Vikram on Ponniyin Selvan: Mani Ratnam sir is a wonderful craftsman and it's a blessing to play Aditya Karikalan

The second single Chola Chola, which is an ode to Aditya Karikalan, was released in Hyderabad yesterday amid a gala affair. The event was attended by the film's cast comprising Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, Prakash Raj, Nasser and director Mani Ratnam himself. Speaking about his ambitious project on the occasion, Mani Ratnam, said, “It’s been a long-time dream of mine to make Ponniyin Selvan & we’re proud of what we’ve done and to present it to you!"

He was also in praise of popular Tollywood director SS Rajamouli. "Rajamouli has opened the door for all of us and has proved that these kinds of films can be made, and that they can be done in two parts and be successful with Bahubali." He also thanked producer Dil Raju and megastar Chiranjeevi. However, he didn't reveal the reason behind thanking Chiranjeevi ."You will know soon, " is all he said.

Karthi stated that it's not easy to make a film like Ponniyin Selvan and that it comes after a dream of 60 long years is a big thing. "It's a special film and I am happy to be part of it and to share screen space with great actors and beautiful human beings. There are a lot of expectations from the film because there are five main characteristics in it and every character has an ambition."

Vikram stated that he has a special relationship with Mani Ratnam sir after working in Raavanan and Raavan. "We have a wonderful understanding. Mani sir is a master craftsman and it's a blessing to be playing this character. It's a dream come true to be part of this film. I can say that I could retire after appearing in a Shankar sir film and a Mani sir film.

Nasser stated that PonniyinSelvan has been waiting & hibernating for 60 years to be made into cinema. It’s the biggest book in Tamil literature & Mani Ratnam is making this a visual reality!”