This one is again an usual Maniratnam movie. Nothing special. From an ordinary world cinema fanboy's point of view I should say that this movie lacks the cinematic grammar what a historical/period film should have. Director Maniratnam claims that he had tried to capture the essence of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan, but what I feel is he failed. For example, the way Aditya Karikalan's character portrayed in the film is absolute non sense. Do a war general like Aditya Karikalan drink alcohol, dance and regret a love failure. No. History says he was a disciplined warrior, intelligent and brave and not a barbarian fool. In fact many think that Kalki's book is a history book. But it is not and Ponniyin Selvan is a historical fiction. Kalki scrutinised the history and makes readers think that Raja Raja Cholan was also one of the suspects of the murder of Aditya Karikalan. No proof from history. Coming to this movie, I humbly request director Maniratnam to watch historical movies like Spartacus, Gladiator, Braveheart, TROY or atleast movies like Jodha Akbar, Padmaavat and then direct a historical film or else please don't.
Review of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I
