PS-1 audio launch live: Trailer is out now!

PS is not a film like Baahubali or Padmavat: Mani Ratnam

Mani Ratnam: I first thank Kalki then Subaskaran, who asked what my plans are after CCV. I said Ponniyin Selvan. He gave a go ahead!

Oh is it so Kamal? I visualised you as Rajaraja Cholan, Sridevi as Kundavai and Vijay as Aditya Karikalan, Rajini replies. 

When I bought Ponniyin Selvan, Sivaji sir said, Vanthiyathevana avana podu (Rajini) and he wanted me to play Aditya Karikalan: Kamal 

I asked Mani if i could play Periya Pazhuvetaraiyar. He said no I would have to take the flak from your fans. I asked for a cameo atleast. But no didn't happen, Rajini reveals. 

In a newspaper's Q&A column that late CM Jayalalithaa used to reply, she said that Rajinikanth would be the best choice for Vanthiyathevan. I was on cloud nine: Rajini adds

I read 350 pages of Ponniyin Selvan and it went on and on. Then someone told me it has 5 volumes and 2,000 pages. I said 'ada poya' : Rajinikanth 

Mani did not agree on my stock shots. He neither approved my emotions and asked me to feel. I was like.... inna feeluuuu.... then I called Kamal and explained how difficult it is to shoot with Mani. Every shot had 12 takes. Kamal asked me to take Mani's prompting and go by it. I gave it a thought over several cigarettes and went with Kamal's idea. Shots were approved. Thank you Kamal, says Rajini as he pats on Kamal's shoulder. 

“We shot for Thalapathi in Mysuru and I had to come from Mumbai. Next day I asked for a makeup as I had to share screen with Mammootty whose complexion is like an apple. I insisted on a foundation makeup. Costume was loose as well and the least I chose was my walking shoe. Shobana is a prankster and she said Kamal is likely to replace me as the hero,” Rajini laughs. 

Rajini: Mani Ratnam has made us all proud. He commands respect across India with the kind of films he has made. 

“This is a movie that cannot be made as one part. Probably that is reason why attempts have failed. Subaskaran made it possible. Subaskaran put his entire faith on a maverick like Mani Ratnam,“ the Jailer actor adds. 

People used to throng kiosks back then to buy copies of Kalki to read Ponniyin Selvan: Rajini

Amarar Kalki is the first hero, followed by Subaskaran and Mani Ratnam, says Superstar. 

Congratulations Kamal on success of Vikram, Rajini begins. 

Rahman's music is unique and I loved it from the moment you played it to me after you came back from Bali, Rahman, Indian-2 actor says

Kamal continues to add: There is no time for jealousy or ego in this industry. One man's success or defeat impacts another man. Rajini and I understood this.

I always had in mind that Ponniyin Selvan will either be done by me or Mani. Mani did it. We discussed it first slanting on a motorcycle on Eldams Road, Kamal Haasan adds. 

Wonder where to begin the history with. Rajini-Kamal story or how Mani and I began the Ponniyin Selvan story. Mani has carried all our dreams after all these years: Kamal Haasan

Rajini and Kamal welcomed on stage with audio visuals from Thalapathi and Nayakan

Indian-2 next schedule to commence soon, confirms Shankar before Kamal Haasan. 

Mani Ratnam is the first Pan-Indian director. We are taking the path he paved, says director Shankar

“Played a lot of Tamil tunes but Mani didn’t like it. Later, we researched in Bali to know more about Tamil tradition during 19th century,” reveals ARR

Mani sir completed #PonniyinSelvan Part 1 and 2 shoot in 155 days, says Jayam Ravi.

Trisha and Siddharth shake a leg to Yakkai Thiri

Aishwarya Rai gets welcomed with rousing applause. She greets everyone and shares a warm hug with Mani Ratnam.

Stay tuned! Trailer expected to be out by 9pm.

Dancers performing songs from AR-Mani combo

Dhivyadharshini is set to host the event

Kamal Haasan and his daughter Akshara grace the event

Director Shankar Shanmugham arrives and says, "Ever since I heard that Mani Sir is making Ponniyin Selvan, I have been waiting to watch film."

Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth arrives

"The movie happened because of Mani Ratnam. The music should reach a larger audience. The movie has been made with culture, pride and our love for this language," the legendary music director says.

Man of the day, AR Rahman lands at Nehru Stadium

Event kicks off in Chennai as celebrities take their seats.

Aishwarya Rajesh attends the event, slays in yellowish-green dress

"I started my career with Iruvaru and then worked with him in Guru. We again met for Ravanan and now here we are," she smiles.

"I had the privilege of working with them at a very young age. Now, here I am with them again for Ponniyin Selvan," she says.

Aishwarya Rai begins with Vanakkam. "Very happy to be here today at the audio launch. PS is a very special film and loved to work with Mani garu once again. It's such an incredible team and their talent is outstanding," she continues.

Aishwaryaa Rai Bachchan aka Nandini is here!

Musician Santhosh Narayanan and his family walk in black!

#Thalaivar170 with Cibi Chakravarthy produced by Lyca is expected to be announced during the event.

Anjana Rangan to host the event tonight.

"I am just very happy to be here. Both a privilege and a pleasure to be here. It's my first film in Tamil so I am quite excited, wish me luck," says Sobhita Dhulipala alias Vanathi.

"Mani sir's creation is the epitome of imagination. His screenplay gave life to the script," Ravi says as he walk towards the stadium.

Our very own Arulmozhi Varman says, "Without everyone's coordination this wouldn't have been possible. I am happy to be a part of this and as Ponniyin Selvan. I am happy to share the space with my team. I am going to enjoy the day just like you all," he says.

Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi) is here!

"Kundavai and Nandini's face-off scenes were amazing. We were both more of our characters than Trisha and Aishwarya Rai on the sets," she answers.

Trisha dazzles in pink saree. "Thank you all for coming here. It's one of our biggest nights. I am looking forward to spend time with my PS team. It was comfortable going to set and thankful for Mani sir for making my dreams come true," she says.

Actor Rahman, wife arrive at the venue

Songs from Mani Ratnam-AR Rahman films being played at the event.

Nizhalgal Ravi attends the event. "I have given voice for Sambuvarayar," he says.

Poonguzhali does what she feels is right. Mani sir's explanation and visualization are amazing. It was the emotional preparation that mattered to me the most. I loved playing Poonguzhali, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan concludes.

Aishwarya Lekshmi address the press and says "Mani Sir called me for a meeting in May 2019. I started reading the book then and I loved it. Such beautiful characters. Ever since I started loving cinema, Mani Ratnam was the no.1 director I wanted to work with. I am thankful for him. And, the media has been very kind to us."

Aditi Rao Hydari graces the event and says she is happy to be here. "It's a very special year and special film. This has been Mani sir's dream project. I am so looking forward to the film just like all of you," she says as she walks to the stadium.

Actor Siddharth, who is at the venue says the film is indeed a magnum opus. "I am excited to watch this film and ready to get awe-struck. Not just as an actor but as Mani sir's fan. The Cholas are coming," he adds.

Actors Prabhu, Vikram Prabhu, Nassar, Siddharth arrive at the venue

Director Mysskin graces PS-1 red carpet minutes before the event

Suhasini Maniratnam follows him at the red carpet of Ponniyin Selvan audio and trailer launch

The captain of Ponniyin Selvan, Mani Ratnam arrives at the audio and trailer launch of his Ponniyin Selvan 1