Ponniyin Selvan: Many of my dreams got fulfilled in the film, says Jayam Ravi

The first single launch from Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: I was held today in Chennai. Jayam Ravi, who plays Arunmozhivarman, and was present on the occasion, said, “During the shoot, Karthi and I would discuss every shot, how the audience would receive it and will they enjoy it. Today, when we saw you reactions, I am very happy. There’s a specialty about the Tamil audience. They are the ones who applaud for every single frame in the film.”

Talking about his co-star Karthi, Jayam Ravi said, “We would wake up at 3am in the morning and go for horseriding training. I was a bit scared to ride the horses. It was Karthi who encouraged me and took me along. He helped me gain confidence and it’s difficult to get friends like him. One day, when I was in the hotel, I heard that Karthi fell down from the horse. I was quite worried. Then I started thinking in a selfish manner. If Karthi himself has fallen off the horse, what would happen to people like me.“

Calling the film’s director Mani Ratnam his hero, Jayam Ravi said, “He is my hero, our hero. Many legends have dreamt of making this film and Mani ratnam sir has proven it. After Chandralekha that was known for its grandeur made us sit up and take notice, the audience can experience it in Ponniyin Selvan, thanks to Subaskaran sir. A number of people have worked behind the scenes. Ravi Varman sir has made every shot look beautiful and you will realise it when you watch the film. Thotta Tharani sir has worked hard on the set. It’s a blessing to work with such technicians. “

He added, “And of course, AR Rahman sir who has churned out fab music. Rahman sir had earlier scored music for a film starring Karthi. But this is the first time that he is scoring music for me. Many of my dreams got fulfilled in the film. I also learnt a lot from Jayaram sir, with whom I worked for the first time. We had many interesting conversations on cinema. This is not an ordinary film and more than 1000 people have worked on it.“