Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has said that she owes a debt of gratitude to the ace director Mani Ratnam and praised him for making an ambitious historical epic dram such as 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. The actress, who has been previously cast by Mani Ratnam in 'Iruvar', 'Guru' and 'Raavan', was in the Capital with the multi-lingual film's leading stars Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi and Trisha. She emphasised that "the entire cast is fortunate to be part of this film".

Aishwarya continued: "I have always been fortunate to be part of larger-than-life projects, but what makes this special is that it is Mani sir's film. This movie is a labour of love and the guru is Mani Sir. It is such an enticing, intriguing and exciting film. How fortunate we are that we are a part of this magnum opus." She added: "Magic happens when we are in it together. What a great team. From the cast to the camera persons, to everyone else -- all have contributed to the making of this film. Thank you so much, Mani sir for making me a part of this film."