PS-2 Review: Partly Satisfying Emotional Drama!

The sequel to the industry hit PS-1, PS-2 has hit the silver screens on April 28, 2023, which is based on the fictional novel Ponniyin Selvan written by Kalki Krishnamurthy (a five-volume book based on a few true events that happened during the Chola dynasty). This review of Mani Ratnam’s PS-2 is completely based on the movie, which is adapted into a screenplay by writers B. Jayamohan, Elango Kumaravel, and Mani Ratnam, without any comparison to the novel.

At the heart of the PS-2 plot is the struggle for power and authority within the Chola dynasty, as well as the intense rivalry between the Cholas and the Pandya clan. This ancient political drama is masterfully woven around the complex relationship between the characters Aditha Karikalan and Nandini, which the director considers to be the soul of the movie.

After the title character’s death in PS-1, Arulmozhi Varman (also known as Ponniyin Selvan) played by ‘Jayam’ Ravi, and a brief appearance by an unknown elderly woman, this movie manages to captivate the audience and provide answers to the previous instalment’s many mysteries. While the prequel focused more on character introduction and the establishment of the ancient Chola world, PS-2 prioritizes the emotional sides of the characters. As a result, viewers quickly become invested in the story and easily relate to the characters.

The PS series boasts a large ensemble cast, as the novel is renowned for the uniqueness of each character involved. Fortunately, every actor has managed to fulfill their role with rich and nuanced performances. In particular, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shines as Nandini, outperforming everyone with her subtle and elegant performance. Whether she’s crafting political strategies with cunning precision or expressing the hidden emotions of her buried love towards the end, she gave a performance of a lifetime.

Alongside Bachchan, ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram also receives ample screen time and a meaty role, which he portrays with his usual flair as a believable and ruthless warrior. ‘Jayam’ Ravi, Karthi Sivakumar, Trisha Krishnan, and all the other actors give their best performances to elevate the narrative. Despite the confusion that can arise from the large cast of characters, it is easy to follow the story’s main plot, which revolves around the relationship drama between Nandini and Karikalan. The film’s pacing is spot-on, allowing for ample character development and emotional investment from the viewer.

The technical teams behind PS-2 have done an outstanding job of creating an immersive ancient world without relying on excessive graphics. The cinematography by Ravi Varman and the artwork by Thota Tharani deserve special mention for their attention to detail. The score by A. R. Rahman is also noteworthy, as it drives the narrative and enhances the emotional impact of each scene, despite the lack of full-fledged songs in the album. The combination of exceptional technical elements and a powerful score creates a memorable cinematic experience.

One major problem with the sequel is the careless way in which many serious scenarios were handled and staged, which is not typical of Mani Ratnam’s previous films. The movie includes several dragged sequences that test the audience’s patience and a lackluster climax war portion that lacks novelty and interest. As an emotional drama, it falls short of expectations in some areas. Furthermore, PS-2 has partially satisfied the audience, despite having mediocre expectations before its release. the first installment received mixed opinions and created no significant impact on the audience.

Mani Ratnam’s PS-2 is a costly experiment in Tamil Cinema that has opened many discussions and has widened the business of the industry. While it’s a partly satisfying emotional drama compared to its prequel, it would likely be better received as part of a Ponniyin Selvan TV series similar to Game of Thrones.

‘PS-2’ Rating – 2.75/5