Most precious gem in the crown of Tamil literature. Review on Ponniyin Selvan - Kalki Krishnamurthy

I must admit that, I was mildly disappointed when I found that, this majestic novel has not been reviewed yet. However, part of me felt happy, Otherwise, I wouldn’t privileged to be the first one to write the greatness of this book in mouthshut.com

My father is a great admirer of Kalki and has all his novels. One fine day, out of the blue, I happened to glimpse this book buried under the other old books in my shelf. I was curious to read this book, as the name sounded vaguely familiar to me (of course! I bet no one would have escaped this name if they are brought up in Tamilnadu). It took some time for me to get used to the narration, because the language is distinctive from the colloquial Tamil I use and besides that, I had not been reading Tamil on a great deal after I had left school. The book began with the protagonist (Vandiyathevan) set out to the land of Cholas and there I set out to learn the beauty of my language, its heritage, culture, history along with the hero Vandiyathevan. The feel was great.

Ponniyin selvan (Son of ponni- in English translation)! - It is a Tamil historic novel set in the backdrop of the great Chola dynasty. It is proudly claimed to be Kalki. R. Krishnamoorthy’s Magnum opus .It is written in 5 parts, with the last part released in two volumes. It is also translated to English. The novel is based on the real historic events happened at 10th century, when there was huge conspiracy among the Cholas to capture the throne and how at last Raja Raja Chola manage to beat them off . Eventually this becomes the plot for this much-acclaimed novel. Kalki has an awesome style of Narration and characterization. The characters Arulmozhivarman (Raja Raja), Vandiyathevan, Aazhvaarkadiyan, Nandini, Kundavai, and Poonkuzhali, simply bowled me out. Mystery, love, Romance, vengeance, betrayal, friendship, .etc are beautifully blended that leaves the reader riveted to the book till the end. The climax of this book is left to the reader’s imagination. So, those who plan to read this book should be ready to crack their brain cells to resolve the mystery.

While reading this book, I had a funny feeling, as if I was taken to 10th century by some time machine. I was absorbed. That marks the brilliance of Kalki’s writing. I began to read day and night because I could not take my mind off. Even now, I couldn’t come out of the novel and I know it will be lingering in my mind as long I have the sense of remembrance. It took me a week to complete the entire six volumes amidst of my hectic work schedule. After finishing it, what I thought was “how did I miss it so long? Why I had not been aware of the greatness of this novel? “ . Certainly, I know the existence of this novel but not the greatness of it. Since then, I have been persuading (almost bothering !) many of my friends, relatives, colleagues to read the novel .If some English author had written this novel, it would have been in the bestseller list for ages. I am wondering how many such great treasures like Ponniyin selvan, Sivagamiyin sabatham are still unnoticed by our generation.

Ponniyin Selvan is a Novel of the century. It should be treasured and passed on to generations. It is our onus to appreciate and spread its greatness. There is a wonderful active community in the orkut for this book. Please do check it out .This book hasn’t been made in to movie yet, because of the budget constraint. However, Kalaignar TV has taken initiative to make it as a mega serial. “Marmadesam” Naga is directing the serial. I am hoping that someday it will be made in to a movie too and captivate millions of people. It is awesome even to imagine PS in the lord of the rings style on the big screen. "I will keep my fingers crossed”!.

Thanks for reading my review. I would be glad if you share your views on this book. I would feel grateful even I make slight impression on someone to consider and read this book.