In a promotional event in Hyderabad, Mani Ratnam thanked SS Rajamouli for paving the way for Ponniyin Selvan. The Dil Se (1998) director said that if Rajamouli had not made Baahubali (2015) and that too in two parts, he wouldn’t have been able to make Ponniyin Selvan.
Speaking at the event, Ratnam said “I’d like to thank Subaskaran (producer) sir first. Sir, because of you, Ponniyin Selvan was possible. I’ve said this before and I’m saying this again. I want to thank Rajamouli. If Baahubali was not made. And not made in two parts. Ponniyin Selvan would not have been made. So we owe him a big thanks.”
Ratnam had tried to make Ponniyin Selvan in 1994 and 2011, both times the project did not go as planned. The second installment titled Ponniyin Selvan 2 will feature Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Vikram in prominent roles. The film will release in theatres on April 28.