Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan is the pride of Tamil cinema: Parthiban

Actor-filmmaker R Parthiban, known for his quirky sense of humour and innovative style of filmmaking, started his career as K Bhagyaraj's assistant in 1984. The critically acclaimed, Pudhiya Paadhai (1989) and Housefull (1999), both of which received the National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film, are among his well-known works. Additionally, he earned a Special Jury Award from the National Film Awards for Oththa Serupu Size 7 (2019).

Parthiban, once again brought attention to himself, promoting the first single-shot movie in Asia, Iravin Nizhal. Given how swiftly the movie jumps from one scene to the next without pausing to reflect, the accomplishment seems significant. Despite playing a brief role in Ponniyin Selvan-1, Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, the commander in charge of the Thanjavur Fort is essential, the actor talks about his character in Mani Ratnam's magnum opus.

A few excerpts from a conversation:

On playing Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar in PS-1

My character might be small but it is as important as a bookmark in a novel. To mark where we have finished reading a book, we frequently fold the top corner of a page. The mark divides the book into two sections, which typically makes it easier for readers to pick up where they left off. Similar to that, even though my role in this movie is minor, it will still be important.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar is a trustworthy commander-in-chief, who has excellent discipline. Without his consent, no one will be able to enter the Thanjavur fort. I can only reveal so much at this point. Ponniyin Selvan is the pride of Tamil cinema. Watch the film to discover more! (Smiles) Ponniyin Selvan and Iravin Nizhal were both shot during the pandemic. I worked on Ponniyin Selvan for 4-5 days in between the filming of my movie. I made memories more than anything else.

On working with AR Rahman and Mani Ratnam

Rahman sir was happy about the reception that Iravin Nizhal was met with. He had dedicated the majority of his busy schedule to Iravin Nizhal, which made me glad. He's always working on important projects, such as Ponniyin Selvan and Vendhu Thanindhadhu Kaadu. A film like this, for which Mani Ratnam alone deserves praise, merits celebration. This film should be viewed as the triumph of the Tamil cinema industry.

I made an effort to give Mani Ratnam a lengthy presentation of traditional Tamil dialogues. But the director, known for his brevity, shot me down and told me to keep it straightforward. (Laughs)

Selvaraghavan's Aayirathil Oruvan vs Mani Ratnam's PS-1

These films represent a wide range of viewpoints and are very dissimilar. Selvaraghavan is capable of directing any genre of film, but Mani Ratnam was given the most challenging task of emulating Kalki's book.

On Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan

Similar to Mysskin, who read several books at once, I had a friend named Karthik, who used to read the books Kalki and Sandilyan simultaneously. I used to sit next to him and read Sandilyan's novels whenever he was reading a book. I read Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki this way! I had no idea that I would eventually get to play Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar.

Parthiban dropped a few stunning images of the PS-1 cast, on Twitter, recently. In a red saree and gold accessories, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was radiant and ethereally lovely. He uploaded some poetry appreciating the actress for her energy and dedication along with the images.

In the film, Bachchan plays Nandini, a Pazvuhoor queen, on a quest to get revenge for the death of her lover.

It has taken a while to create this historical dream. Mani Ratnam recently discussed his two failed attempts to complete the film. The first attempt was in 1994, and the second was in 2011. Both times, unanticipated circumstances prevented the picture from being finished.

However, the Roja director admitted he was relieved his earlier attempts to produce the movie failed because it would have been extremely challenging to adapt the massive book through a single film.

“There are five separate volumes in Ponniyin Selvan. It couldn't possibly be squeezed into one film. Maybe we couldn't have done it justice back then. However, viewers are now more willing to watch a movie in instalments or a series. Because this is the proper time, I'm delighted Ponniyin Selvan didn't occur all those years ago,” Mani Ratnam was quoted, as saying.