PONNIYIN SELVAN 2 (PS 2): This movie set in 9th century Chola dynasty is a mediocre outing from the stable of Mani Ratnam. A.R. Rahman’s music is ho-hum and fails to create an impact.The story is convoluted and not compelling. Aishwarya plays a double role as Mandakini and Nandini-she is poker faced and subtle in the first half but shows her histrionics in the second half. She looks regal and would remind you of her Jodha Akbar look. Wish she imbibes the workaholic trait of her famous father-in-law and we get to see more of her. I did not see the first installment and I am not familiar with the Tamil actors but the person who plays Arulmozhi displays a royal grace. The palace intrigue is complicated with the presence of too many characters.The dialogues are good but could have been better. The cinematography is average. There is no “wow” moment in the movie barring the last 15 minutes which depicts the battle for supremacy of the Chola warriors.The movie tries to be a “Bahubali’ clone but lacks the soul and substance of the same. With the audience’s penchant for period drama and historicals coupled with Aishwarya’s star power this movie is okay as an one-time watch.
AninditaRoyMusings 