Skip to main content
TollyBO

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023) Review

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023) (Tamil action, adventure, drama) — directed by Mani Ratnam. Featuring Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ravi Mohan. 968 AD. The Pandyan assassins gather once again to destroy the Chola dynasty. Now the mighty Chola princes must fight the Pandyas, the Rashtrakutas and other Chola enemies who have joined forces. Also, at play are the rumours of Ponniyin Selvan’s death at sea, the powerful Pazhuvettarayar’s betrayal... Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Produced by Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions, Released: 28 Apr 2023. Runtime: 2h 44m.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II
AVERAGE

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II(2023)

The Cholas are Back

Tamil · Action, Adventure, Drama

2h 44m · 28 Apr 2023

Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Ravi Varman | Writer: Divya Prakash Dubey, Jayamohan, Kalki Krishnamoorthy

ActionAdventureHistoryDrama

Ratings

123Telugu123TeluguAI3.5
@VenkyReviews@VenkyReviewsAI3.75
FirstpostFirstpostAI4
Times of IndiaTimes of IndiaAI3.5
GreatAndhraGreatAndhraAI3.75

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II continues the epic saga of the Chola dynasty, focusing on the political intrigue, power struggles, and personal vendettas that shape the fate of the empire. The narrative picks up from the cliffhanger of Part I, delving deeper into the conspiracies surrounding the throne and the heroic efforts of Vandiyadevan and Arulmozhivarman to secure their legacy. The story intricately weaves historical facts with dramatic embellishments, highlighting the complex relationships among the royal family and their allies.

🔍 Analysis

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II excels in delivering a grand historical narrative with a rich screenplay that balances intricate political drama and emotional depth. The story unfolds at a measured pace, allowing audiences to absorb the layered plot and character motivations. The first half sets a strong foundation with engaging sequences and character setups, while the second half intensifies the conflict, culminating in a satisfying climax that ties up major plot threads.

The screenplay is tightly written, with Mani Ratnam's direction ensuring that the sprawling cast and multiple subplots remain coherent and impactful. The pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, maintaining audience interest through a mix of action, drama, and moments of introspection. The dialogues are crisp and evocative, adding to the film's regal atmosphere.

Musically, A.R. Rahman's compositions elevate the film's emotional and epic scale. The songs are well-integrated into the narrative, enhancing key moments without disrupting the flow. The background score is particularly noteworthy, providing a powerful auditory backdrop that heightens tension and grandeur. Ravi Varman's cinematography captures the lush landscapes and intricate set designs with a painterly quality, complementing the film's majestic tone.

🎭 Performances

Vikram: Charismatic and commanding, Vikram brings depth and gravitas to his role, anchoring the film with a powerful presence.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Graceful and nuanced, Aishwarya delivers a compelling portrayal that balances strength and vulnerability.

Karthi: Energetic and heartfelt, Karthi's performance adds emotional weight and relatability to the narrative.

Trisha Krishnan: Subtle and expressive, Trisha provides a steady and engaging supporting role.

Prakash Raj: Menacing and layered, Prakash Raj excels in portraying the film's antagonist with complexity.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Epic storytelling with rich historical context
  • Strong performances from the ensemble cast
  • A.R. Rahman's evocative music and background score
  • Mani Ratnam's assured direction and screenplay
  • Stunning cinematography and production design

Weaknesses

  • Complex narrative may be challenging for casual viewers
  • Pacing in some segments feels slow
  • Limited character development for certain supporting roles

🎬 Direction & Writing

Mani Ratnam masterfully directs Ponniyin Selvan: Part II, balancing a sprawling narrative with intimate character moments. His writing is meticulous, ensuring historical authenticity while crafting a compelling cinematic experience. The film reflects his signature style of blending grandeur with emotional depth.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Ravi Varman
  • - Music and background score by A.R. Rahman
  • - Production design and costumes
  • - Editing that maintains narrative clarity
  • - Visual effects enhancing battle sequences

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
GreatAndhraGreatAndhra
3.75 / 5
123Telugu123Telugu
3.50 / 5
IBTimesIBTimes
4.00 / 5
Times of IndiaTimes of India
3.50 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
4.00 / 5
@VenkyReviews@VenkyReviews
3.75 / 5

Our Rating

3/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - Strong opening weekend with high occupancy
  • - Sustained collections in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states
  • - Notable performance in overseas Tamil diaspora markets

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics have largely praised Ponniyin Selvan: Part II for its ambitious scope, strong performances, and technical brilliance. The film is noted for its faithful adaptation of the source material and Mani Ratnam's deft handling of a complex narrative. Some reviews point out the film's dense storytelling and pacing issues but agree that it is a worthy conclusion to the epic saga.

Final Box-Office Result

AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Ponniyin Selvan: Part II release in theatres?

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II released on 28 April 2023 (2023).

Is Ponniyin Selvan: Part II a hit or flop?

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.

What is the budget of Ponniyin Selvan: Part II?

Budget of Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is approximately ₹3813000 Crore.

Where to watch Ponniyin Selvan: Part II online? OTT release date?

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is available on Prime Video, Prime Video from 1 June 2023.

Who directed Ponniyin Selvan: Part II?

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II directed by Mani Ratnam. Produced by Allirajah Subaskaran, Mani Ratnam.

Who are the main cast members of Ponniyin Selvan: Part II?

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ravi Mohan, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Ponniyin Selvan: Part II?

Tollybo rates Ponniyin Selvan: Part II 3/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Ponniyin Selvan: Part II?

Music for Ponniyin Selvan: Part II composed by A.R. Rahman.

What is the genre and runtime of Ponniyin Selvan: Part II?

Ponniyin Selvan: Part II — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 164 minutes, Language: Tamil.

Previous MovieNext Movie