Ponniyin Selvan (1993) Review in 2025
Ponniyin Selvan is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language historical epic film directed by Mani Ratnam, based on the novel of the same name by Kalki. The film stars Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, and Saritha in lead roles. It is a grand and visually stunning film that explores the Chola Empire's rise to power.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is not suitable for young children due to its mature themes and violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for its grand and epic story, stunning visuals, and excellent direction. However, it may not be suitable for young children due to its mature themes and violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows the story of Prince Arinjar Manthiran, who is the son of the Chola king Sundara Chola. The prince is tasked with finding the legendary sword of the Chola Empire, which is said to have the power to bring victory to its wielder. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and battles, including a fierce encounter with the rival Pandya king.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of action, drama, and romance. However, some viewers may find the historical context and characters' motivations to be confusing at times.
acting8.00/10
The acting is superb, with each actor bringing their own unique energy and passion to their role. However, some viewers may find the dialogue to be cheesy at times.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique personality and motivations to the story. However, some viewers may find the characters' actions to be inconsistent at times.
direction8.50/10
Mani Ratnam's direction is excellent, bringing the grand and epic story to life with stunning visuals and action sequences. However, some viewers may find the pacing to be slow at times.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning visuals and a great use of lighting and color. However, some viewers may find the camera work to be shaky at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's grand and epic story, stunning visuals, and excellent direction make it a must-watch for fans of historical epics and action-adventure films.
Cons
The film's slow pacing, confusing historical context, and cheesy dialogue may deter some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I will not rest until I find the legendary sword and bring victory to our kingdom."
"The sword of the Chola Empire is not just a sword, it is a symbol of our power and our strength."
