Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed historical Indian epic has violence and gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
PONNIYIN SELVAN: PART I follows Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) who sets out to deliver messages to Princess Kundavai (Trisha Krishnan) and King Sundhara Chola (Prakash Raj) from the Chola Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan (Vikram) regarding threats to the empire. Through the course of Vanthiyathevan's journey, complex tales surrounding banishment, heartbreak, and revenge surface, which involve the Queen of Pazhuvoor, Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), as she emerges central to the dangers the Chola dynasty face. Among these threats, Vanthiyathevan heads to Lanka on Kundavai's command to bring back her brother Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), also known as Ponniyin Selvan. Facing violent and life-threatening attacks from all corners, will Vanthiyathevan and Ponniyin Selvan manage to escape and save the endangered Chola kingdom?
Is It Any Good?
This action-packed glorious Indian epic directed by Mani Ratnam is a fine entertainer. Ponniyin Selvan: Part I is a refreshing illustration of intense and gripping storytelling that blends in rich allusions to Indian mythology, diverse cultural dance forms, and the dense family heritage of the Chola empire. While the blood baths in the name of battle and the typical petty humor seem redundant and repetitive, Ratnam's epic covers up through his complex characters and their passionate determination.
While being the purported villain of the tale, Nandini is not portrayed as inherently evil. Her backstory provides a nuanced narration, avoiding cliches in the process. Standing against her is the clever and sharp-witted Princess Kundavai, and the gambits between the two are at the center of the story. An intricate literary adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy's novel, Ponniyin Selvan, this first installment ends with a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving not just excitement but a promise of so much more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ponniyin Selvan: Part I's violence. How did the battle scenes make you feel? Did they seem realistic? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
What were the film's messages about teamwork and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
What did you think of Nandini? Did you think her actions were reasonable?
This movie is the first of two parts. What are you most looking forward to in the sequel?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 30, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2022
- Cast : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , Karthi , Jayam Ravi , Trisha
- Director : Mani Ratnam
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : IMAX
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 167 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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