Who, what & why: Meet the characters of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ – F’day Spl. Article by Naveen

It has been director Mani Ratnam’s three-decade-long dream to make Ponniyin Selvan. The ace director has finally realised his dream. The first part of Ponniyin Selvan was released today. Here is an introduction to some of the most important characters.

Aditya Karikalan:

Aditya Karikalan is the eldest son and the crown prince of the Chola Kingdom. He stays in Kanchipuram, where he has constructed a golden palace. He wants his parents to come and visit him. Chiyaan Vikram plays Aditya Karikalan.

Kundavai:

Princess Kundavai is a woman of virtue. Her critical understanding of politics and the country’s politics makes her the best. She lives in the Pazhayarai palace. Pazhayarai is the capital of the Chola kingdom. Trisha plays the role of Kundavai in the film.

Arulmozhi Varman:

Arulmozhi Varman is the youngest son of Sundara Chozhar. The people of the Chola dynasty wanted Arulmozhi to be the future king as they believe he would make an able leader. He is also called Ponniyin Selvan (Son of Ponni). Jayam Ravi plays the role of Ponniyin Selvan AKA Arulmozhi Varman.

Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan:

Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan is the trusted aide and friend of Aditya Karikalan. He belongs to the Vana clan, which serves the Cholas. The story of Ponniyin Selvan starts and ends with Vanthiyathevan. It is through him that the readers get to meet the rest of the characters in the world of Ponniyin Selvan. Vanthiyathevan is known for his wit and flirtatious nature. Karthi plays Vanthiyathevan in Ponniyin Selvan.

Nandini:

Nandini is a grey-shaded character in the Ponniyin Selvan universe and the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. She is known for her beauty and charm that makes men fall at her feet in a jiffy. Nandini has a tragic past because of which she is waiting for an opportunity to avenge the men (and women) who wronged her. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be seen as Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan.

Poonguzhali:

Poonguzhali, also known as Samuthira Kumari, is a boatwoman. In several instances in the story, she puts her life on the line to save Vanthiyathevan and Arulmozhi Varman. She is also related to the Chola dynasty, which she discovers much later. Aishwarya Lekshmi will be seen as Poonguzhali.

Azhwarkadiyan Nambi:

Azhwarkadiyan Nambi is a staunch Vaishnavite and a trusted spy of the Chola Kingdom. He works for Anirudhha Brahmarayar, the Prime Minister of the kingdom. Nambi often meets Vanthiyathevan during his travels and the two save the Chola kingdom in many instances. Jayaram plays the role of Azhwarkadiyan Nambi.

Pazhuvettaraiyars:

Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar belongs to the Pazhuvettaraiyar clan and he is the chancellor and treasurer of the Chola Kingdom. Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, along with his younger brother, Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, hatches a plan to take over the kingdom. Sundara Chozhar placed his trust in his two important allies. Sarathkumar will be seen as Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. R Parthiban plays the role of Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar.

By Naveen

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