Year: 2022
Runtime: 167 min
Language: Tamil
Director: Mani Ratnam
A royal messenger, Vandiyathevan, journeys across the Chola kingdom carrying a crucial message from the Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan. Simultaneously, Princess Kundavai strives to maintain political stability amidst growing plots and unrest. Various vassals and chieftains are scheming against the throne, threatening the foundation of the Chola empire and demanding the attention of those loyal to it.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Ponniyin Selvan: Part I yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
During the 10th century, the Chola dynasty flourishes in South India, ruled by Emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj](/actor/prakash-raj)). Sundara’s sons, Aditha Karikalan (Chiyaan Vikram) and Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), are commanding the empire’s campaigns in Kanchi and Lanka respectively. Aditha mercifully spares the life of the Kanchi king, Khottiga (Babu Anthony), who desires a noble death instead of living in humiliation.
Sensing treachery within the court, Aditha dispatches his friend, the witty and courageous Vandiyadevan (Karthi](/actor/karthi)), who belongs to the Vaanar clan, to uncover the truth and report back to his sister, Princess Kundavai (Trisha Krishnan) and Emperor Sundara. Upon arriving at the Kadamboor fort, Vandiyadevan overhears a conspiracy led by the emperor’s treasurer, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (R. Sarathkumar), and other courtiers plotting to prevent Aditha from ascending the throne in favor of his uncle, Madhurantaka Chola (ahman), who is considered a rightful heir.
As Vandiyadevan seeks more information, he encounters Azhwarkadiyan Nambi ([Jayaram), a Veera Vaishnavite spy. After learning that Nambi’s foster sister, Nandini (Aishwarya Rai), had mysteriously married Pazhuvettaraiyar, Vandiyadevan is drawn deeper into the royal intrigues. With Nandini’s guidance, he enters the palace, revealing the conspirators to Emperor Sundara, despite constant threats to his safety.
In Thanjavur, tensions escalate as Kundavai insistently orders Vandiyadevan to contact Nandini before informing Aditha. The court becomes rife with manipulated beliefs about the crown prince plotting against the throne, led by Pazhuvettaraiyar and his associates. Kundavai, meanwhile, expresses concern about the kingdoms uniting in a familia competition for matrimonial alliances, promising that Arulmozhi belongs to her.
After Aditha’s victories, his feelings for Nandini surface, revealing a tumultuous past intertwined with love and vengeance. Nandini, motivated by revenge for her unjust treatment and Aditha’s past actions against those she loves, conspires to keep both brothers from returning to Thanjavur.
Meanwhile, Ponniyin Selvan encounters Vandiyadevan in Lanka, where they strategize to send messages to Kundavai and Vanathi (Sobhita Dhulipala). Amidst more plots and royal feasts, Kundavai strives to protect her family while trying to rally support against the looming threats.
As Nandini and Pazhuvettaraiyar tighten their grip on power, increasing pressures lead to significant conflicts, including an attempted ambush on Ponniyin Selvan. With the stakes rising, Vandiyadevan and Ponniyin Selvan race against time to uncover the schemes that could jeopardize the throne while battling enemies from every direction.
In a dramatic and wrenching turn, a catastrophic storm leads to presuming the deaths of Ponniyin Selvan and Vandiyadevan, compelling Aditha Karikalan to swear vengeance against Nandini. With the news bringing devastation to Sundara, Kundavai, and Aditha, the twisted fate of their kingdom hangs perilously in the balance. Meanwhile, Oomai Rani (or Singala Naachiyaar) (Aishwarya Rai), the mute queen and Nandini’s mother, remains entangled in this treachery, desperately seeking rescue for Ponniyin Selvan from the depths of the sea.
Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:56
Still wondering what the ending of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
The film concludes with the apparent drowning of Arunmozhi Varman, also known as Ponniyin Selvan, during a storm at sea while on a mission to rescue himself and Vanthiyathevan from those trying to kill him. As the ship wrecks and disappears into the ocean, the royal court receives news that the prince is presumed dead. This leaves the future of the Chola throne uncertain, heavily relying on the next phase of the story. An intriguing mystery surrounds the woman who appears to look like Nandhini, rescuing Arunmozhi and Vanthiyathevan from drowning at different points during the storm. Her identity is unclear, and her connection to Nandhini or the overall conspiracy remains unresolved, adding a layer of suspense and anticipation. The film ends with the question of who she is and whether Arunmozhi or Vanthiyathevan will survive to claim their rightful places, setting up expectations for the next installment. Mani Ratnam masterfully leaves audiences pondering the fate of the beloved prince and the true identity of the mysterious woman, making it a compelling cliffhanger that propels the story into the sequel.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
Don't stop at just watching — explore Ponniyin Selvan: Part I in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ponniyin Selvan: Part I is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Ponniyin Selvan: Part I with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Ponniyin Selvan: Part I. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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