Ponniyin Selvan- the finesse

 Finally, back to blogging after a hectic 6 months! I am quite excited to be back on this platform which has given me a voice and an identity. Furthermore, I am thrilled to be back to my favorite routine i.e. reading books! Ah! How much I missed this pastime!

I got my hands on one of the most celebrated novels in Tamil literature- Ponniyin Selvan translated by Pavitra Srinivasan and Varsha Venugopal. 

I am grateful to them for translating this masterpiece and introducing me to the world of Chozhas. I am contended that I could finally read the book that has always been on the top for its themes that are even relevant in today's times. 

My excitement got piqued since there is a movie releasing based on the book. So without further ado, I immediately started reading, and my God! I couldn't resist myself at all. I was reading chapter after chapter without any pause. I was so engrossed, that I never knew the time. I became emotionally invested. Each character had equal importance in contributing towards the story. Subtle sarcasm, tragedy, revenge, conspiracy, friendship, romance, bravery- it has everything. The twists in the end leave you gasping for breath. 

Normally many people presume that this book is based on complete history. But it is a little different since its genre is historical fiction- meaning that few characters are the brainchild of the author. This has made it a riveting account of the Chozhas.

The author- Kalki R Krishnamurthy- gives vivid descriptions of all the palaces, temples, rivers and festivals. He uses allegory during the conversations between characters and uses similes and metaphors (with a lil exaggeration, of course) while describing the characters' looks, their venerable feats and titles. The book takes your imagery to the next level and no doubt cinephiles are awaiting this movie. 

The best part is that every person has their own imagination about the characters. But Mani Ratnam sir has chosen actors in such a way that has equally satisfied everyone's fantasies. Every actor looks perfect for their respective roles.

Making 'Ponniyin Selvan' has been the dream of Tamil cinema for 60 years. An unfulfilled dream film of several directors due to some constraints is now being released on September 30th 2022. The long wait of everyone is finally coming to an end.

As audience, let us first trust the director's vision. Who knows what is there under his sleeve? Let us not spoil the mood for the film by mere speculations or comparisons.

Remember that making a film of such grandeur is not a normal task and hats off to everyone who worked behind creating this project. 

For Non-Tamilians, it might be a little difficult to pronounce the names of characters. Even I myself struggled at the start because I found the names too long! (haha) But once you go forward with the books, you will even learn to pronounce them and why, you will even fondly remember them!

                            - Anusha Sridhar

(P.S My question to the people who read the book- who is your favorite character and why?  Let us have a discussion in the comments. To the people who have not, I urge you to either please read the book or watch the movie. If feasible, do both! :) Don't miss upon such literary classics. It gives you once in a lifetime experience which when you look back becomes very memorable.)