Here's why you need to watch Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan in theatres

Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan can be easily considered as one of the biggest releases of the year. The film, which is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamoorthy's revered work of the same name, has been Mani Ratnam's dream project. The film revolves around the early days of Arunmozhi Varman who goes on to become Raja Raja Chola. Ponniyin Selvan is gearing up to hit screens tomorrow (September 30) worldwide. Here's why you need to watch the magnum opus in theatres

Mani Ratnam did what many others could only dream of

It is to be noted that a number of actors, including Makkal Thilagam MGR had tried to make the film adaptation of the Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan, but couldn't. Mani Ratnam himself had stated that he attempted to make the film twice in his career- 1994 and 2011- but shelved the plan both times. Now that the director has finally adapted the five-part book into two films, excitement is high among fans.

The ensemble stellar cast

The film delves into the Chola dynasty with Vikram playing Aditha Karikalan, Jayam Ravi playing Arunmozhi Varman, Trisha as Ilaiya Piratti Kundavai, Karthi as Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini. A number of stars have been roped in to pull off the legendary characters in the book and it would be a treat to watch them on screen.

The face-off between Kundavai and Nandini

The face-off between Ilaiya Piratti and Nandini, from Pazhuvoor is one of the highlights of the book. While Kundavai is known for her intellect and good looks, and her eclectic interest in art and literature, Nandini Devi is said to be a beauty to behold, who also is a character with shades of grey. Trisha had revealed that Mani Ratnam had asked them not to be friends off screen to bring out the rivarly on screen.

AR Rahman belts out some energetic tones

The soundtrack comprises six songs which include Ponni Nadhi, Chola Chola, Ratsasa Maname, Sol, Alaikadal and Devaralam Attam. Lyrics for the songs are by Elango Krishnan, Kabilan and Krithik Nelson. 

Thota Tharani and Ravi Varman's magic

It is said that award-winning art director Thota Tharani had painstakingly erected the lavish sets for the film and Ravi Varman had canned those portions in a breathtakingly beautiful manner. Now the magic is all for us to witness.