PS 2: Team unveils BTS video of Karthi’s transformation into Vanthiyathevan

Ponniyin Selvan: 2 by Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam is gearing up for a massive worldwide theatrical release on April 28, and preparations for the film’s promotions are underway. The upcoming film, produced by Lyca Productions in collaboration with Madras Talkies and featuring music by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman is the sequel to the 2022 box office smash Ponniyin Selvan: 1.

The team has now released a brief behind-the-scenes video that shows Karthi transforming into Vanthiyathevan, the iconic character created by Kalki in his epic novel several decades ago. It begins with the actor enthusiastically discussing how he shaped himself to play the most beloved character in the magnum opus.

“When I wear that costume…when I get to the location and complete just one scene,” he says, “it gives you such a grounding.” It is then followed by a few stills of the actor from the test photoshoot. A few shots of the art direction and costume design teams collaborating to get his look and props just right will give you goosebumps.

Mani Ratnam is seen observing the actor’s appearance and ensuring that he is comfortable in the Vanthiyathevan costume. One of the highlights of Ponniyin Selvan 1 was the actor’s portrayal of the character.

Fans of Karthi, cinephiles, and die-hard fans of the novel are eagerly anticipating Vanthiyathevan’s adventure in the sequel, which will be released on theatres soon. The second installment, like the first, will be available on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical release.

Karthi and Trisha will star alongside ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram as Aditha Karikalan, Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varman, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who will reprise her dual roles of Nandini and Mandakini in Ponniyin Selvan: 2. The film also has Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prakash Raj, R. Sarathkumar, Parthiban, Jayaram, Prabhu, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vikram Prabhu, Lal, Rahman, Kishore, Ashwin Kakumanu, Nizhalgal Ravi, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Jayachitra, Vidya Subramanian, Mohan Raman, and Riyaz Khan returning in their original roles from PS: 1, released last year.