Mani Ratnam explains how special Ponniyin Selvan's National Award win is
Director Mani Ratnam spoke about how special the National Award win was for Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. He explained how he tried to adapt the Tamil novel into films a few times and failed.
by India Today Entertainment Desk · India TodayIn Short
- Mani Ratnam spoke about Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1's National Award win
- He said that he tried to make the film 3-4 times before, but failed
- Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 won four National Awards
Director Mani Ratnam arrived at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to receive the National Award for Best Tamil film on October 8. Ahead of the award ceremony, the filmmaker had an interaction about the win and how he tried to make Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 a few times before but eventually failed. The director explained that winning a National Award for the historical drama was special in many ways.
Explaining why it was special, Mani Ratnam said, "It's a very special film because it comes from a huge classic novel, which has been popular for over 50 years. It's probably the most loved Tamil novel. It's been a dream for me to do this project. I tried to make it 3–4 times before. So, I am glad I got it. I am glad that my work is recognised, and I'm getting a National Award for it."
When asked if making Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 was difficult, he explained, "Any film is difficult. To do historical fiction and to achieve the balance that Kalki has achieved in the book, you try to do it in a different medium. It's a challenge. It's something very different from what I've done before. So, it was very exciting."
Here's the trailer of Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1:
Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 won four National Awards - Best Tamil Film, Best Music Director (BGM), Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography.
The historical drama is an adaptation of a popular Tamil literary novel of the same name written by Kalki Krishnamoorthy. The film's ensemble cast features Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayaram and Aishwarya Lekshmi, among others.