What Is 'Ponniyin Selvan-I' About? Know All About Plot, Cast, Release

Ponniyin Selvan-I is an upcoming Tamil period drama film that will star Chiyaan Vikram, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Rai and Jayam Ravi in pivotal roles. The action-packed movie is about the early life and rise of one of the greatest Indian rulers, Rajaraja Chola I.

Mani Ratnam's upcoming directorial Ponniyin Selvan-I or PS-I will be an action-packed multi-starrer with about 15 principal characters. Other than the main characters, there are about 35 more characters in the story who have significant contributions to the course of events mentioned in the story. The movie is based on the 1955 historical fiction novel of the same name which was written by Kalki Krishnamurthy and released in five parts. The movie was earlier intended to be a stand-alone but later, Mani Ratnam decided to make it into two parts. While the first part is ready to release soon, the second part will reportedly release six to nine months after the release of the first part.

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Ponniyin Selvan Plot, Cast, Trailer, Release

The story of PS-I revolves around Arulmozhivarman, the youngest son of King Sundara Chola and the second in line to the throne. The movie focuses on the events of Arulmozhivarman's early life in Sri Lanka and his crowning as the King. He was sent to Sri Lanka by his elder sister princess Kundavai for battle at the age of 19. He received immense love from the people of the Chola Kingdom and Sri Lanka because of his good nature and religious tolerance. His elder brother and the crown prince Adhitha Karikalan is known for his valour and erratic attitude which is considered his negative aspect as the future ruler.

The main antagonist of the story is Nandini, the immensely beautiful princess of Pazhuvoor princess, who grew up along with the Chola royal children. Aditha Karikalan and she fell in love with each other but were separated because their match was seen unfit for some reason. Nandini was very jealous of Kundavai because of her beauty. She was one of the main conspirators against the Chola kingdom as she sought revenge for the wrongs done to her by the Cholas.

In the movie, Chiyaan Vikram will portray the role of Aditha Karikala, Trisha Krishnan will play Kundavai, Jayam Ravi will play Arulmozhivarman, later known as Rajaraja Chola I, and Aishwarya Rai will play the double role of Nandini and mute queen Mandakini Devi. Karthi will be seen playing another pivotal role of Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan, the warrior prince of the Vaanar Clan. The movie will be released in theatres on September 30, 2022.