FC Gold 2023 Winner: Chiyaan Vikram| Ponniyin Selvan Part 2

There is so much to admire in the two Ponniyin Selvan films – the grand emotions, the lush cinematography, the intricate conspiracies, A. R. Rahman’s scintillating music. But the beating heart of Mani Ratnam’s epic saga is the thwarted love story between Nandini and Aditha Kalikaran.  Aditha is bruised, broken, and benumbed by yearning and his own brutality. He is both heroic and villainous. Even as he conquers kingdoms, Aditha's eyes betray his hurt and vulnerability. It’s a tragic contradiction that Vikram brings alive with nuance and charisma. He is able to convey both – Aditha's regal majesty and his helplessness. There is anguish in every pore of his being. This is a towering, haunting performance which powers the film