Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)
DirectorMani Ratnam
StarringVikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ravi Mohan, Karthi
Watch onAmazon Prime Video, MX Player, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon MX Player, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Best for: Fans of historical action-adventure and Indian cinema looking for a large-scale story of royal intrigue.
Where to watch Ponniyin Selvan: Part I online in India
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Ponniyin Selvan Collection: all movies in order
- Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (30 September 2022) · this movie
- Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (28 April 2023)
Listed in release order, as per TMDB's Ponniyin Selvan Collection.
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I story (no spoilers)
Set in the Chola kingdom, Ponniyin Selvan: Part I follows crown prince Aaditha Karikalan, his younger brother Arunmozhi Varman, and emperor Sundara Cholar, who are separated by circumstances. With the kingdom threatened from within and outside, a messenger named Vanthiyathevan is tasked with ensuring its safety. The main conflict intensifies as Karikalan's former girlfriend, Nandhini, plots to bring down the entire Chola empire. The film is a historical action-adventure directed by Mani Ratnam, based on the Tamil novel, and runs 167 minutes. The tone blends political intrigue, loyalty, and betrayal, with the tagline 'The Cholas Are Coming' hinting at the looming struggle for power.
Should you watch Ponniyin Selvan: Part I?
Watch it for
- Mani Ratnam directs this historical action-adventure, bringing the Chola kingdom's political intrigue to the screen.
- The cast includes Vikram as Aditha Karikalan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini, Karthi as Vanthiyathevan, and Trisha Krishnan as Kundavai.
- A.R. Rahman composes the music, adding to the epic scale of the 167-minute film.
- The story of internal and external threats to the Chola empire, with Nandhini's plot, offers a blend of action and history.
Skip it if
- You may not enjoy the 167-minute runtime if you prefer shorter films.
- If you are not interested in historical action-adventure with political plotting, this might feel slow.
- The UA certificate indicates some content may not suit very young viewers, so families with kids should check.
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I cast
Vikramas Aditha Karikalan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchanas Nandini / Oomai Rani
Ravi Mohanas Arunmozhi Varman
Karthias Vanthiyathevan
Trisha Krishnanas Kundavai
Jayaramas Alwarkkadiyan Nambi
Prakash Rajas Sundara Chozhar
R. Sarathkumaras Periya Pazhuvettarayar
R. Parthibanas Chinna Pazhuvettarayar
Kishoreas Ravidasan
Aishwarya Lekshmias Poonguzhali
Sobhita Dhulipalaas VanathiPonniyin Selvan: Part I movie details
| Director | Mani Ratnam |
|---|---|
| Writer | Jeyamohan, Elango Kumaravel, Mani Ratnam |
| Music | A.R. Rahman |
| Cinematography | Ravi Varman |
| Producer | Allirajah Subaskaran, Mani Ratnam |
| Release date | 30 September 2022 |
| Runtime | 2h 47m (167 minutes) |
| Original language | Tamil |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Tamil |
| Original title | பொன்னியின் செல்வன்: பாகம் 1 |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $29.5 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $59.0 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Ponniyin Selvan: Part I family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the UA certificate and the action-history genre; the film may include battle scenes and tense situations. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I brings Mani Ratnam's vision of the Chola kingdom to life with a strong cast and A.R. Rahman's music. The 167-minute historical action-adventure sets up a complex power struggle, though the long runtime may test some viewers. It's a solid watch for fans of epic Indian storytelling.
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IFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Ponniyin Selvan: Part I online in India?
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It is also available free with ads on MX Player, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, and Amazon MX Player. You can rent it on Amazon Video.
What is the release date of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I?
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I was released in India on 30 September 2022.
Who is in the cast of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I?
The cast includes Vikram as Aditha Karikalan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini / Oomai Rani, Ravi Mohan as Arunmozhi Varman, Karthi as Vanthiyathevan, Trisha Krishnan as Kundavai, Jayaram as Alwarkkadiyan Nambi, Prakash Raj as Sundara Chozhar, and R. Sarathkumar as Periya Pazhuvettarayar.
Who directed Ponniyin Selvan: Part I?
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I is directed by Mani Ratnam.
What is the runtime and certificate of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I?
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I has a runtime of 167 minutes and carries a UA certificate in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.