‘Ponniyin Selvan 2’: Actor Vikram praises filmmaker Mani Ratnam, opens up about challenges of his role of warrior

During a promotional press conference for Ponniyin Selvan 2, which is based on Kalki's five-part epic novel on the Chola dynasty, Vikram expressed his admiration for Mani Ratnam in a way that resembled a student's admiration for his favorite teacher. The actor stated that he has had the best understanding with Ratnam among all the directors he has worked with. He added that Ratnam has a talent for bringing out characteristics within him that he was unaware of, which helps enhance his roles. The press conference took place in Bengaluru.

Vikram was accompanied by his co-actors, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, and Karthi, at the historical drama's press conference. As Vikram expressed his admiration for Mani Ratnam, the master storyteller, the other actors present at the conference, including Trisha, Jayam Ravi, and Karthi, all nodded in agreement.

Vikram's initial collaboration with Mani Ratnam was for Raavanan, a reinterpretation of the Ramayana epic. The film was a bilingual project, known as Raavan in Hindi, and Vikram portrayed two completely different characters in the Tamil and Hindi versions. In Raavan, he played the role of the righteous and angry cop Dev, while in the Tamil version, he was exceptional as the savage outlaw Veera. The character development of Veera in the Tamil version is similar to that of Aditya Karikalan, the prince of the Chola dynasty, in the Ponniyin Selvan films.


Moreover, Vikram shared his thoughts on his portrayal of Aditya Karikalan in Ponniyin Selvan 2. He described the character as a brave warrior who forsakes his royal status and willingly goes to war. Despite his attempts to forget his love, he eventually becomes vulnerable and is willing to do anything for her, a similar emotional journey to the one he portrayed in Raavanan. The actor believes that the audience will appreciate how Mani Ratnam has woven his character's complexities in Ponniyin Selvan 2.

The second part of Ponniyin Selvan is scheduled to release on April 28, which is approximately six months after the first part was released. The initial part of the movie was a commercial success, earning nearly Rs 500 crore at the box office.

FAQs:

When will Ponniyin Selvan 2 be released?
April 28, 2023

When was Ponniyin Selvan 1 released?
September 30, 2022