SS Rajamouli Has Made A Huge Impact On My Creativity: Mani Ratnam

Directors Mani Ratnam, SS Rajamouli and Sukumar who gave blockbusters Ponniyin Selvan, RRR and Pushpa respectively last year, graced the CII Dakshin Summit recently to discuss the future trends in cinema. Answering fans’ questions, Mani Ratnam said in the event that Rajamouli has made a huge impact on his creativity. 

“I have been wanting to make Ponniyin Selvan for years but could not find a way until Baahubali came.” When the Prabhas-starrer was released in two parts and managed to keep the audience curious and invested, Ratnam found the possibility to adapt Kalki Krishnamurthy’s five-part novel into a two-part feature film. “If Baahubali had not come in two parts, I wouldn’t have been able to make Ponniyin Selvan.” Rajamouli called this the biggest compliment he could ever get. 

The second instalment of the historical drama is slated to be released on April 28. Reportedly, the trailer and audio launch of Ponniyin Selvan 2 is to be held in Chennai on April 5. The AR Rahman musical stars Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles. Produced by Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, Ravi Varman has lensed the film.