Ponniyin Selvan: Part I

Storyline

Master filmmaker Mani Ratnam realized a six-decade-old Tamil cultural dream by adapting Kalki Krishnamurthy's iconic 1955 historical novel into the sweeping epic Ponniyin Selvan: Part I, grossing over ₹500 crore worldwide to become one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. Set in the 10th century during the golden era of the Chola Empire, the narrative unfolds amidst treacherous palace conspiracies and impending civil war. With Emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) bedridden by illness, the kingdom's ruthless treasury minister Periya Pazhuvettarayar (R. Sarathkumar) plots a covert coup to install the Emperor's cousin Madhurantakan upon the throne. Fierce crown prince Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram in a tortured, volcanic performance) dispatches his charming, agile warrior spy Vallavarayan Vandhiyathevan (Karthi in an effortless, show-stealing turn) across southern India to deliver urgent warnings to his sister Princess Kundavai (Trisha) and younger brother Arulmozhi Varman / Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi) in Sri Lanka. Standing at the center of the conspiracy is the breathtaking, vengeful Queen Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in an ethereal, mesmerizing dual turn). Featuring A. R. Rahman's majestic, classical score and Ravi Varman's royal cinematography, PS-1 is a cinematic triumph.