“Ponniyin Selvan: II” is a cinematic masterpiece that brings to life the epic historical novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Director Mani Ratnam and his team have done an excellent job in adapting the novel into a movie, with stunning visuals, excellent performances, and a faithful representation of the story.

The movie follows the journey of the Chola kingdom and its people during a time of political turmoil, and the lives of the various characters who are caught up in the conflicts. The cast, including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, are all apt and deliver top-notch performances.

While some scenes may have been left out of the movie, it’s important to remember that adapting a complex novel into a movie is a challenging task, and some changes are necessary to create a cohesive cinematic experience. However, the movie still captures the essence of the book and brings its characters and settings to life on the big screen.

The music by A.R. Rahman, with additional music by Vikram and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is outstanding and adds to the overall experience of the film. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the battle scenes are well choreographed and engaging.

The only concern I had was that they missed a significant revelation from the novel, but it’s understandable why they chose to leave it out. Overall, the movie is a faithful adaptation that captures the spirit and excitement of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s original novel.

While it may not include every scene from the book, “Ponniyin Selvan: II” is still an engrossing and immersive experience that is definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of historical fiction or Tamil literature. Mani Ratnam has once again proven why he is a master of his craft, and this movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great filmmaking.