In a recent interview, popular South Indian actress Trisha Krishnan revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes story about her role in the blockbuster film Ponniyin Selvan. Although she played the much-admired role of ‘Kundavai,’ Trisha had originally set her sights on portraying ‘Nandini,’ the character made iconic by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. However, despite her enthusiasm, director Mani Ratnam had already made his decision, believing that no one but Aishwarya could do justice to the role of ‘Nandini.’
A Star-Studded Cast
Ponniyin Selvan, a grand Tamil epic drama directed by Mani Ratnam, has an ensemble cast that includes some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, and Aishwarya Lekshmi. Based on the classic 1955 novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, the film was released in two parts, the first in 2022 and the second in 2023.
In the movie, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s portrayal of ‘Nandini’ received widespread appreciation, but according to Trisha, she had also hoped to bring that role to life. Trisha, who played the strong and poised ‘Kundavai,’ received much love for her performance, but she admitted that the role of ‘Nandini’ fascinated her.
Why Mani Ratnam Refused Trisha for ‘Nandini’
Trisha disclosed that she had approached Mani Ratnam personally, asking if she could play ‘Nandini’ instead of ‘Kundavai.’ However, the director was firm in his decision. Mani Ratnam had cast Aishwarya Rai for the role of ‘Nandini’ from the start and believed she was the perfect fit. He told Trisha that he couldn’t see anyone else taking up that part. Despite the refusal, Trisha was excited to hear that Aishwarya would be playing the role and respected the director’s vision.
Trisha’s Role as ‘Kundavai’
Though Trisha did not get the part she initially wanted, her portrayal of ‘Kundavai’ earned her immense praise. The character, strong yet graceful, provided a perfect contrast to the more intense and emotional ‘Nandini.’ Fans and critics alike lauded Trisha for bringing depth and power to the role, adding to the film’s overall success.
Success of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ at the Box Office
Released in two parts, Ponniyin Selvan became a massive hit. The first part alone earned over ₹450-500 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2022. The movie ranked as the third highest-grossing Indian film of the year and the fourth highest-grossing Tamil film in history.
Besides its box office success, Ponniyin Selvan received critical acclaim and bagged multiple awards, including four National Awards. The 70th National Awards recognized the film for its brilliance in various aspects, solidifying its place as one of the most significant cinematic achievements in recent years. Moreover, the movie garnered six nominations, including Best Film at the 16th Asian Film Awards and took home the Best Tamil Film award at the 68th Filmfare Awards.
The Journey of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’
Originally, Mani Ratnam had planned to release Ponniyin Selvan as a single film, but the complex and extensive narrative led the team to divide it into two parts. The film’s story, adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel, follows the Chola dynasty’s history, filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and war.
With its incredible visual effects, storytelling, and performances, Ponniyin Selvan set a new benchmark in Tamil cinema. It not only showcased the richness of Tamil history but also brought together a brilliant ensemble cast that elevated the story to new heights.
