Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 2 to hit screens on April 28; no change in release date

​Speculations have been rife that the release date of the second instalment of Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan has been pushed. The rumour had begun after the makers did not provide any update about the film, after the announcement of the release date, which is on April 28. But it now looks like the team is indeed planning to release the film on the aforementioned date.

Ponniyin Selvan is bankrolled by Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions. The makers had announced that the film would be released in IMAX. Madras Talkies's social media handle read, "Immerse yourself into the world of #PS once again in the grandeur of @IMAX! Come live this epic experience in IMAX THEATRES worldwide from April 28 #PS2 #PonniyinSelvan #CholasAreBack #ManiRatnam @arrahman @LycaProductions @Tipsofficial @tipsmusicsouth @primevideoIN (sic)."

The film is an adaptation of eminent writer Kalki's eponymous novel of the same name. The story revolves around the battle for the Chola throne after the reigning king Sundara Cholar falls ill. The star cast includes Vikram as Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini Devi, Queen of Pazhuvoor, Jayam Ravi as Ponniyin Selvan, Trisha as Ilaiya Piratti Kundavai and Karthi as the Chola commander and spy Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan.The second instalment will take forward the battle for the throne.

The makers had earlier provided a glimpse to the sequel with a short video along with the caption, "Let’s get those swords in the air as we await the 28th of April 2023 (sic)!." In the gripping music of AR Rahman, the video shows Vikram looking intense as Aditha Karikalan, a bleeding Karthi as Vanthiyathevan, Jayam Ravi walking and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan scheming the master plan as Nandini Devi.

The first part was released last year in September and opened to positive reviews. Music for the film is by AR Rahman, cinematography by Ravi Varman, editing by Sreekar Prasad and art direction by Thotta Tharani.