Filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 is set to arrive in cinemas on April 28. An adaptation of the Tamil novel series Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy, this epic period film introduces characters played by Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha and Aishwarya Lekshmi. Here’s a recap of all the important characters who are likely to play a significant role in this game of thrones in the Chola kingdom.
Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi)
The crown prince of the Chola kingdom, Arunmozhi Varman, is loved by everyone. Apart from being intelligent and kind, Arunmozhi is a skilled warrior who headed a conquest in Lanka in Ponniyin Selvan: Part I and captured the island kingdom. He also thwarted attempts on his life by Pandya assassins. When these assassins captured his aide Vandiyathevan, Arunmozhi risked his life and attacked them on the ship they were sailing in. He managed to rescue Vandiyathevan but a cyclonic storm hit the ship and Arunmozhi disappeared in the ocean along with his aide.
Queen Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)
Nandini is the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the chancellor of the Chola kingdom. She is a mysterious woman who uses her charm to get what she wants. Nandini harbours a deep grudge against Aditha Karikalan, the eldest prince of the Chola empire, and the Cholas in general. In PS: I, it is revealed that Aditha and Nandini were in love but she was sent away from the kingdom. She took refuge in the Pandya kingdom and grew close to their king, Veera Pandyan. After Aditha killed Veera Pandyan in front of her, she vowed to destroy the Cholas.
Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram)
Aditha Karikalan is the eldest son of Chola king Sundara Chola and is a skilled warrior. He, however, is hot-headed and unable to let go of his feelings for Nandini. In PS: I, Aditha senses that the courtiers of the Chola king are hatching a conspiracy to usurp the throne. He sends his trusted associate Vandiyathevan to investigate the matter and share the information with princess Kundavai. In the end, when the news of Arunmozhi’s death reaches him, he holds Nandini responsible for the tragedy and marches towards Thanjavur to kill her.
Vandiyathevan (Karthi)
A trusted aide of prince Aditha Karikalan and later that of Arunmozhi Varman, Vallavaraiyan Vandiyathevan is the crown prince of the Vanar dynasty. He is dispatched to the capital of Chola kingdom, Thanjavur, to investigate a possible conspiracy against the Chola king. There he meets princess Kundavai and falls in love with her. She sends him on a secret mission to Lanka to inform Arunmozhi about the state of affairs in the capital. During an attempt on Arunmozhi’s life in Lanka, Vandiyathevan is captured by a group of assassins who mistook him for the prince. Arunmozhi rescues him from the captors but a storm sinks their ship.
Kundavai (Trisha Krishnan)
The daughter of king Sundara Chola, Kundavai is brave and well-versed in the politics of the royal court. When Vandiyathevan informs her about the conspiracy to dislodge Sundara Chola from the throne, she plays a significant role in the political intrigues of the kingdom. Kundavai also travels to Kanchi to convince her brother Aditha to return to Thanjavur in order to protect their father.
Mandakini aka Oomai Rani (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)
Mandakini is a mysterious old woman who appears in the mid-credits of PS I. She is seen desperately searching for Arunmozhi Varman in the waters after their ship sank in the storm. Her face resembles that of Nandini, sparking off speculations that she could be related to the latter. Mandakini is likely to play a major role in PS: II.
Madhurantakan (Rahman)
A prince of the Chola empire, Madhurantakan was very young when his father, king Gandaraditya, passed away. Owing to his tender age, the throne went to his uncle Arinjaya and then to his cousin Sundara Chola. However, a section of the ministers in Sundara Chola’s court, led by the chancellor Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, want to reinstate Madhurantakan on the throne.
Poonguzhali (Aishwarya Lekshmi)
Poonguzhali is a fisherwoman known for her beauty, bravery and kindness. She plays a significant role in the story — she helps Vandiyadevan in his journey from Thanjavur to Lanka. Later, she spots a convoy sent by Pazhuvettaraiyar to arrest Arunmozhi and informs the prince about them. Poonguzhali also helplessly searches for Arunmozhi and Vandiyathevan in the sea when their ship goes under the water.
