Although Ponniyin Selvan was released in 2022, the discussion on this film started 30 years ago. Yes, the movie was planned by Mani Ratnam to be made with Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in 1989 but things didn’t happen for the best-known reasons. However, now Kamal Haasan, who attended the Ponniyin Selvan event, which took place recently, revealed what character he and Rajinikanth were set to play.
Rajinikanth in PS-1
Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan attended the trailer and audio launch of the magnum opus ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, which was held on September 6. Before the trailer launch happened, ‘superstar’ Rajinikanth addressed the audience and shared about his work experience with Mani Ratnam.
Rajinikanth praised Mani Ratnam for making ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ happen after so many years. “Earlier, when Mani Ratnam wanted to do the movie, I said, it was an amazing idea. He asked me if I read the book. I said no sorry, I haven’t. Then I thought I should give it a read and Mani Ratnam said there are 2500 pages. I laughed and I was like there’s no way I am reading it. Later, after a few years, I decided to give it a read. I was late, if Kalki was alive at the time I read the book, I would have fallen in his leg,” Rajinikanth said.
Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan, who also spoke about the film, opened up about the competition he and Rajinikanth had to play Vandiyadevan in the 90s discussed Ponniyin Selvan. The Vikram actor said, “Sivaji sir told me to cast Rajini as Vanthiyathevan. I told him that I wanted to play it, but he insisted that I played ArunmozhiVarman instead.”
For unversed, presently in Ponniyin Selvan Karthi is playing the role of Vanthiyathevan, who is a swashbuckling adventurer and a spy. Jayaram Ravi is playing Arunmozhi Varnam in the film. He is the visionary prince and architect of the golden era, the original gangster of Ponniyin Selvan.
Thalaivar was rejected once
Rajinikanth also recalled an incident where he wanted to be a part of Ponniyin Selvan but Mani Ratnam rejected it. The superstar said, “I wanted to be a part of #PS1 somehow, so I asked Mani sir if I can play Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. He denied the offer saying my fans would not be happy. Anyone else would have taken it, but Mani denied it and this is what makes him unique!”
He also added that he had imagined the characters from the book to the actors. He said, ” I imagined the other characters with the stars of that time. Thought of Kamal Haasan doing Vanthiyadevan, Sri Devi as Kundavai and Rekha as Nandini, and Sathyaraj playing the role of Periya Pazhuvettiyar and Vijaykanth doing a role. I and Kamal did not get the chance to act for ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. Now, can see Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai, and Trisha doing these roles and I am very happy.”
