Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan' gets a release date; Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks stunning in first look

Picture Courtesy: PR

The much anticipated magnum opus, PS-1, first part of a two-part multilingual film based on Kalki's classic Tamil novel "Ponniyin Selvan" directed by Mani Ratnam and jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies is all set to hit the big screen this year. The makers have shared an exciting first look of this mega film.

The story is set in the 10th century during a tumultuous time in the Chola Empire when the power struggle between different branches of the ruling family caused violent rifts between the potential successors to the reigning emperor. It is an adventure story featuring Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sobhita Dhulipala, amongs others in pivotal role.

The film is set to release in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Produced by Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, PS-1 is directed by Mani Ratnam. The film is set to come on the big screens on September 30th, 2022.

After a short stint in Puducherry last year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Jayam Ravi and others had apparently commenced the final schedule of the period drama in Hyderabad. A set of a huge fortress had been constructed on a hillock at Ramoji Film City, where Vikram's character - Aditya Karikalan - will lead a war.

"Vikram has already shot a crowd sequence. Over the next few days, Mani sir will shoot some intense scenes with Aishwarya, Karthi, Trisha and Jayam, and a song with the entire cast. Post that, he will film the Chola expedition that sees Karikalan defeat the Pandya king, Veerapandyan," revealed a trade source in 2021. Envisaged in two parts, the magnum opus will trace the early days of Arulmozhivarman, who became Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. Rai will be seen in a double role as princess Nandini, and her mother, queen Mandakini Devi. "Nandini manipulates her husband, leading to the downfall of the Chola empire." The source added that some portions will be shot in Tamil Nadu and other regions across India.