Ponniyin Selvan 2: Decoding film’s strengths & weaknesses, ahead of release

New Delhi: Ponniyan Selvan Part 1 was an absolute riot at the box office. The 2022 movie grossed over Rs. 500 crores and emerged as a global success. Now, Director Mani Ratnam is all set to return to theaters with Ponniyan Selvan Part 2.

Now that everyone’s expectations are set too high for the sequel, the question rises whether will it be able to deliver what it promises.

Let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Chola Empire drama to determine if it will be able to make it as big as its predecessor.

Hit Points

1. Spectacle Film

Before we talk about its plot and storyline, one thing that gives Ponniyan Selvan is that it is a spectacle film. With amazing visuals to accompany its gorgeous star cast, the period drama has a lot of potentials to attract footfall at the cinema.

2. Most loved Tamil Literature

Ponniyin Selvan should have been a series. Based on the books, the character development should have been done well. It’s not easy to pull off in two parts. A lot details are there. Imo I would’ve enjoyed it in series. Anyways let’s enjoy PS-2. ??

— ✿︎ (@pinkwlemonade) April 24, 2023

It is based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 Novel Ponniyan Selvan, which is one of the most sought-after works of Tamil Literature to adapt on screen. Since Mani Ratnam was able to perfectly execute its cinematic adaptation with PS-1, a vast amount of viewers are already hooked on the Chola Empire’s story.

3. No competition

The fact that a mega-budget mega-starrer film like Ponniyan Selvan Part 2 is releasing without any competition already makes it one step closer to a box office-breaking success.

Miss Points

1. Tamil-based story

Ponniyan Selvan is set to release in many non-Tamil regions. However, the story has a strong Tamil period background which might make viewers from other regions wane away. Also, those who haven’t watched the part one, might find the story too confusing.

this is your reminder to rewatch mani ratnam’s ponniyin selvan: part 1 on prime video before the release of part 2 – coming to theatres april 28th worldwide. ??pic.twitter.com/YIOyQQi1pY

— k/கண்ணன் – ps2 time (@kschameleon) April 23, 2023

2. Album

One of the major reasons why PS-1 was able to find a fanbase in Non-Tamil regions was its chartbusters. However, in Ponniyan Selvan Part 2, the music by AR Rahman is much softer and mellow.

Have fallen head over heels in love with the Ponniyin Selvan 2 album… How can the magician keep doing this again and again!

— Karthik Raghavan (@Kartrag4991) April 22, 2023