a mission! She acted brilliantly! Her encounters with Kundhavai and Karikalan are quite a treat to watch! Trisha, Princess Kundhavai - If you ever want a princess in your movie, Trisha it is! She looked regal, majestic, intelligent, clever, pleasingly bold and valiant! The interplay between her and Karthi was delightful! Similarly encounter between her and Nandini was full of wit and sarcasm! Trisha is born to play this role! Case closed! All the others have also given their best performances. The visuals, locations, costume, VFX, settings are all top notch! The movie was so engaging. Rarely any dull moments! Kudos to Mani for tight screenplay! The lyrics of the songs captured the moments so vividly and accurately! The choreography was in perfect harmony with the period! Editing is crisp! Roman Empire was the subject of many great Hollywood movies. Let Ponniyin Selvan be the first movie that celebrates Cholas, India’s greatest empire! Overall, this movie is an epic, colossal, triumphant! Nine out of Ten! We can now confidently say that Indian movies have arrived!

The climax Aishwarya Rai is the old lady who saved ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi) from the enemies by riding the elephant... The story drawn on the caves is her life story drawn by herself as she is a delf and dumb... The story will be revealed in PS 2

some people outside tn are saying that it's hard to follow the charcter and place names, but they know each and every character name and house names of GOT 😅😅

Just saw the film and loved it thoroughly...have read the novel too, and i was really impressed with how it has been adapted with ease into a 2hr 50mins movie, atleast the first part. Infact, they've told almost 65% - 70% of the whole novel's story in the first part itself, and it turned out to be so good, just imagine how good and fast, the second part film will be, and also ending with that amazing climax of the novel. I just can't wait to watch the second part. *Spoiler alert* i never though of an idea to end the first part of the film by revealing Aishwarya Rai's double role, because in the novel, the look alike character is just told in a simple way without making it into a big revelation. But, while adapating it to film, turning that particular character into a twist ending was just genius.

Hi Korbin just a clarification, that post credit scene is not a mermaid, that is the old lady on top of the elephant who saved the titular character PONNIYIN SELVAN...They are showing that both she & Nandhini has similar face, thats the lead to 2nd part

Absolutely loved the movie. I knew nothing about the story book or the history. And i enjoyed it a lot. Like literally the edge of the seat experience.

Was disappointed the way Hindi audience commented! Watched it and felt absolutely amusing! Didn't sense the time phase at all! My 8 yr old says she wants to watch it again in theatre! To Hindi audience - This movie is a Political drama with a plot. You don't have to remember names just recognise the face of the person playing the character which is enough. But if you really want to know the names then just go through the lineage chart of the dynasty of Raja Raja Chola. You don't have to read the book ! Just spend 1 min in knowing the characters before hand and enjoy the movie in theatre. This movie is for theatrical experience not for OTT platform! If you had already watched the movie and couldn't get connected then comment that you didn't understand and don't say that this is faltu or bakwas because it hurts those who clearly understood the plot! Over 50 main characters are there in this novel and even SS Rajamouli thought of taking a web series because it's not possible to convert into a movie! But Maniratnam proved it and only he could have done it by justifying almost all the character names! Thank you so much Mani Sir!!! Waited for 3 years for this masterpiece and listened to the audio book just for this movie! My kid and spouse doesn't have any knowledge of the story still they enjoyed! Must watch in theatre! Jai Shri Krishna! Jai Shri Ram 🙏🌹

If you recollect correctly.."the mermaid aiswarya" is the one who saved the ponnyin Selvan(jayam Ravi) two times ....fst tym...when he was a kid drowning in ponni river and the second tym ..when he was with karthi as shown in the movie,the woman in the elephant with white hair was the mermaid aiswarya Rai ...to make it clear ...."the mermaid aiswarya Rai" and the one as" Nandhini" are two different characters...they will be revealed in second part..hope it helps u to understand better...

So glad you liked it.. if part 1 is nice. I am damn sure part 2 will be even more nicer. Story get even interesting in the next part

Excellent review korbin and Rick. People here Don't understand the nuances of cinema and want every movie to be a RRR and bahubali. Not so realistic.

Hollywood won't compare game of throne with avenger or spiderman, but our indians will, that's the mentality currently most of fools got. 😆

ARR twitted your video link

I loved the movie . My top 3 this year easily . The drama and the epicness was more satisfying at the story level though sometimes the visuals were found lacking .

This is not GoT of India. Instead game of thrones is ponniyin selvan of the west. Why, because ponniyin selvan released 70 years before GoT.

At least you guys have better understanding of this film rather than north and telugu people who's looking for action and thought this was a war film..😒

Did they forget they saw TRISHA in "96" ?

Trisha Krishnan - Miss.Chennai, Aishwarya Rai - Miss World, Sobitha Dulipala - Miss India, Sarath Kumar - Mr.Madras

Great review for a great movie…we stop should affirm from comparing this movie to Bahuballi, they are plies apart…it is a disgrace to PS-1 on the comparison 😀