Watch Ponnar Shankar

Ponnar Shankar is an epic historical drama film directed by Thiagarajan and released in 2011. Starring Prashanth and Pooja Chopra in lead roles, the movie is based on a Tamil novel written by the renowned writer M. Karunanidhi. It takes the audience back in time to explore the rich and captivating story of two legendary ancient Tamil kings, Ponnar and Shankar.

Set in the period of the Sangam era, the movie showcases the lives and legendary exploits of the courageous kings Ponnar and Shankar, who are twin brothers and rulers of the Kongu Nadu region. The narrative primarily focuses on their journey throughout the early years of their life, their valorous deeds, and their fight against societal injustices and ruthless adversaries.

The film begins by introducing us to the idyllic village of Kongu Nadu, ruled by the noble king Periyamuthu, who is highly respected and beloved by his subjects due to his fair governance. His wives, played by Khushboo and Jayaram, give birth to identical twins, Ponnar and Shankar, and the entire kingdom rejoices in their arrival. The birth of the princes signifies prosperity and a promising future for Kongu Nadu.

As the twins grow up, their bond becomes inseparable, and they are trained in different martial arts and warfare tactics by skilled gurus. However, their peaceful lives are disrupted when an ambitious and power-hungry neighboring ruler, Alavandar, played by Napoleon, desires to conquer Kongu Nadu. Alavandar seeks assistance from the evil sorcerer Jalatharangan, portrayed by Prakash Raj, who possesses mystic powers and is a master of dark magic.

With their kingdom under threat, Ponnar and Shankar take up arms and embark on a relentless mission to protect their land and people. Along the way, they face numerous trials and tribulations, including battles against fearsome enemies, political conspiracies, and personal sacrifices. Each confrontation brings them closer to their destiny while testing their courage, loyalty, and determination.

The narrative also delves into the brothers' love lives, as they both fall in love with strong-willed and courageous women. Pooja Chopra portrays Princess Pushpavalli, who captures Ponnar's heart with her beauty and valor. Meanwhile, Princess Muthayi, played by Divya Parameshwaran, grabs Shankar's attention with her intelligence and strategic thinking. The love stories add a touch of romance and emotional depth to the overall plot.

What sets Ponnar Shankar apart is its ability to merge folklore, history, and mythology seamlessly. The film deeply explores the cultural significance of Kongu Nadu and its ancient traditions. It portrays the fantastical aspects of the story with stunning visual effects, making the mythical creatures, battles, and magical elements come to life on screen.

Director Thiagarajan skillfully crafts the movie with grandeur and attention to detail, bringing out the nuances of each character and their motivations. The performances of Prashanth and Pooja Chopra are commendable, as they successfully depict the complexities of their characters, showcasing their growth from young princes to fearless kings. The supporting cast, including Khushboo, Jayaram, Napoleon, Prakash Raj, and many others, contribute immensely to the film's overall impact.

The music composed by Ilaiyaraaja adds another layer of depth to the storytelling, with soulful melodies and powerful background scores. The cinematography, production design, and costumes transport the audience to the historical period, immersing them in the world of Ponnar Shankar.

In conclusion, Ponnar Shankar is a grand and enthralling historical drama that takes viewers on an extraordinary journey filled with action, romance, and ancient mysticism. With its strong ensemble cast, brilliant direction, and captivating storytelling, the film successfully brings the legends of Ponnar and Shankar to life, igniting a sense of pride and nostalgia among Tamil cinema enthusiasts.