Absolute Review: PS-1: The Aishwarya Rai and Trisha starrer, Mani Ratnam’s PS-1, does not live up to the Hype

By Shachi Chaturvedi

Cast: Karthi, Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha

Director: Mani Ratnam

Runtime: 2hr 47 min

Rating: 2/5

Synopsis-

The historical fiction film is based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic Tamil literary novel, which depicts the power struggle that shook the Chola Dynasty. Has the film lived up to the hype? Will it satisfy bookworms?

Review
A comet appears in the sky, and it brings bad news. Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj) is ailing, so his eldest son, Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram), has been named crown prince. The Chola kingdom, however, and Sundara Chozhar’s second child, Kundavai (Trisha), believe that her younger brother, Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), will make a great king.

The very beginning of the film tells you that it is Mani Ratnam’s direction. The first shot of the film is of a king emerging from the fog like a hero, which leads to a beautifully shot battlefield scene.

PS is a classic story about a brother desiring the throne of the king because he believes he deserves it more than anyone else. In terms of the story’s portrayal, as it is only the first part, the goal was to establish a background for the audience. To be honest, it is a portrayal that lacks clarity and organisation. PS appears to have fallen short of the hype it generated.

When it comes to character performances, Aishwarya Rai can never go wrong as a RANI. After seeing her as Jodha, people have high expectations for her, and despite having limited screen time, Ash nails each and every frame. It was a visual treat to look at Aishwarya.

Speaking of Trisha Krishnan, what a beauty she is… Someone should learn how to ace a scene with a look from her. Vikram portrays a strong king with a royal aura, and he is an excellent choice for the role. Apart from that, Karthi plays a significant role, and her acting and presentation skills leave an impression on everyone. There is no doubt that everyone performed and gave their all, but the story lacked the desired masala.

This is an AR Rehman * Mani Ratnam collaboration, and two things can never go wrong with this pairing: music and cinematography. The background music is excellent, and the songs, while overcrowded, do not strain the listener’s ears. The cinematography is simply breathtaking. The camera moments, the pans, the long shot and especially a long shot of Aishwarya from the top where she is just lying on the bed takes your heart. This film looks like an attempt to highlight Aishwarya Rai’s beauty. Her every frame is surreal.

The film has far too many loose ends when it comes to scripting, which is uncharacteristic of a director like Mani Ratnam.

Final Verdict

With a shaky plot and a lot of chaos. You won’t be sorry if you don’t see PS-1.