Karthi on his role in Ponniyin Selvan: I was thrilled when I learnt that Vanthiyathevan was a jack of all trades

One of the highlights of the teaser launch of Ponniyin Selvan was the speech delivered by Karthi. The actor who plays Vanthiyathevan in the movie was the first from the cast to talk at the event after the teaser was screened.

He entered the stage by shouting "goosebumps" and thanked filmmaker Mani Ratnam for the opportunity to portray one of the iconic characters in the epic novel which has been finally made into a feature film.

He said, "I still remember the day I joined as an AD to Mani sir. And today, I'm standing here after playing one of the pivotal characters in Ponniyin Selvan. I'm sure most of us would have found history classes boring during our school days. But this film will remind us of our gigantic history."

Karthi added that the movie will emphasize on various reasons which will elevate the feeling of Tamil pride. "Though many of us flaunt Tamil pride, there are people who do not know the reasons behind it. The manner in which our kings ruled, the efficiency with which we pulled off several Herculean tasks and our glorious past are depicted beautifully in Ponniyin Selvan," he said.

According to Karthi, the big-budget period film has touched upon the making of Kallanai (one of the oldest dams in the world), huge temples and other architectural monuments. "A few other highlights would be the depiction of intelligent ways with which people, especially emperors belonging to the Chola period, traveled through water," he added.

On playing Vanthiyathevan in the film, Karthi said he was initially clueless on essaying a character who lived more than a thousand year ago. "I have heard my mother talking about Vanthiyathevan; it was interesting when I learnt that he was a lover boy. Later, I discussed him with a historian friend of mine. I was thrilled when he said that Vanthiyathevan was a jack of all trades and that he was obsessed with women and money. I can't wait for people to watch what Mani sir has made; the film will be a gift for the coming generations," Karthi said.