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
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
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
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
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
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
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