The epic historical drama “Ponniyin Selvan,” based on the beloved Tamil novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, took the Indian box office by storm. Released in two parts, the film captivated audiences with its grand visuals, stellar performances, and captivating story of the Chola dynasty. But how did each part fare at the box office? Let’s delve into the details.
1. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 – A Record-Breaking Debut
Part 1, released in September 2022, became an instant success. It garnered widespread critical acclaim and shattered box office records. The film grossed a staggering ₹450-500 crore (US$60-66 million) worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2022 and the third-highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Its success was driven by the strong pre-release buzz surrounding director Mani Ratnam’s reputation, the all-star cast featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, and Karthi, and the historical significance of the story.
2. International Appeal:
While the film dominated the Indian box office, it also found success internationally. “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1” performed particularly well in markets with a large Tamil diaspora, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
3. Part 2: A Different Story
“Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2,” released in May 2023, faced slightly different results. Though it received positive reviews, the box office collection did not quite match its predecessor’s heights. The film grossed approximately ₹334 crore (US$44 million) worldwide, a respectable sum but falling short of Part 1’s record-breaking numbers.
4. Reasons Behind Part 2’s Performance:
Several factors might explain the difference in box office performance. Some viewers felt Part 2 lacked the same level of novelty compared to the first part introducing the story. Additionally, the film faced competition from other big-budget releases during its release window.
5. Legacy of Ponniyin Selvan:
Despite the slight dip in Part 2’s collection, the “Ponniyin Selvan” franchise remains a massive success. With a combined global collection exceeding ₹816 crore (US$108 million), it has established itself as a major box office force in Indian cinema. The film has also garnered significant cultural recognition, sparking renewed interest in the Chola dynasty and Tamil literature.
Conclusion
The “Ponniyin Selvan” saga has been a cinematic triumph. Part 1 shattered box office records, while Part 2, though not quite matching those heights, still delivered a successful run. The combined collections solidify the franchise as a major force in Indian cinema. More importantly, “Ponniyin Selvan” has rekindled interest in the Chola dynasty and Tamil literature, leaving a lasting cultural impact.
FAQ
- How much did “Ponniyin Selvan” make in total?
The combined global collection for both parts is estimated to be over ₹816 crore (US$108 million).
- Was Part 2 a box office disappointment?
Not necessarily. While it earned less than Part 1, it was still a successful film. Factors like competition from other releases and the novelty factor of introducing the story in Part 1 might explain the difference.
- What is the significance of “Ponniyin Selvan”?
Beyond box office success, the film has sparked renewed interest in the Chola dynasty and Tamil literature, leaving a lasting cultural impact.
