Mani Ratnam 's Ponniyin Selvan (In Pics) : 15 principal characters, 15 adept actors - Who's playing who in the epic adaptation?
The ambitious period-drama has gone on floors in Thailand and the makers recently revealed the cast and crew of the ambitious project.
Here, we take you on a picture tour on who's playing what in the much-anticipated magnum opus, whose production has been stalled temporarily because of the pandemic.
Chiyaan Vikram plays Aditya Karikalan, the eldest son of Sundara Chola, the crown prince, and the commander of Northern troops. He was a brave warrior who entered the battlefield at the age of 12.
Jayam Ravi will be seen as Arulmozhivarman alias Raja Raja Chola 1 alias Ponniyin Selvan, the main protagonist of the story after whom the novel is named. The youngest son of Sundara Chola.
Karthi plays Vandhiyadevan, the adventurous and sarcastic warrior-prince of Bana clan, who later becomes the Commander for Southern Troops. He happens to be the bodyguard & friend of Aditya Karikalan.
Parthiban plays Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the chancellor-treasurer of the Chola kingdom who's respected for his valor. The second most powerful man in the empire next to the emperor.
Aishwarya Rai will be seen in a dual role - Nandini, the Pazhuvoor princess & young wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar - the main antagonist of the novel, and her mute mother, the queen Mandakini Devi.
Trisha plays the Chola princess Kundavai, the 2nd child and only daughter of Sundara Chola. Lover of Vandiyadevan. She was respected much by her father and the people for her intelligence and wit.
Vikram Prabhu plays Senthan Amuthan, a flower seller. He is a close friend of Vandiyathevan.
Aishwarya Lekshmi portrays the adventurous and fearless boat-woman, Poonkuzhali, who has a hatred towards men and civilization. She has feelings for Arulmozhi Varman, before marrying Senthan Amuthan.
Ashwin Kakamanu will be seen as Kandanmaran, Prince of Kadamboor, and a good friend of Vandiyathevan. He is the one who arranges the conspiracy meeting of petty rulers.
Rahman plays Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar alias Kaalandhakandar, the chief in-charge of Thanjavur fort. Also, he's the younger brother of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, to whom he has huge respect and love.
Sarath Kumar is said to be playing Sundara Chola, the old emperor of the Chola empire. He's known for his facial beauty which gives him his name 'Sundara'.
Prabhu will reportedly be portraying Aniruddha Brahmarayar, the Prime Minister of Sundara Chola's Court and a trusted friend of the emperor. He's very much respected for his intelligence and wit.
Jayaram is believed to be playing Azhwarkadiyan Nambi, a Veera Vaishnavite spy who works for the Prime Minister. He is the foster-brother of Nandhini, and also a close friend of Vandiyathevan.
Lal is said to be playing Ravidasan, one of the chief villains of the novel.
Kishore will apparently be seen as Theveraalan alias Parameswaran, another main villain. Both Ravidasan & Parameswaran are once ministers in Chola court, who later conspire to wipeout the Chola clan.