#Ponniyin Selvan Part 1

[balladedutempsjadis]

There is a LOT of Vandiyadevan and Arulmozhi getting wet together in PS1. Can someone pleeeeease gif the ship scene where they’re fighting back to back?)

All I have to say about that is:

Nothing to see here just two wet men talking about swordfighting while a romantic motif plays (and a shipper looks on forlornly)

[ulaganayagi]

At some point I feel like either varadha or deva is going to die. imagine if it ends just like Nandini and Adita Karikalan in PS-II where nandini just screams to hold adita karikalan's body just one last time again while she was being dragged away?? What if Varadha dies by the hands of his own salaar, deva who is avenging the shouryaangas, his hands having the same blood of the one who he took a vow to be the hunted or the hunter just for him?

(I want someone to sketch this </3)

[desipyar]

calling all desi folks !

hello there ! i have been in the rp community for over a decade now on various platforms but it has always been hard to come across fellow desis to write with .

do you want to scream over your favorite ships like rahul - anjali from k3g or build up an alternate world to accomodate the chemistry that was between abhimanyu - rohan in soty ? do you want to talk about latest movies and old nostalgic ones ? across most major indian languages film industries ( telugu · tamil · hindi · kannada · malayalam ) movies , faceclaims and ship dynamics , look no further !

if you're a desi reading this and if you roleplay over at discord or are interested in doing so , like this post or send me a dm !! i would love nothing more than to connect with my fellow desi rp partners !!

full disclosure : admin is 23 and looking to write mostly queer desi ships with folks who are 20+ and desi ! minors do NOT interact .

i don't write as real persons or celebrities , i use faceclaims for original characters instead . a new character will be created for each rp plot / partner . plotting and headcanons are something i really enjoy so that would be fun to focus on as well !

smut can be written but it's a case - by - case basis on who and what i am comfortable with , but otherwise , fade - to - black is the norm . limits and triggers are respected so i request the same of you .

though , if you're simply looking to write females / sub characters only or wanting to use my male characters , then i am not the rp partner for you .

currently looking for m x m ships and plots , but others as well ! can't wait to connect with y'all !

me writing this post to gather us desi in rpc :

some canon pairings i am open to writing are :

rambheem ( rrr )   devadas ( 2018 )   abhirohan ( student of the year )   vandhiyamozhi ( ponniyin selvan )   devaradha / varadeva ( salaar )   karjay ( rang de basanti )   chittijai : jairava : dhruya ( charak ships )   rolexanbu ( vikram )   johndas ( master )   vikramvedha ( 2017 )

and a whole long damn variety of cross - movie and cross - industry pairings and ships !

for example :   vijay deverakonda x adivi sesh ,   thala ajith x karthi ,   nani x rana daggubati ,   unni mukundan x adivi sesh ,   dhanush x sivakarthikeyan ,   vijay thalapathy x arjun das ,   suriya x nani ,   jr ntr x jayam ravi ,   shah rukh khan x r madhavan ,   vijay thalapathy x surya ,   karthi x akkineni nagarjuna ,   prabhas x jayam ravi ,   ram charan x suriya   and many more !

P.S. this is NOT a writing call for desi-only writers !! SO non-desi besties who are into desi cinema can reach out too pls 💕 !

[stxrrynxghts]

Ranking the songs of Ponniyin Selvan

The sole reason for making this post is because I. AM. OBSESSED. Also, I am not a music expert, so this is just about how the songs sounded to me.

14. PS Anthem

I...I don't have anything to say. It's an okay song for me, I just don't like it as much as the other tracks, simple.

13. Devaralan Aattam

Again, same thing. It is a nice piece of music...I am not that fond of it. This album is soooo good, and this song is a nice song. Except I kind of get scared when I listen to it T-T.

12. Aazhi Mazhai Kanna

It is soooo pretty! My only complaint is that it is...what? A minute long?! I wish it were a full fledged, 2-3 minute long song...It has a such a lovely vibe, and I am in love with the music video.

11. Ilaiyor Soodar

It has a kind of nostalgic, old-ish vibe? IDK how to describe it, but it feels kind of melancholic, which I think it is meant to be? This is very small as well, no?

10. Chinnanjiru (Marumurai)

This is one of my fav songs on this album actually, but I don't listen to it that much, because it makes me cry. I think this song might actually make me depressed, it's so beautifully made and sung.

9. Chola Chola

It has a very energetic vibe, over all. Why do I feel that this would be a good gym song tho? It also seems like a strong dance song, and I love it for that. Also, I listened to the Hindi version first, and I highly recommend it.

8. Chinnanjiru Nilave

It is a very beautiful piece of music. My favorite part is how the music starts off with a very cheerful tune, and keeps it throughout the song, while slowly adding a tragic/painful tone as the song progresses. It really fits the couple it is picturized on. Who is the singer, guys? Another song whose Hindi version I loved.

7. Shivoham

I really love the fact that this song's lyrics are taken directly from Nirvana Shatakam. I am a sucker for well made religious music, especially with Sanskrit lyrics, and this is one of those songs. Someone make a 1 hour loop of this, it is toooooo short.

6. Ponni Nadhi

This was the first PS song I listened to, and it is so, so, so good!!!! Such an energetic and simultaneously peaceful song. The music video is so precious as well, and the fact that it is picturized on Vanthiyathevan is just another plus for me. Makes me want to sing along whenever I listen to it.

ANNNDDDDD NOW, TOP 5.

5. Ratchasa Maamaney

Sweetie, I am so sorry. I feel so guilty for ranking this so low. This is an awesome song. Shreya Ghoshal is a pleasure as always, and the music + music video are just precious. This song has such festive vibes, and Vanthiyathevan's parts are so hilarious. The flute in the beginning has fulfilled all my dreams.

4. Sol

Now, NGL, but I was not that big of a fan of this song initially, when I first heard it, but it grew on me. The whistling, the sound of water, everything is so cute. This is the most adorable song I have ever heard. The Tamil version was my fav.

3. Aga Naga

It is so dreamy and breath-taking for me. I am in love with this song. The instruments, and the singing, everything is top notch. IDK how people can dislike this song. It has a slow touch to it, and it is very romantic, but has subtle vibes? Like this song gives me the vibe of loving someone, but from afar?

2. Alaikadal

So dreamy and peaceful. I listened to all of it's versions, and it has a mysterious + chill vibe. Antara Nandy is such a good singer. This song just transports you to a different world.

WINNER: Veera Raja Veera

This song is just....perfection. Chef's kiss. Out of this world. ROYAL. I always blast this song on full volume, and it is EVERYTHING. This song is just....I don't have words for it. The lyrics are even more perfect. The part before the last chorus is my fav and I just-

Also the music video.

DAMN.

I am screaming, shrieking, throwing up whenever I listen to it.

What is your ranking?

[timetravellingkitty]

Do you know any Indian horror movies like a slasher film (or just in general) because I've personally never seen an Indian slasher movie? Or Indian musicals because I love musicals or just Indian films in general I would love some recommendations!!!<3

Hey! There aren't that many Indian slashers but two I remember are NH10 and Chup: Revenge of the Artist. For other horror, I recommend Bulbbul, Tumbbad, Aamis and Manichitrathazu (this one has been remade in other Indian languages so you can also check those out)

Indian musicals well. I will be really honest most of our movies technically fall under this category we just have to start dancing everywhere BUT to start off, I'll recommend some movies from the different industries:

Hindi: Om Shanti Om, 3 Idiots (mandatory viewing if you want to get into Indian cinema), Rang De Basanti, Qala, Sholay, Taare Zameen Par, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Fitoor

Telugu: Jersey, Magadheera, Sita Ramam, Shyam Singha Roy, Eega (don't question anything. Please don't) and Mahanati

Malayalam: Uyare, Premam, Bangalore Days, Minnal Murali, Athiran, Jallikkattu and Jana Gana Mana

Tamil: Iruvar, Ponniyin Selvan (both parts), Kaithi and its sequel Vikram, Jai Bhim, Super Deluxe, Gargi, Paava Kadhaigal and Soorarai Pottru

For Marathi I've only watched Sairat and The Disciple but I would recommend both and for Kannada there's always 777 Charlie (it's about a dog. What more could you want)

Like you can probably tell, there is a LOT meaning that there's a lot of other amazing stuff I had to leave out but I think this is a good starting point (our film output is number 1 in the world for a reason). Feel free to ask if you want more recs <3

[desicinema]

best and worst indian films of 2023

I'm terrible at lists, but here's what comes to mind off the top of my head.

Best —

Viduthalai Part 1: Just amazing. Hard to watch some parts, but that's the point. Brilliant. Can't wait for part 2.

Iratta: The less you know about the movie, the more insane your experience watching it will be. Just hit play and let it take you on the journey.

Jawan: I mean, duh! Massi massi massi massi yo!

Kaathal: It's so realistic and the story is told with such care.

Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai: Powerful and filled with amazing performances.

Ponniyin Selvan II: The conclusion, the heartbreak, the beauty. Sigh.

I haven't seen these yet, but I know when I do, they'll definitely rank up there with the best. 2018 12th Fail Maaveeran Jigarthanda DoubleX Sapta Sagaradaache Ello Side A and B

Worst —

I try not to give energy or time to bad films. Here are ones I have kinda/sorta seen:

Adipurush: The trailer is all anyone needs to watch to make a judgement call. Yikes.

Agent: I accidentally played this in the background one day, and my god. No.

Shehzada: What were those film sets? Seriously, this was ridiculous.

Least of all, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. I don't watch Saala Khan's movies anymore, but I have it on good authority that this was trash.

[nspwriteups]

An Oath of Feelings - Part 1

A/N: because @thatacademic once suggested a prompt of KunxVT setting Vanmozhi up so here's my take on it - enjoy!

Poster made by me| pic credit: Pinterest | editing platform : Canva

Vanathi made her way to the chamber on the East wing. Vanthiyathevan had just told her that her Akka was waiting for her there. She expected all kinds of scenarios to play out - Kundavai Akka could be unpredictable most of the time. Either she would congratulate her for the solemn promise she had taken earlier, resolving to not share the Chola throne even if Ponniyin Selvan married her (even the idea of him marrying her was starting to sound like a joke to her now) or she would scold her for taking such a decision or she might even persuade her to change her mind. Whatever was the case, she was determined to not change her words. She made the oath after great deliberation and if she learnt anything from her Uyir Thozi who was also her mentor, it was that one should stand by one's promise till the end.

When she reached the chamber she found the door slightly ajar. She took a deep breath before opening the door fully.

" Akka,did you call....me?"

Arulmozhi turned around to see the Kodumbalur Ilavarasi, the one who shook the entire Chola kingdom with her one oath, moreover the one he had been secretly wanting to see. Before he got a chance to ask why she was here, she beat him to it.

"Ponniyin Selvare, how come you are here?" Her unnaturally cold tone surprised him for a moment.

"Ilavarasi, I came here to see Vanthiyar"

Vanathi scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. "No, Vanthiyathevan told me Akka was waiting for me here"

"What? But Akka just met me and informed me that Vanthiyathevan was waiting for me here" replied Arulmozhi.

They looked at each other in confusion until realisation dawned on them and they said in unison,

"We have been tricked!"

*****************************************

Meanwhile in Kundavai's chambers,

Kundavai was pacing to and fro wondering what could be happening now.

" Are you sure this plan of yours is going to work?"

Her question was directed at Vanthiyathevan, who had settled himself on the settee and was munching on some grapes.

"Devi, please relax. Everything is going to be just fine" He said in a soothing tone, looking up at his lady love who continued her pacing,

" You look really beautiful when you are nervous"

Kundavai stared at him who in turn was grinning at her, contemplating whether to smack his head or to ignore him for his comment.

" How can you be so relaxed? Have you not heard Vanathi's oath? She has denounced her rightful place on the Chola throne.I do admire her courage and willpower but why did she do this? What was she thinking? I wanted answers to all these questions" Kundavai said, agitated.

Vanthiyathevan sighed and stood up, walking over to Kundavai and put his hands on both her shoulders, turning her towards him.

"Devi, do you trust me?" He asked

"Yes, of course" She said without hesitation and he smiled at her.

"Then why are you so anxious? We both know that the Kodumbalur Ilavarasi and our Ilavarase have issues between them that they should talk over. Us openly meddling won't solve anything so I thought it was time for some indirect help. All we can do is to give them the space and time that they require and wait" He said

Kundavai knew he was right. She nodded in agreement but still couldn't help but wonder what could be happening in the East wing chamber as they speak.

To be continued..

Thoughts? @ramcharanobsessed @dumdaradumdaradum @vibishalakshman @thatacademic @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @rang-lo . @willkatfanfromasia @thelekhikawrites @thegleamingmoon @deafeningflowercat @yehsahihai @whippersnappersbookworm @itsfookingloosah @gemsmusings. @chiyaanvikram @elvenladysakura . @matka-kulfi . @madatdisney @bumblebeeskywalker @vahnithedreamer @nkarti @dosai-maavu @utterlynotperfect @winter-birds @happy-bookworm @tumbledout @anabanana4115 @freeunknownwasteland @bhataktiatmacore @rapunzels-stuff

[filmtribv]

PONNIYIN SELVAN PART ONE: PS-1 (2022) dir. Mani Ratnam

[myvarya]

I am freaking obsessed with this, I wanna be pretty like this song✨

[whippersnappersbookworm]

Inaidhal [Chapter -1]

Shopnobhongo (broken dreams)

Collab with @harinishivaa

Standing in front of the window of Arulmolzhi's room in the Buddha Vihar , looking at Vanathi taking care of her thambi , Kundavai for the first time in her 22 years of life felt regret. Kundavai has grown up in a midst of a busy household in Pazhayarai, she was always followed by battalions of servants and  her sakhis. But loneliness never seems to leave her alone, It always comes crawling back to her at the end of the day when everyone falls asleep, leaving Kundavai all alone to deal with her emotions . Kundavai was always a happy child, she was known for her charming smile and happy demeanor but since that fateful day 5 years back when her Anna accused her of betraying his trust something broke inside of her. Since that day Kundavai has stopped sharing her feelings with anyone, how can she ? Her only friend , her Anna , had abandoned her . She had learned to suppress her emotions and become more logical and practical. She had vowed to herself from that day onwards that she will always let her head rule over her heart, because letting your heart become your leader means ending up like Anna , broken and devastated. But now seeing her Uyir Thozhi and her thambi together , Kundavai feels a certain kind of regret for that decision. She has guarded her heart with care for all these years but now she is feeling left out looking at them, she felt as if she is missing the eternal joy of life. How lucky is her brother to get someone like Vanathi in his life , someone who cares , someone who is always there , someone who fits perfectly with his kind heart. Arulmozhi needs Vanathi by his side to succeed in the battles of life , she was the Sita to his Ram .

" Ilavarasi!" the sudden call broke Kundavai's chain of thoughts , she looked up to find a certain Vaanar Warrior looking at her

Ah him, Finally he is here. Vallavaryan has been a part of Kundavai's thoughts for some months now , Unknowingly Kundavai has ended up giving this veer a special space in her heart. Kundavai gazed lovingly at his face, he looked tired , his beard was unkempt and his ever messy curls were falling on his forehead. But his sleep deprived eyes still have the same charm, the same twinkle in them...

" Is everything all right Devi?" - Vandiyathevan enquired once again

" Yes it is, why wouldn't it be Vallavaryan?"

" Well maybe because of the fact that you are standing here all alone in the balcony, you should go inside and meet your brother, ilavarasi."

Kundavai smiled at Vandiyathevan, and his heart missed a beat...

Ahh that smile , that beautiful smile. 

‘How can a smile be so intoxicating?’ Vandiyathevan thought

That smile has captured his heart since the day he first saw her in the hut of Kundandhai jothidar. He had lost his heart that day.

" Come here and see for yourself Vallavaryan."

Vandiyathevan walked towards Kundavai and peered in the window.

Kodambalur Illavarasi was sitting there by Arulmozhi’s side, her face shining with happiness, the sunlight  caressing her black tresses  as she gazed lovingly at Ponniyin Selvan's face. 

"Aren't they just perfect?"

Vandiyathevan was taken aback by the question, he had heard before from his friends back in Kanchi that Ponniyin Selvan is supposed to marry the Kodambalur Ilavarasi but after seeing him with Poonkuzhali he can't really imagine him with anyone else.

"They do ...but"

" But what Vallavaryan?"- Kundavai scorned at him

" It's not my place to say this Illavarasi but i think that Ponniyin Selvan's heart belongs to someone else and that someone else is definitely not the Kodambalur Ilavarasi."

Kundavai reeled in shock when she heard Vanthiyathevan’s words. 

Another woman had her brother’s heart? Who was it? Last she knew… was it the boat girl who had saved him?

“Who is it, Vanarkulathavare?” her voice sounded cold and furious, she did not even sound like herself. But she felt blinded by her worry for Vanathi. What had her brother done?

“Devi, adhellam edharku? (Devi, why all that now?),” Vanthiyathevan asked, triggering Kundavai’s fury. 

“Who is it, Vana Veera?”

“It is Poonkuzhali,” he submitted, sighing softly, looking at his dearest’s face, now cold like stone, eyes carved into the fury of an angel.

"That , that boat girl?"

"You are claiming that she has my brother's heart? The Arulmozhi’s heart?"- Kundavai almost screamed out of frustration causing all the vikshus around them to look in their direction  with curiosity.

"Illavarasi!, Calm down,” Vandiyathevan took an unsuccessful of attempt to calm the raging princess down but Kundavai was not listening to him.

"How can this happen again? How can another of my brother fall in love with a girl like that? Is history going to repeat itself again?  Am I going to lose another of my brother to this girl? To This mere boatwoman?" anger clouded in Kundavai's lovely eyes.

"When did this happen Vallavaryan?"- Kundavai enquired

"It, actually..."- Vandiyathevan mumbled 

"When?"- Kundavai enquired once again in a low voice

"Devi, i think we should step out before we discuss anything about this. This is sensitive news, You don't want anyone to know about this right? Especially the Kodambalur ilavarasi?"

Vallavaryan was not wrong - Kundavai sighed as she glanced  at her Uyir Thozhi. Still sitting beside Arunmolzhi gazing at him as if he is the only thing in the whole world. Vanathi shouldn't know about this.  This news can shatter the flower maiden's delicate heart, the heart she has  given to Ponniyin Selvare since she was nothing but a mere child.

Vanathi had heard the talk turned into an argument between her Akka and Vanthiyar.

She had known, from the second she had stepped into the Viharam and met Vanthiyar once more, that his friendship was not on her side. Even if she was his beloved’s uyir thozhi, to Vanthiyar, Vanathi seemed like a problem. Her silent, and often bashful nature was mistaken for timidity, resulting in none but Kundavai seeing her for who she is- a woman who can understand another’s heart just by looking at them. 

The only person she had had trouble with was the man she was gazing at, the Prince and King of her heart.

He was a closed book to her, a confusing enigma of emotions. He was also the one who had captured her heart, her ‘Ullam Kavar Kalvan’, for he had taken it and had decided not to give it back, like a thief. 

Not that she wanted it back. 

Her heart felt heavy, for she understood that her Kalvan will not return her feelings, despite what Akka had told her- Vanathi completely trusted Kundavai, but Vanthiyar had been with Ponniyin Selvar more recently than even Akka… why was everything suddenly confusing?

But how could she just leave him like that? 

Even if her Lord of wonders did not return her feelings, her duty would always be to him… so she would stay and take care of him, till Akka or Vanthiyar came back.

She drifted to her mindscape, where he shone once more, like that golden skinned Yaanai Paaga she had met and fallen for her, who had given her delighted smiles and sweet eyes, his baritone voice like the sweetest nectar she had ever heard. 

His brown eyes had sparkled with so much life, so much gentleness and spoke of a happy nature.. Till he had heard who she was. That had put a frown on his face, and she would do anything to remove that frown, one that her mere title had caused.

The Chozha Prince… who did not want to marry the orphan Princess. 

How could she blame him? When even she knew that she was no match for him? It was Kundavai Akka and Sembiyan Patti’s benevolence and the blessing of Parameshvari that made her lucky enough to even be considered his potential bride. 

One he had every right to reject, one he seemed to have from his heart. 

And yet..

What could she do?

She had been born for him, even if he did not want her. 

The sudden restless movement of her Prince brought her back to reality, and she leaned over, making sure he was comfortable, when he whispered a name that stunned her entire heart to a stone still statue. 

“Poonkuzhali.”

Vanathi felt her entire body burn with pain at the words he pronounced, her being tear from her heart almost. Her Prince did love the boat girl! 

But she could not blame him. 

What did Vanathi have? Misfortune. 

Poonkuzhali had saved his life bravely… how can he not love her? Why would he want this Princess who had nothing as compared to the brilliant woman who was exquisite, strong and independent?

She saw his Lotus eyes start to flutter, and she scrambled up, suddenly not wanting to be the first thing he saw when he woke up. As his eyes opened, she turned and ran out, wanting to get her Kundavai Akka. 

So intent was she, that she did not hear the name he whispered when he saw her retreating form. 

“Vanathi?”

So here it is ! The first chapter! It is a bit angsty but don't worry, everything will work out in the end... Please give me your honest opinions!

@vijayasena @vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @willkatfanfromasia @nspwriteups @thirst4light @jukti-torko-golpo @reeeereeeereeereee @kovaipaavai @rang-lo @reeeereeeereeereee @dr-scribbler @ragkee @hollogramhallucination @mizutaama @thegleamingmoon @chiyaanvikram @arachneofthoughts @lemmekno

[thereader-radhika]

Nappinnai in Ponniyin Selvan

Krishna-Nappinnai cult was prominent in Tamil-speaking areas of South India in the seventh to tenth centuries. Nappinnai can be considered a mix of Satya of Ashtabharya and Radha. This cult is the prototype of the later Radha-Krishna cult in the North. She features prominently in the poetry of Alwars (Vaishnavite poet saints) as the worldly wife of Krishna as different from the divine consorts of Lord Vishnu.

In Tamil poetry, Nappinnai is the daughter of Yashoda’s brother Kumbakan. She grew up with Krishna and Balarama and Krishna marries her by taming seven bulls in a public tournament. Nappinnai is featured in non-Hindu sources too. For example, in Jivaka Chintamani composed by the Jain saint Tirutakkatevar, a King is told that he shouldn't hesitate to marry a lower class woman because Tirumal himself is married to cowherdess Nappinnai.

Krishna Mandapam at Mahabalipuram

Krishnan lifting Govardhana, Balarama on the right side, consoling an old couple. Nappinnai on the left side gazing at him admiringly, holding the hands of his sister Subhadra.

Aditha Karikalan, Thirukkoilur Malayaman and Parthibendra Pallavan spend their night in this complex near the iconic Shore Temple, at the end of Book 1. The young princes discuss about sculptures and poetry, which Parthibendran finds distasteful. Malayaman leaves them to watch villu pattu in the Pancha ratha complex and it is here that Karikalan narrates the story of his heartbreak. Now it is a closed structure, but originally it was an open air bas relief. The mandapam enclosing it was constructed only in the 16th century, during Vijayanagara period.

An entire chapter (Achchiyar Kuravai) of Silappathikaram is about Nappinnai playing Kuravai dance with Krishan and Balaraman. Manimekalai (Sangham epic, not PS character) too mentions this dance. When Vanthiyathevan gives Aditha Karikalan's letter to Kundavai, Kundavai's retinue is seen dancing to this, singing about various asuras trying to kill Krishnan.

When Karikalan goes to Kadambur, there too we see the preparations for the Kuravai.

While having a heart to heart conversation (as much as someone like Nandini can open her heart), Nandini tells Manimegalai about her hallucinations. According to her, when we love or hate someone intensely, we can see and feel them even in their absence.

This is something Nandini made up for her consolation, because Nappinnai is never seperated from Krishna. In fact, it said that Vishnu left his divine wives and descended from his seat to be Nappinnai's beloved.

You parted from the eternal Great Flower [Lakshmi] and from the Lady Earth, became a youth, and then united in marriage with the shoulders of the cowherd Pinnai.

In Kuravai Koothu, women sing that Krishna avoids Lakshmi because he is so enamored by Nappinnai. 

Is Pinnai of bangled arms so beautiful that He who had won great reputation by measuring the universe, would not look at Lakshmi dwelling in his own breast ?

It is to this Nappinnai that Andal prays to give her an opportunity to get one with Krishna, as her other attempts to wake him up were futile.

Nandini must have heard of the North Indian narratives about viraha unmadini (driven mad by seperation) Radha which were in their infancy then. Nappinnai didn't have the habit of seeing hallucinations - it is Nandini who has mental health issues.

This connection also shows Nandini's guilt about her life's circumstances though they were beyond her control. When Vanthiyathevan tells her that her Krishnan is still waiting for her, she replies that she doesn't deserve it. After marrying Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, Nandini is never shown praying earnestly - either she is lying about different prayers and austerities or she is using devotion to avoid questions.

Edit: After writing the original post, I thought I will read Thirumangai Alwar's poems because his poetry is specifically mentioned in the chapter which shows Karikalan, Parthibendran and Malayaman going to the port to oversee the loading for goods for Arulmozhi's army. Look what I found:

Pinnai's forehead is a gleaming crescent moon  So long ago in battle he subdued seven bulls for her hand And now he owns beautiful Kanchi which is surrounded by beautiful cool ponds of waters Where the sovereign of Pallavas who have the sharp blood stained sword in his hands Who owns a drum with a bitter mouth And the Conch with the roar of the sea Pays his obeisance to his Lord.

(The poem says that the poet's god is the Lord of Kanchi who is worshipped by the Pallava King. The rest are the descriptions of the the god and the king. In PS, crown prince Karikalan is ruling from Kanchi with Parthipendra Pallavan as his vasal)

Very subtle 🤣🤣

Are you even real, Maya Kanna?

@willkatfanfromasia @sowlspace @vibishalakshman @harinishivaa @thelekhikawrites @hollogramhallucination @thegleamingmoon @whippersnappersbookworm @nspwriteups @jukti-torko-golpo @arachneofthoughts @thirst4light

[meenammal]

Reading Ponniyin Selvan, Part 1, New Floods

Post 2

I love how Azhwarkadiyan looks so cute and adorable in all publisher's illustrations and in films. He is supposed to be stout, ugly and pudgy, with monkey-face. But he turns out to be such a cutie everytime someone brings him to life. Is he married? Why not? My inner Indian-aunty senses are tickling.

"Pazhuvettarayar's sweetheart has a golden complexion. That's why they don’t like her. They might cover that up with other reasons. -" Vandiyadevan

OMG! Colourism!!

We missed the actual kuravai koothu in the movies. It sounds so weird but Mani Ratnam could have made it work. I haven't watched it in real life.

Devaralan! This man is the jack of all trades. Dancing, singing, fighting, spying but master of none. He would have been such a diva in the current world.

[vishnavishivaa]

Sol- Song analysis

(The first of many collabs by @thegleamingmoon and myself)

Song name : Sol

Composer : AR Rahman

Movie : Ponniyin Selvan - 1 

The captivating female characters of PS have always managed to delight our hearts. One of the points to highlight in the novel as well as the movie has been the endearing bond of friendship between the Chozha princess Kundavai and the Kodumbalur princess Vaanathi, which has been beautiful portrayed in the song 'Sol',a lilting melody from the movie PS-1. 

The song starts with the princesses sweetly singing and dancing in a swan shaped boat which moves merrily letting them enjoy the gentle embrace of nature. In a happy mood,these princesses sing a song,teasing each other in the names of their future lovers (who are Vanthiyadevan and Arulmozhi respectively) but what's surprising is how they predict it aptly. 

Lyrics : 

Kadhodu sol,kadhodu sol,

Yaarendru sol,

Yaar endru sol.

Tell me in whispers,tell me in whispers,

Tell (me) who is he,tell who is he

Perazhagan ah sol,

Kodharmugan ah sol,

Is he the handsomest of them all? 

Is he tall like the highest peaks? 

(Here,the former is referred to Arulmozhi Varmar since 'Perazhagan' is a title given to Raja Raja Chozhan' while Kodharmugan can be referred to Vanthiyadevan.)

Maaveerana sol,

Vaaijaalana sol

Is he the bravest of them all?

Does he have his way with words?

(Here,'Maaveeran' is most definitely Arulmozhi while 'Vaaijalan' can be none other than our Vanthiyadevan for him getting away with this talent of his is no hidden fact)

Oodathae solladi

Oor varthai sol

Oh dear don't blush away,

Tell (me) atleast a word (about him)

Kaavalan ah sol

En yevalan ah sol

Poraali ah sol

Illae ododi ah sol

Is he a guardian? 

Or is he (my) messenger? 

Is he a fighter,

(Or) is he the one who runs away?

[ Here,the former is most definitely Arulmozhi for he describes himself to be a 'Kaavalan' just a short while later in the movie, while the latter is Vanthiyadevan for being a messenger is his prominent role in most parts of the book as well as the movie ] 

Keechu kural ah sol

Kaviarasu ah sol

Ippodhae sol

Adi ingaeye sol

Does he have a screechy/chirpy voice?

Is he the king of poets?

Tell me now oh dear,

Tell me right here.

[ ‘Keechu kural’ means a screechy voice but can also mean chirpy which is Vanthiyadevan in both the cases for both, his sometimes loud and sometimes humorous behaviour while ‘Kaviarasu' is definitely Raja Raja Chozhan for his love for poetry and for his qualities being the centre of the world of poets as well. ] 

Mayaiya sol

Maayana sol

Is he an illusion? 

Or is he a trickster?

[ 'Maayai' or the one who can weave illusions can be Vanthiyadevan while 'Maayan' is most definitely Arulmozhi Varmar for he is too good to be true, especially for Vaanathi. ] 

Kaadhodu Sol,kaadhodu sol

Yaarendru sol,

Yaar endru sol

Tell me in whispers,tell me in whispers,

Tell (me) who is he,tell who is he?

What do you guys think? @vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @nspwriteups @kovaipaavai @rang-lo @dumdaradumdaradum @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @yehsahihai @ragalata Please tag whoever I missed. 

[rampldgifs]

click the source for 500 gifs of south indian actor KARTHI from PONNIYIN SELVAN PART 1: PS-1(2022). he is tamil, do not cast him as a north indian. please note that i do not approve of the 5+/- age rule. these were made from scratch and more will be added at my leisure, so please don’t edit, repost or claim as your own or i will eat you. tag me if you’re posting edited gif icons for public use. consider reblogging to spread poc options if useful. enjoy !

[nature-writes29]

An Oath fulfilled |Vanathi × Ponniyin Selvan

      It was a quiet, silent Night. The city of Thanjai was getting ready to sleep. It has been 6 weeks since Sendhan Ammudhan's death. The throne was widowed within a night. With no Chakravarti to rule the place, the whole chola kingdom faced quite a threat from other kingdoms. Everyone knew that Ponniyin Selvan would ascend the throne sooner or later. It was inevitable and everyone knew it. The whole palace had started preparations for the coronation. Everyone seemed to be in the festive mood, exept the person who was about to get coronated.

      Arulmozhi knew that one day he will ascend the throne. At first he didn't even had many problems with it, but now, it seemed impossible for him to do so. 13 years back, when he was to be coronated, he had faced a problem similar to his current one. Vanathi and her her oath.

      He wanted to deny the fact that she had taken the oath, but he just couldn't. He wanted her to stay with him till his last breath. He wanted to hold hands with her even at an old age. He wanted to close his eyes with her face infront of him, giving him the last goodbye, and not the way around. He wanted her.

      Yet, he found himself catching her fall after she fainted between a pooja 1-2 weeks ago. Yet he found himself tending to her high fever. Yet he found himself holding her hair as she vomited like there was no tomorrow. Yet he found himself comforting and cuddling her as she shivered from a non existent cold. Yet he found himself listening to the Vaidya say that she was getting nearer to see Vaikuntha (heaven). Yet he found himself being comforted by his Akka and Vanthyathevan as he cried like a baby after hearing the news.

      Yet he found himself alone in their chambers with her . The night was quite and chill. Arulmozhi was laying beside Vanathi as she slept. His strong hands running through her now weakened and frailed hair. He hated how she looked right now. Her skin was almost sticked to her bones. Her usual bright doe eyes were sulking. Her hair were withered. And what he hated the most was, how sick she looked. He hated seeing her in pain, but he wasn't ready to let her go yet. A bit selfish? Yes. But she was just too precious for him. She was his brain, she was his heart. She was his soul. She was in every breath he took. She was a part of him. Inseparable.

      He was shaken out of his thoughts when he felt her stire beneath him. He quickly but cautiously pulled out his hand from her hair, as if she were a really fragile piece of glass.

      Vanathi slowly opened her eyes. She felt someone was there beside her and looked over. There she saw her husband, her Ponniyin Selvan, her yaanai paagan beside her. He had a serious and... What was it? Sad expression of his face. She knew that he knew, and he knew that she knew. And since today morning she had been feeling that weird feeling far more strongly that it had in many days. She knew that her time was almost finished.

      She looked at him, studying his face. His beautiful face, the same one she had fallen so hard for. But right now, there was something glistening around his eyes and cheeks. Then she understood, he had been crying. For her. Because of her actually.  She felt bad for this.

   "Swami-" Vanathi croaked out. Even slight talking was starting to feel like a big task to her. Arulmozhi quickly grabbed the glass which had her drinking water in it and he slowly made her sit a bit with his other hand, and started to feed her water little by little.

      After she was done drinking, she quitly asked him.

   "Swami.. Why are there tears on your cheeks? She asked in a low voice

   " Tears? -" Arulmozhi hadn't even realized that he had started to cry. He quickly wiped them away but Vanathi stoped him and tried to do it herself.

   "It's actually nothing chellam, I wasn't crying" He started.

   "Swami, I know that I am not actually able to think properly right now, but, I do know when you are sad" She said. He looked at her more intensely after this. What had he done to deserve her?

      "Aay.. Forget it, look what I got you few hours back." He pointed at the table beside her. It was a flock of Kodupul flowers. These flowers had always been the symbol of their love. He had gotten then for her in all of their milestones as a couple, or when he had gotten a bit too romantic.

   "Kodupul? " She smiled a bit saying this. Remembering all those beautiful times. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Arulmozhi was quick to notice it.

      "Kanne, why are you crying? " He asked slowly tilting her head towards his.

   "It's nothing" She said. But she didn't wipe it. She didn't think that she had enough strength remaining for that. Amv took her hands into his own.

   "Tell me, please. Don't hide what you are thinking, please. " He said with plea written all over his face.

   "It's just... I was thinking of all our memories which are tied with this flower." She said. Her tone was getting lower and lower. He smiled at the thought. She continued. But it was evident that talking was getting harder for her. Yet she wasn't stopping. It seemed like she sense that this was going to be it.

   "How many times you bought these for me... One time you even climbed a tree right? Just to give me these before our wedding. Our every single moment was tied with this flower in one way or another. Till now. It was great wasn't it? " She said while looking at him. More tears were forming under her eyes.

   "Haan- wait- was great? Dear, we are going to have those moments again. We just have to wait till your sickness goes away! Look! you are improving! There is no need to say anything like this Chellam! " He said. Vanathi smiled sadly at this statement.

   "Natha, I think we both know that I don't have much time left-"

   "Don't say anything like that! You are going to recover. I know it!" Amv interrupted her.

   "Natha, there is a thin line between what we want and the facts-"

   "Vanu-"

   "No! Let me finish. I have been wanting to tell you this Swami from a few days. I heard what the Vaidhya said. And I am also feeling myself slipping away. Initially I was scared of the very thought of leaving you. I want to stay with you for an eternity. I really do. B-"

   "You can Vanathi, You can! Please listen to me,-" He took her hand in both of his palms "-I can't live without you! I want to listen to your laughter, I want to see your eyes in mine, I want to hold hands with you like this, I just... Just want you Chellam! " His voice croaked at the last word. Why was this happening to them, why was this happening to her! Why does parmeshawara opt to take the bestest of people first along with them! Why?

      "Swami, pleased don't make this difficult for me, I also don't want to die, but it is fate swami, fate! And I have also taken the oath-"

   "To hell with your oath! I don't care about your oath Vanathi! I. Just. Care. About. You!! And the very thought of you- yo- not-" He fully broke down. His head bended down in defeat and rested on their hands. He wasn't able to comprehend this fact. He knew that she was telling the truth, but it. was. just. too. much!

    Vanathi's heart broke down seeing this. She didn't wanted to die, but she knew that her life was going to be short the day she took the oath. So she had excepted this fact long ago, and used to cherish every single moment she had with him. Today morning when her Akka had visited her ( she used to be there in the morning and he used to be there for her at night time. ) she was also holding back her tears. Vanthyatevan had also been there and he was already in the crying state.

   "Swami.. " She gently kept her free palm on his cheeks, forcing him to look at her.

   "We can't do anything about the oath, and I knew that this day was going to come. But now, I will have to take my leave-" She said breaking down a bit herself. Arulmozhi quickly stoped her by placing one of his hand on her mouth.

   "Please don't say anything like this Vanathi. Please. We are supposed to get old together! And what about Madhu! He needs a mother. We were supposed to see his marriage together! When he first goes to battle, when he will be crowned the next prince, when he will become the chakravarti, whe were supposed to see all this together Priye! " After listening to this Vanathi grabbed his hand pulled it down. And said quietly.

   "Do you really think that I will leave you that easily Swami? I will always stand with you, whether I am there or not. I will always look for your back, be there with you. And in the end we will meet again right? I will always wait for you Natha" She said with a weak smile. Arulmozhi just looked at her. Impressed by how greatly she was handling it.

      He then took her completely in his arms so that one of her hand rested on his heart and his on her shoulders. One of both their arms were interlocked together. They were looking at each other. Comfortable in their positions.

      He was comforted by the fact that she will at last be free of all of her pains. All he wanted now was for her to be happy. He quickly pecked her and looked at her with an expression which can only depict love, sadness, excepted fact, and adoration.

   "I love and will always love you my Vanu" He said just after giving her a deep kiss.

      This was all she wanted to hear. This is what made her heart free of every burden, worry and questions she was carrying. Her family will be okay. She will meet him again in few decades and she was sure about it.

   "I love you, My Yaanai Paagan.. " She said in a soft voice. She knew she only had a few moments left. All of her energy was drained.

      He looked at her peaceful expression as she closed her eyes. Her last thought being of him. The last thing she saw, was him. Her last breath was of his name. Her heart beated for the last time with only him in it. She was his, and she will always be his. For an eternity.

      He stared at her lifeless body. Tears building up in his throat. His Vanu, his Kadhal, his Chellam, his Kadambur illavarasi was gone. He held her more closely. He bought her shoulders close to him and kissed her forehead.

   "Vanu, you not only did just leave me, but you also took my peace, my love, my brain, my heart, the half of me, my soul with you Kanne. You took a big part of me with you chellam, you did. " He said hugging her close. She had left him to deal with this world alone, without her love, without her enchanting doe eyes, without her laughter, without.... Her. He had no one now to come home back too. She had taken his life away along with her.

_Epilogue_

Kundavai came rushing into the room after hearing the noises. Only to find the scene which shattered her heart beyond anything. Vanthyatevan came rushing behind her, just in time to catch her as she fell down crying. Her sweet best friend, her thozhi, his maya kanan had left them.

The night was filled with cries as Amv's other 2 wives were crying too. They also loved their Akka. Madhu's cries were the loudest, as he had lost his mother at the tender age of 12.

Arulmozhi didn't make any sound, but his grief made the loudest sound. He and his Akka, after some time, we're only starting into the abyss. Vanthyatevan was trying to console Kundavai but Arulmozhi had no one.

He was the one who had given fire to her. The whole country was in awe and shock... For the queen had completed her oath, but at the cost of her life. After persistent requests from his Akka, he did proceed with the coronation. He did it 'cause he knew that this is what his Vanathi wanted. His other queen sat on the throne with him, but in his heart, Vanathi was the only queen he ever lived for.

•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••

( A/N )

Ha ha ha, I made you all cry, didn't I? This is the longest OS I have written standing at 2300+ words. And of course, the saddest on also. I started writing this yesterday instead of studying for my Marathi exam. (It went well), and here I am completing this. Please tell me your thought on this. I hope that you guys liked this one shot. Instances mentioned are from the book. If any confusion let me know! :)

Any suggestions and feedback appreciated.

If you want to read more from my works, visit my wattpad page. Same Id name.

∆ Requests Accepted ∆

_ All work is original. Do not copy _

( I usually do not mention anyone unless it's an request, but, I want to hear your feedback :) and I got some of your id's from a fellow writter. And I won't tell who, but they told me to tag people, so it reaches to more ps lovers. )

@nspwriteups @thelekhikawrites @dr-scribbler @kovaipaavai @dosai-maavu @matka-kulfi @curiousgalacticsoul @harinishivaa @chiyaanvikram @celestesinsight @thegleamingmoon @ragkee @inlovewithfictionalbeings @voidsteffy @whippersnappersbookworm @hollogramhallucination @thereader-radhika @sowlspace  @favcolourrvibgior @ponniyin-selvan @ponniyinselvann-blog

please tell me I made you cry :)

[balladedutempsjadis]

I drove 30 minutes each way today to go and see Ponniyin Selvan 2 at the theater closest to me that was still showing it. So this is the sequel to a movie that I didn’t even know about until last Saturday but I’m now OBSESSED (so if you’re a fan and I just friended you that’s why!)

The long drive was soooo worth it though I’m a little ticked off that the manager of the theater was so late to open things up that we missed the first ten minutes of the film (but I know I’ll watch both films again when Amazon gets PS2 in late June so no violence was done ;))

Short version: well worth seeing in the theater and I’m really glad I got the chance. I loved the movie, and couldn’t believe how fast it moved for an-almost 3 hour film. The characters and plot were as engrossing as in the first film and I’m glad I was mostly unspoiled except by history (spoilers below) because there were moments of intense suspense. I’m sad that it’s not a trilogy because I really wanted to spend even MORE TIME in this world with these people.

Longer version (with SPOILERS):

1. I knew Aditha Karikalan would die at some point because he never became a Chola king. And it was probably for the best that he didn’t rule the Cholas lands because I think he would not have made a good king, being so ruled by his passions. At least a few courses in anger management would have helped probably. But … Vikram was really stunning in the role of a man who loathes himself for what he’s become and is dying of guilt and shame long before he actually dies. Just ... I need to watch both movies again and see how his character develops from the flashbacks to the bitter husk of a man he is.

I still can’t figure out one thing, which is why he agreed to basically give up the kingdom for Madhurantakan without taking account the interests of his brother Arunmozhi Varman, whom he very demonstrably cared for deeply. (He was destroyed by the thought that his younger brother had drowned, and the only time we've seen present Aditya happy what when Nambi told him that Arunmozhi was alive.) Was it just because he already knew he was either going to convince Nandini to run away with him or more likely let her kill him and other people would be sorting out that mess anyway? Another reason that he wouldn’t have made a good king - running off with another dude's wife - but which made him such a fascinating and complex character and I keep thinking about how both Nandini and Aditha were destroyed by his family's actions. *sob* (Although, Arunmozhi also gave up a crown twice - the one the monks offered him in Sri Lanka and the one his father gave him at the end - so maybe giving up kingdoms just runs in the family. I'm #TeamQueenKundavai TBQH :P)

2. That brings me to Nandini. I felt like she really did love Aditha Karikalan but she also did love power and being a Queen (because of the theater malfunction I only got to see the very end of the flashbacks of young Aditha and young Nandini at the beginning of the movie so I may have a clearer understanding that this is not what she's about once I see that.) Aditha says "lies!" when she says she wants power, and riches, and a throne, but I think it's not *entirely* lies? She was powerless when the Cholas deported her, and powerless to stop Aditha from killing the man she thought of as a father (who actually WAS her father), so I can certainly understand why part of her longed for the power to protect herself from heartbreak and destitution and why that part of her was willing to use her beauty to manipulate men (like Parthibendran, more on him later.) Her vengeance and hatred hollowed out her character just as much as guilt and anger did to Aditha, but she doesn't murder Vanthiyadevan (OMG HOW DO YOU SPELL THAT?) when she has the chance even though she knows he's going to do everything to spoil her plans. So there's still something in her that isn't completely spoiled, and I ended up just feeling incredibly awful for her (and even more awful for her mother!)

She is so damn beautiful! (One slight thing that I WISH they had done was give the young woman who played young Nandini (wonderfully) some hazel contact lenses so I'd wouldn't mentally have to color her eyes :P)

3. Next we come to Vandiyadevan, who was just ... perfect? I loved him. He was like an ancient Tamil D'Artagnan (and that would make Aditha Karikalan Athos and Nandini Milady, I guess? And Nambi is Porthos and Kundavai is Aramis, the clever one.) Anyway, he was great, smart, quick-thinking, a great warrior, but also not at all dumb. I really liked him and enjoyed all of his scenes. And I found out from history that the historical character did get to marry Kundavai so YAY! He was just a nice bright spirit without a ton of angst.

4. And now we come to the titular character, Ponniyin Selvan (Ponni's son) himself, Arunmozhi Varman, who eventually becomes Rajaraja Chola. I had never even heard of Jayam Ravi (sorry, this is I think the first Tamil movie I've watched since I was a kid) but he was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT as the young "King of Kings." I think this might have been the most difficult role in the film to pull off, simply because Rajaraja Cholas is so famous and so beloved STILL, a thousand years after his death. It's very rare that I would love the unequivocally good guys in a historical epic or fantasy movie/series but there is something about this character played by this actor that is just extremely charismatic. To start with, he's tall and handsome so that helps. But there's another quality that no one else in this film has, which that he radiates inner calm.

It's not that he doesn't have strong emotions that he shows on his face, because yes absolutely he does, and it's not that he doesn't have much do action-wise because he does, especially in P-S2.

But in the midst of this frenetic action and these tortured characters, Arulmozhi Varman has this quality of stillness at his core. No wonder the Buddhist monks like him so much that that they will put themselves between him and assassins' daggers. (Also did I mention the tall and handsome part?)

Plus, he has that classic "worthy to be a king" thing going because he does not want the throne and that's what makes him worthy. First of all, he refuses the throne of Lanka when he's offered it by the Buddhist monks there, and then, after he's won the battle and broken the rebellion and secured the safety of his family's kingdom, he gives up THAT crown too. WE - the audience - know that Uttama Chola will ultimately die (I think peacefully?) and Arulmozhi will become Rajaraja Chola but HE doesn't know that, and none of the other people, his friends and family, know that either. Like, I'm kind of in awe of the actual historical figure too. The character could have died so many times in these two films, and the historical person, who was a warrior king, could also have died long before he took the throne, so he was FOR REAL making a huge sacrifice. And I think he did it so there would be no divisions that the Cholas' enemies could take advantage of, as there had been for Nandini and the Pandyas to exploit when Maduranthakan decided that yes, he did want to be king and that it wasn’t fair that his brother’s oldest son would be king instead of him. No one living at the end of the film knows that Aditha essentially killed himself, but everyone knows that the plotters were using Maduranthakan as a puppet. (The crown was kind of funny looking so I'm actually glad my boo didn't put it on at the end :P) (Also more on Maduranthakan later.)

Also, how cool is it that in the battle at the end, Arunmozhi comes riding out of the smoke while the Chola anthem plays, just as his brother did in the first scene of the first movie. I love that parallel (and the differences are important too, because Aditha was engaging in a conquest of a neighboring kingdom and Arunmozhi is defending the Chola kingdom.)

Anyway, Ponniyan Selvan lived to become the great Rajaraja Chola, whose reign saw one of the highest points of Indian art (the extraordinary Chola bronzes) and the construction of the great South Indian temple of Brihadeswara in Thanjavur.

The carvings are amazing (look closely at this elephant which is doing something that happens in PS2 :D)

OK, moving on ... though I don't want to ...

5. Kundavai, the third royal sibling, who I also love to BITS. She didn't have as much to do in this film, I thought, and maybe it's because there was more focus on Nandini in this one, but she remained smart and sensible and I love the face-off with her uncle when he brings the Shiva-yogis to make his mother (Kundavai's grandmother) apologize for not putting him on the throne. Kundavai forces him and his rather intimidating crowd of followers to back off with a lot of hard stares (Paddington would be so proud.) And then she has the lovely little scene with Vandiyadevan (I'm still so sorry I don't know how to make this work) and and another gorgeous scene with her brothers at the Buddhist monastery (which, I love the scene but I hate that it’s the ONLY one). I love her, and I think she should have become the queen and my only consolation is that IRL she got to basically shape two great kings of the Chola dynasty, Rajaraja AND his son Rajendra. (And Rajaraja named his daughter after her so he obviously appreciated her a LOT.) Anyway, I love her and would love a series about her (IF ANYONE IS LISTENING.)

Awww! I just want to draw little hearts and flowers around this GIF. I wish we got more of them being adorable and hot together.

6. Everyone else (sorry this is getting super long), including some questions I have.

a. Vanathi: I know I saw some scenes of her and Arulmozhi in one of the song videos hat got cut in the actual film and I just would have liked to know more of her relationship with Kundavai and with Kundavai's brother. They were lovely together, but it just felt like there was a lot of missing stuff. I liked what I saw of her especially the adorable dance in PS1. And she was also related to ... someone? Because she called him "mama" (uncle?) and he seemed to be the commander of Aditha's forces, but then there was another dude at Kadambur who was a relative of the Cholas and the treasurer guy who was married to Nandini but they were not the same person and I thought one of them was Vanathi's uncle. NEEDS MORE BACKSTORY.

b. Poonguzhali (AGAIN I AM SURE I SPELLED THIS WRONG): I REALLY need more backstory on this. When did she meet Ponniyan Selvan? Why did he call her Samudra Kumari? Why did she risk her life for him (I mean, besides being in love with him which checks out because everyone else is :P) and what was the deal with her and the flower man at the temple? I just feel like a lot of stuff was missing that would have helped me understand better what was happening. (Also she was an amazing sailor to have gotten through that storm.)

c. Parthibendran Pallava and his lightning-fast enmity to Vandiyadevan and then his baseless accusation that Arunmozhi Varman had sent Vandiyadevan to murder Aditha Karikalan. I mean, did he even meet either of them? Why did he think Arunmozhi wanted his brother dead? Was it all just from meeting Nandini THAT ONE TIME because bro, you need a slap if that's the case?

d. Madhurantakan - I was screaming at him (in my head) to realize that there would be no coup without bloodshed, GOD OF COURSE SOME OR ALL OF HIS BROTHER'S KIDS AND HIS BROTHER WOULD DIE. And the other kings wanted a puppet on the throne, not a warrior like Aditha or someone as popular as Arunmozhi (also a brave warrior). But finally Madhurantakan learned his lesson before he fully betrayed his kingdom and family and people. However, the bit about how he was administrating the kingdom for 25 years dropped in at the end was a bit sudden and I would have liked to know Arunmozhi’s thought process, even if it was just “hey I just want to go have adventures with Vandiyadevan because it’s super fun.” I would have also liked some evidence of said administration because they kept playing up his devotion to Shiva and not much else (though he clearly had the Shaivite warrior-mendicant vote SOWN UP! But I'm also confused because some - but not all - of those dudes appeared to be Secret Pandya Assassins, like the lady who attacked the Buddhist monastery and forced Arunmozhi to come out and show himself to the people and by people I mean assassins.) So I don't know ... Anyway, glad Madhurantakan came to his senses and did not side with the other kings against his family. While his reward for only being partially a traitor seemed disproportionate, on the other hand, I thought Arulmozhi was also smart to say that his sword and Vandiyadevan's would be backing up Uncle M so no one got any ideas and probably Kundavai would also be advising Uncle M about good administration. :D (It was kind of funny that Arulmozhi had to get the crowd to cheer for his uncle because they were all like *do not want**we want YOU, young victorious prince* but it’s a sign of his charisma that he got them to accept his uncle as king.)

e. The Pandya assassins were a bit reminiscent of Wile E. Coyote tbqh. All their plans kept not working out in spectacular ways. Is there some reason why no one tipped an arrow with poison or put poison in a cup of wine for Aditha who liked his wine or put poison on their swords so even if they nicked Arunmozhi they'd end up killing them? Do you sense a theme here? Was there some reason why the revenge had to involve actual beheading or it didn't count? Honestly, without Nandini they would have failed even more spectacularly. Also, after Nandini killed herself, what happened to the little Pandya boy king - Nandini's half-brother who swore vengeance? (FYI, I read somewhere - wish I could remember where - that Rajaraja Chola hunted down the assassins of his brother even as far as Indonesia.)

f. I was a little confused by all the uncles and grandparents and so on, like the white-haired general was the grandfather of the three Chola siblings, I assume their mother's father?

g. I would have liked some of the storylines more fleshed out (especially Mandakini's because that was very sudden and if she came and gave birth to Nandini in the Chola lands, how did Sundara Chola not know about this and I guess she spent time hanging out so she could save Arunmozhi when he fell in the water at home and abroad? Why did she care for him so much? Because he was like his father? That seems pretty generous. Anyway ...) If there is a director's cut that is five hours long for each film, PLEASE BRING IT ON. I would love to see it.

In conclusion - I LOVED both movies. This feels like a very special and great achievement, and I hope its success leads to more really good directors delving into South Indian history, like that of the Vijaynagara Empire (which is the subject of Salman Rushdie's latest novel which I haven't read yet.)

ETA: THE MUSIC. I loved it. I've been listening to some of it on a constant loop.

I'm now off to read the books and explore the filmography of Vikram, Trisha, Karthi and Jayam Ravi (if there are any films that are really awesome or really awful please let me know in the comments.) I have been meaning to get into South Indian cinema more and this was a great starting point.