Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan’ - in pictures

  • Vikram plays the lead role of Chola warrior crown prince Aditya Karikalan in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Vikram plays the lead role of Chola warrior crown prince Aditya Karikalan in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Rahman, left, as Madurantaka Uttama Chola. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Rahman, left, as Madurantaka Uttama Chola. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Parthiban as the commander of a key fort in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Parthiban as the commander of a key fort in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Prakash Raj as emperor Sundara Chola in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Prakash Raj as emperor Sundara Chola in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Production of the film has been done on a lavish scale. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Production of the film has been done on a lavish scale. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Sweeping cinematography and epic battles feature in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Sweeping cinematography and epic battles feature in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • In a nod to the Chola dynasty's seafaring prowess, there are plenty of majestic ships and sea battles to take in. Photo: Lyca Productions
    In a nod to the Chola dynasty's seafaring prowess, there are plenty of majestic ships and sea battles to take in. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Trisha as princess Kundavai in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
    Trisha as princess Kundavai in 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. Photo: Lyca Productions
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who plays a dual role in the film, at a press conference for 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. AFP
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who plays a dual role in the film, at a press conference for 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. AFP
  • 'Ponniyin Selvan: I' will be Rai Bachchan's fourth collaboration with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, left. AFP
    'Ponniyin Selvan: I' will be Rai Bachchan's fourth collaboration with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, left. AFP
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, left, and Trisha, whose characters face-off in the film. AFP
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, left, and Trisha, whose characters face-off in the film. AFP
  • Vikram at a press conference for the Hindi language version of 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. AFP
    Vikram at a press conference for the Hindi language version of 'Ponniyin Selvan: I'. AFP
  • Music director A R Rahman, left, who composed the soundtrack for 'Ponniyin Selvan: I' with director Mani Ratnam and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. AFP
    Music director A R Rahman, left, who composed the soundtrack for 'Ponniyin Selvan: I' with director Mani Ratnam and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. AFP
  • Reportedly made on a budget of 5 billion rupees ($62 million), 'Ponniyan Selvan: I' is one of Mani Ratnam's most ambitious films to date. AFP
    Reportedly made on a budget of 5 billion rupees ($62 million), 'Ponniyan Selvan: I' is one of Mani Ratnam's most ambitious films to date. AFP