PS-1 (2022)

PS-1 (2022)

Directed by: Mani Ratnam

For someone who hasn't read the book, this film is definitely a little tight to follow because of the number of characters involved, and mainly the way they refer to each character with multiple names, their names, sometimes their accolades, etc. In India, there are primarily a few filmmakers who tell a lot of historic epics and fantasies. In today's day and age, it's mostly Rajamouli and Bhansali. Earlier, there'd be Ashutosh Gowariker too. Although this film didn't hook me all along, and a big chunk of the film felt like a set up to something coming forward, what I enjoyed the most in this film was the Maniratnam touch. I could clearly see his voice, and his touch to the storytelling. The way even the fight between Jayam Ravi and Karthi was choreographed, it's not very macho and raw. There's a sense of grace and style to it. And of course, the more direct touches of Mani Ratnam would be the women, the way they affect men and the story.

I really enjoyed the interval bit, perhaps my favorite bit of the film. I like how a man, no matter who he is, he could be a warrior, a king, but if his heart is broken, he can become a wreck. The interval scene slightly reminded me of the king in Chandramukhi, who beheads his wife and her lover. At the moment, the rage feels justified because of his love and longing towards the woman. And these are what create the most cinematic moments, which are wrong on paper but feel right in the moment. Like Baahubali beheading the man who tried to grope Devasena in court. Overall, I wish the storytelling was clearer and the ups and downs landed better. Although I didn't mind this much only because I could see Mani Ratnam's touch to a genre like this.