Ponniyin Selvan-2 Release: Uttama Cholan, Raja Raja Cholan are prominent names in the minds of those who are well-versed in Chola history. However, these names and a few others like Nandhini, said to be a fictional character, became a household name in Tamil Nadu, all thanks to novelist ‘Kalki’ Krishnamoorthy who weaved an intriguing historical fiction around the Chola regime way back in the 1950s. Kalki Krishnamoorthy's Ponniyin Selvan introduced the world of Cholas and Pandyas to many Tamils. 


What belonged only to Tamils is now the nation's treasure with director Mani Ratnam making a film on the epic saga. Ponniyin Selvan 1, the first part of the magnum opus, was released in August 2022 and the next part, Ponniyin Selvan 2, is all set to release tomorrow, on April 28, 2023.


Though PS-1 was a treat for the audience, many movie buffs, especially non-Tamils, who saw it opined that the characters were a little overwhelming to decipher and follow. So, here is a list of the characters, the actors who play them, and description of their roles in PS-1 and PS-2. 


Ponniyin Selvan Characters


Sundara Chola: The King of Chola kingdom, whose life is under threat. The story begins with a shooting star predicting the death of an ailing Sundara Chola. The incident sets the ball rolling to decide the successor to the Chola king. Prakash Raj plays the role of Sundara Chola.


Sembiyan Mahadevi: The queen of the Chola empire and wife of Sundara Chola. Jayachithra plays the role.


Vallavaraiyan Vandhiyadevan: The warrior prince who does not have a land to rule but is a sought-after person in Vannar clan. He is known for his bravery and charm. He is the love interest of Sundara Chola’s daughter, Kundavai. Karthi plays the role in the movie.


Aditha Karikalan: The crown prince who is first in line to the throne of the Chola empire. He is widely believed to become the successor to Sundara Chola until things take a cruel turn. Actor Vikram plays the role.


Arulmozhi Varman: The son of ailing Sundara Chola and second in line to the throne of Chola empire. The role is played by Jayam Ravi.


Vaanathi: The princess of Kodumbalur and love interest of Arulmozhi Varman. In PS-1, Vaanathi secretly sends a love letter to Arulmozhi Varman through Vanthiyathevan. Sobhita Dhulipala plays the role. 


Kundavai: The daughter of Sundara Chola and sister of Aditha Karikalan and Arunmozhi Varman. She is the princess of Chola Empire. Trisha Krishnan plays the role.


Nandhini: The cunning queen of Pazhuvoor is an antagonist in Ponniyin Selvan. She is the wife of Periya Pazhuvettarayar. Nandhini is against the Chola rule and is known for her political strategies. She is also the daughter of Mandakini (a) Oomai Rani. Nandhini is played by Baby Sara (young Nandhini) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.


Periya Pazhuvettarayar: The chancellor of Chola Empire with an intention to bring down the rule of King Sundara Chola and his sons. Sarath Kumar plays the role of Periya Pazhuvettarayar.


Chinna Pazhuvettarayar: The brother of Periya Pazhuvettarayar and chief in-charge of Thanjavur fort. Chinna Pazhuvettarayar is played by Parthiban. 


Azhwarkkadiyan Nambi: A Shaivite and a spy for Aniruddha Brahmaraayar. Actor Jayaram plays the tole of Azhwarkkadiyan Nambi. 


Poonguzhali (a) Samuthirakumari: The woman of the ocean, Poonguzhali, is a boat woman. She is known for saving Arunmozhi Varman. Aishwarya Lekshmi plays the role.


Madhurantakan (a) Uttama Chola: The nephew of Sundara Chola. After the demise of his father Gandaradityan, it was Madhurantakan who should've taken over the throne but was restrained due to his young age. He was believed to be less than 10 years at the time of his father's death. Therefore, Madhurantakan aims to bring down the rule of Sundara Chola. Actor Rahman plays this role.