Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan opens to positive reviews and packed cinema halls

Ponniyin Selvan, Kalki Krishnamurthy’s five-part historical novel on the Chola dynasty, not only captivated generations of Tamil readers, it also cast a spell on Tamil filmmakers and actors, including MG Ramachandran, Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam and many others. Are included.

Mani Ratnam has roped in ₹500 crore and several stars -Aishwarya Rai, Karthi, Vikram, ‘Jayam’ Ravi, Sarath Kumar, Parthiban and others to bring the book to life on-screen as ‘Ponniyin Selvan Part I’. It was released in cinemas on Friday in packed houses.

The film has received largely positive reviews from critics and audiences and house-full shows across over 650 screens.

“The audience has given an extraordinary response to the film. All major theaters in major cities have been sold out,” said G Dhananjayan, founding member, Tamil Film Active Producers Association and founder of the Bofta Film Institute in Chennai.

“If one gives a sense of the opening, this actor is better than Vijay’s recent film, beast, which saw a great opening. Advance booking for the second week is also good. The first part ends with a good lead of part II. The film has the potential to be one of the biggest hits of Tamil cinema.”

Trade sources reveal that Ponniyin Selvan Part I is set to increase the number of screens and shows as actor Dhanush’s maternal grandfather, Varuven, directed by his brother, Selvaraghavan, did not receive a great response from the audience as well as the audience. Is. Critics.

Tiruppur Subramaniam, president of the Tamil Nadu Theater and Multiplex Owners Association, said most theaters sold tickets for 10 days straight.

“The film is a huge hit. The reviews are good, which has ensured that tickets are booked for the next 10 days. Tickets for every show are selling out,” he said.

The second part of PS I is likely to release in the second half of 2023 and is currently in the post-production stage.