In Pics: Meet the characters of Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan

Jayam Ravi

Raja Raja Chola aka Arulmozhivarman is played by Jayam Ravi. He is the story's primary protagonist, and the novel bears his name. (Ponniyin Selvan; Ponni's son) And, Sundara Chola's youngest child.

Vikram

Aditha Karikalan, played by Vikram, is the eldest child of Sundara Chola, the crown prince and general of the Northern forces. He was a courageous fighter who entered the battlefield at 12.

Karthi

Vandiyathevan, played by Karthi, is the intrepid warrior prince of the Bana tribe who rises to head the southern Troops. He is Aditha Karikalan's friend and bodyguard.

Trisha Krishnan

Kundavai, the Chola princess and Sundara Chola's daughter, is portrayed by Trisha Krishnan. She is Vandiyathevan's sweetheart and is highly regarded by her father and the general populace for her brains and wit.

Aishwarya Lekshmi

Poonkuzhali, the courageous boatwoman played by Aishwarya Lekshmi, despises men and civilization. Before getting married to Senthan Amuthan, she had feelings for Arulmozhi Varman.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrays two characters: Nandini, the princess of Pazhuvur, and Mandakini Devi, her mute mother.

Ashwin Kakumanu

The Mankatha actor plays Sendhan Amudhan in the film. He has traits that are loved by quite a few of Ponniyin Selvan fans. He is a devoted son, a trustworthy friend, a patriot and is the epitome of kindness.

Rahman

The actor plays Madurantaka Chola alias Uttama Chola, the son of Sembiyan Mahadevi and Gandaraditya Chola, who was raised as a Shaivite.

Parthiban

The actor-filmmaker plays Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, the chief in-charge of Thanjavur fort.

Vikram Prabhu

The actor plays Parthibendra Pallavan, friend of Aditha Karikalan, who comes from the lineage of Pallavas.

Sarath Kumar

The actor-politician plays Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the chancellor and treasurer of the Chola kingdom from the Paluvettaraiyar clan who was respected for his valour and 64 scars he got in battles.

Prabhu

The actor plays Periya Vellar Boothi Vikramakesari, the Irunkovel chieftain, uncle of Vaanathi and the Commander of the southern troops during Sundara Chola's reign.

Jayaram

Jayaram plays Veera Vaishnavite spy Azhwarkadiyan Nambi, who works for the Prime Minister. He is Vandiyathevan's friend and Nandini's foster brother.

Kishore

Kannada actor Kishore plays Ravidasan, one of the prime antagonists of the novel. A former Chola court minister, he eventually hatches a plot to overthrow the famous dynasty.