#Ravidasan

[ambidextrousarcher]

“எப்படி வெற்றி பெற்றார்? ஒரு பெண் பிள்ளையின் மூடத்தனத்தினால் வெற்றி பெற்றார். அவள் தன் மோகவலையின் சக்தியில் அதிக நம்பிக்கை வைத்திருந்தாள். அந்தச் சோழ குல நாகப் பாம்பைத் தன்னால் படம் எடுத்து ஆடச் செய்ய முடியும் என்று நம்பினாள். பாம்பு படம் எடுத்து ஆடத்தான் ஆடியது. ஆனால், அதன் விஷப் பல்லின் சக்தியை நடுவில் காட்டி விட்டது. எங்கள் மன்னரின் தலை புழுதியில் உருண்டது. தஞ்சாவூர் வரையில் கொண்டு போனார்கள். தலையைப் பல்லக்கில் வைத்து ஊர்வலம் விட்டார்கள். ஆகா! தஞ்சாவூர்! தஞ்சாவூர்! அந்த நகரம் அடையப் போகிற கதியைப் பார்த்துக் கொண்டிரு தம்பி!”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: After Ravidasan’s reveal that he and his compatriots are Veera Pandiyan’s Abhathudavaigal, Vandiyathevan replies that Veera Pandiyan is dead as Aditha Karikalan triumphed over him. This is Ravidasan’s reply to that.

“How did he win (over Veera Pandiyan?) Because of a young girl’s foolishness. She had far too much belief in the power of her web of allure. She believed that she could make that snake of the Chozha clan dance to her tune. The snake did dance its dance. However, it showed the power of its venomous fangs as well. Our King’s head rolled in the sand. They carried it all the way to Thanjavur. They mounted his head on a palanquin and showed it to one and all. Aha! Thanjavur! Thanjavur! See what state that city will fall too, brother!”

It is clear that Ravidasan and his men blame Nandini for their King’s death, that they were about to put her to death because of this until she swore to avenge the King and made sure Pazhuvettarayar was enamoured of her to further their goals, Ravidasan says as much after this snippet. How much of Nandini’s actions are born out of compulsion? Of the fear that she’d perish otherwise? This does bear giving some thought to.

Today’s snippet. Tagging @whippersnappersbookworm @celestesinsight @mizutaama @thereader-radhika @harinishivaa @thelekhikawrites @themorguepoet @willkatfanfromasia @deadloverscity @racoonpaws and @humapkehaikaun

#ponniyin selvan #book 2 #snippet #ravidasan #vandiyathevan #nandini

[thereader-radhika]

Ponniyin Selvan Original Score Part-A is out now

Track List

Armageddon

Arunmozhi’s Dilemma

Chozha’s Bravery

Conspiracy

Exotic Queen

Life at Lanka

Nandini’s Fortress

The Guardian Angel

The Pandiyan’s Oath

The Thirst for the Throne

The Wise King

VT’s Play

Oo Rey Sooriyare

Saaya Sanjale

Soodanathu Rattham

Vanathi’s Message

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #chola dynasty #kollywood #aditha karikalan #aditya karikalan #nandini #nandhini #arulmozhi varman #arulmozhi #arunmozhi varman #kundavai #vallavarayan vanthyathevan #vallavaraiyan vandiyadevan #vanthiyathevan #vanthiyadevan #vanathi #ravidasan #a r rahman #maduranthakan #Youtube

[twosquareroti]

Whoever did the costumes and jewelry for Ponniyin Selvan was top-notch and made great choices. 

Arulmozhi and his brother Aditya wear double tiger claw pendants. Besides being important to signify courage and bravery, it’s also particularly appropriate because they are princes of a dynasty that uses the tiger as its symbol. (You can see the red Chozha flag with its pouncing tiger in many scenes.) Aditya, who we almost always see in his armor, also has the tiger worked into that very same armor where the leather protects his upper legs. Fur also fringes his shoulder pads, again evoking a tiger for Aditya whose personality is the most focused on physical might and combat. 

Madhurantaka, brought up as a devotee of Shiva, wears garlands of rudraksha beads interspersed with gold. While other characters wear them as well, he wears the most, then tears them all from his chest in a scene where he verbally and symbolically rejects the identity of a devotee, declaring his ambition for the throne and saying he was never interested in leading a life devoted to Shiva to begin with. (I’m not sure if I’m remembering correctly, but I think he also wears a lot of white when we first see him on screen, mirroring the white worn by men and women associated with temple for its purity. It would be interesting if he stops wearing white completely in the second part of the film.)

While the Chozha characters wear gold, Ravidasan and the rest of the Pandyas are all wearing silver. The only gems they have are on their slain king’s sword, and the beads they wear look to be made of natural materials rather than precious metals. Along with the fact that they now must live in the forest, the dull silver jewelry and how they dress is a strong visual indicator of their status compared to the Chozhas. They’re also all wearing black and dark red. Beyond visually matching the image of Kottravai with smeared blood for her, the heavy amount of black in the Pandya’s clothing mirrors how they have remained in the shadows, planning to murder a Chozha prince in revenge. It’s like a symbol of ill will and matches the fact that Ravidasan is one of our antagonists for the first movie.

The great hair choices in this movie are difficult for me to talk about because I’m not sure I can articulate it very well, (let alone completely), but I think they also fit each character very well. In Arulmozhi’s first appearance, his hair is oiled and combed back around his head in a nice, controlled and neat style. But when we first see his brother Aditya, his hair is unbound and flowing around him. It’s more energetic and matches his passion for fighting and the intensity of the anger and heartbreak that he feels, which itself feeds in to his need to fight to distract himself. Even if both brothers change their hair during the movie--of course Arulmozhi’s is more unkept while he’s actually fighting--how it appears in their first scenes is important in establishing the audience’s impression. 

Ravidasan also has a lot of intensity and motivation for fighting, and he shares that long, loose hair with Aditya, but it’s also messier. (I don’t think he ever ties it back or binds it up in any way?) He and the other Pandyas have separated themselves from the rest of civilization to live in the forest, and they’re still focused on the calamity of the death of their king and destruction of their rule. The fact that Ravidasan has probably not conditioned or oiled his hair since the day his king was killed--and has focused purely on revenge and a will to fight since then--perfectly matches how the team of Ponniyin Selvan chose to style his hair. 

Finally, the very long and neat hair of Oomai Rani combines with the white color palette they gave her to build a very specific impression of her character. It’s not the same as the reason Aditya and Ravidasan have unbound and more wild hair than other characters either. (Other men have long hair as well but it’s generally combed back or something like that.) Again, I have not read Ponniyin Selvan, but her appearance plus the fact that she has mysteriously shown up out of nowhere twice to save Arulmozhi made me think of the quality of shakti. I’m not sure how else to talk about it.

#It's impossible to describe how much I want to give Ravidasan some really good conditioner and some oil to treat it with afterwards #look I really relate to his hair struggles and I want to help him level up from one curly haired person to another #Ponniyin Selvan #Arulmozhi #Aditya Karikalan #Indian cinema #Indian movies #Tamil cinema #costume design #hair design #movie analysis #Ravidasan #Oomai Rani #Madurantaka

[dosai-maavu]

Aditha Karikalan and Nandini

ok so like i just watched ps2 and OML the scene bw aditha and nandini actually destroyed me. i would literally pay to watch the movie again JUST to see their confrontation. the music, the visuals UGHH just everything was amazing.

so many people analyzing it from aditha's pov but let's look at it from nandini's view. she intentionally invited aditha to meet her. she's going to meet her childhood sweetheart, her first love who completely destroyed her life. she despises him. she hates him. she will kill him. she wants vengeance. not only for veerapandiyan, but for the royal life she was denied TWICE. both times because of the cholas.

but all thoughts of revenge go away once she sees him. because she doesn't see the blood-thirsty, war-hardened warrior who beheaded veerapandiyan without second thought. she doesn't see the carefree young prince who took her on horse rides all those years ago. she instead sees an anguished, tormented man, wracked with guilt. haunted by the horrors he's done.

nandini meant to show her superiority when she tells ravidasan he cannot possibly accomplish a task even she can't. but as she looks at aditha, she realizes that it's true. aditha won't let himself be killed by anyone else. only nandini can do it. in his eyes, dying by nandini's hands is his only way to redeem himself, at least in death.

how can she kill him now? her love for him, buried beneath her hate slowly springs back. she wants nothing more than to forgive aditha, accept his idea and run away, leave this conspiracy, this revenge and all this hatred in her heart behind. she wants playful games of hide-and-seek in the forest. she wants horseback rides by the banks of ponni at sunset. she wants the innocence and happiness of her childhood. because as much as she is HIS nandini, he his HER aditha. she doesn't know how not to love him.

but she's too far gone. it's not only about her anymore. the fate of a kingdom rests in her hands. she remembers her promise to veerapandiyan. she remembers how aditha refused to listen to her, even as she begged at his feet. she remembers how chola soldiers stormed into her house and forced her to flee. sembiyan maadevi's disapproval. kundavai's taunts. every injustice comes to the forefront of her mind and she is able to hate him again, for a fleeting moment.

she wishes she was stronger, because now aditha is pushing a dagger into her hands. she's close, so very close to her goal. barely a hair's breadth separated the dagger and aditha when she realizes she can't do it. she can't kill him. she CANNOT be the one to snuff out his life.

in the dark, aditha talks softly. no more yells, no more sarcasm, no more pleading. he speaks from his heart. he tells her that the man she loved died long ago. she starts to cry. she wants to yell that it's not true. the man she loved is here, right in front of her eyes, begging her to kill him. how can he ask that of her?

aditha embraces her. she's screaming now. because, this is all wrong. she cant do this. she cant. with whatever strength she has, she tries to stop the dagger from going in. but here again, she's weak. before she knows it, aditha goes limp in her arms. he stops breathing. he falls to the floor. nandini clings onto him desperately. she screams loudly, because surely aditha would hear her pain and come back. he doesn't.

someone drags her away. she's not sure who. she doesn't care. her hand remains outstretched. her fingers burn with the touch of his skin, his blood. as his face fades from her view, she catches a ghost of a smile on his face. a happy, satisfied smile. the one her aditha karikalan wore. he's finally at peace.

people die many times. nandini died again, for the last time.

#mani ratnam #aishwarya #aishwarya rai #tamil films #kollywood #nandini #aditha karikalan #aditya karikalan #ponniyin selvan 2 #ponniyin selvan #ps2 #tamil cinema #chiyaan vikram #mani ratnam coming for my sleep schedule #kalki coming for my sanity

[willkatfanfromasia]

Book review – Sangathaara

A book who’s reputation precedes it.

Based on the same topic as an already epic novel, this book accomplished the hard task of being an interesting read. The lack of an English translation is very disappointing

It is a historical mystery with politics and drama interspersed.

It primarily tries to answer the questions surrounding Aditha karikalan's life and death.

For starters it is just 1 volume instead of 5. The author’s (kalachakram narasimhan) writing style (perhaps intentionally) gives glimpses of his former career as a journalist. The story and pacing keeps the reader engrossed-slow enough to reel you in but fast enough to prevent boredom.

It is the content, however, that has left the audience split. The book starts off with aditha Karikalan ‘s spectre lamenting that he hasn’t received justice even after 1000 years- that his killers haven’t been found. We can’t help but quip- but they have been found! In the inscriptions. The author (via AK) argues that the ‘killers’ held important titles in the chola court (“bramadhirayan”) and termed as traitors (how can pandyas be traitors to cholas?). Most suspiciously, their punishment seems neither grave or memorable for a crime of this magnitude.

Several decades into the future, a daughter of Sundara chola with his second wife who'd become a Buddhist monk, dies leaving behind memoirs to her nephew Rajendra Chola. The latter tasks his daughter Arunmozhi nangai with reading them for him - with horrifying reveals for both.

The actual tale begins with kundhavai’s “coming of age” ceremony at the twilight years of her great-grandfather Parantaka 1’s reign. Ambitious kundhavai and Aditha karikalan have great dreams fuelled by youthful vigor.

A teen boy raging to kill his clan's mortal enemy and a teen girl desiring more than her lot in life.

The empire is threatened by Pandyas, Lankans and Srivijaya may too join them. Anirudhdhar, Pazhuvettarayar are frustrated that their new emperor Gandaraditha has no interest in war. They plot to waylay the ship carrying the young Srivijayan princess Vijayarekha and betroth her to AK. This young girl is already engaged to a prince of purasanga (Malaysia?) and loathes her kidnapping.

A handsome young diamond merchant from Purasanga and a young warrior from a fallen Kingdom both enter the empire. The former swiftly rises up the ranks of chola nobility through an advantageous marriage and draws kundhavai’s curiosity by claiming to be the descendant of an elder Chola line. He also claims to possess important ritual artefacts (conch, parts of a plant) used in coronations of ancient Chola’s (adicholar) that kundavai is determined to anoint her brother with. The latter youth, desolate from his kingdom's fall, gains AK’s trust and married kundhavai. (Surprise surprise!)

Pazhuvettarayar, Aniruddhar and kodumbalur vellalar try to steer the rulers.

A prominent devadasi grapples with a wealthy admirer’s attention as her own past and future are questioned.

Ravidasan is given an interesting chola link to weave him into this chaos. His condemnation is also added into this mix.

The author blends a legend about ancient Chola’s artefacts with the ambitions of 10th century South India.

But why the controversy? You may ask.

This book has irked keen fans of Ponniyin Selvan, due to it’s contrasting portrayal of some beloved characters.

- Kundhavai and Vanthiyadevan are NOT good guys. They have individuals agendas.

It builds up slowly and believably within the story’s context – but best not to consider it truth.

A few reviews have pointed this out- the author’s writing style and the book’s preface claim journalistic veracity (the book’s full of footnotes) yet it has the same creative liberties as ponniyin Selvan

- Parthibendran, a fictional character, makes a short appearance.

- There’s a Nandini esque character in this book too (linked to the details in this post ). And the author gives her an unhappy end. He equates her with a real person

- Pazhuvettarayar is cleared of responsibility for AKs murder as he is his greatgrandpa/ great uncle? – but the book goes on to portray other characters as capable of killing their flesh and blood. (This happens a couple of times)

- Gandaraditha’s characterization is – uhm- a choice, alright. As a story it was acceptable (within this universe) but its murky when you realise it’s based on a real person.

- There’s a baby swap in this too. Amv and Madhurantakan's parentage is given a shocking explanation. I may reveal in the comments if y'all want it.

The author has a thorough knowledge of chola art and inscriptions, as well as the many feuds that took place over several generations, weaving them artfully as contributors to the final outcome.

A thozhi (confidant) of kundhavai -thettakani- becomes an important observer due to her proximity to key events. A neutral character in a book full of people with ambitions.

@celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @harinishivaa @vibishalakshman @sowlspace @deadloverscity @favcolourrvibgior @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups and anyone else interested !

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #sangathaara #cholas #chozha

[balladedutempsjadis]

Anyone else wonder what became of the remaining Pandya assassins after Nandini departed this world? I mean they were safe in their boat … did they make good on their escape or did they stay to make increasingly futile attempts to kill Arulmozhi Varman?* (I’m also picturing Ravidasan saddled with Devaralan for the rest of their lives when it’s super clear that he finds Devaralan annoying AF and maybe that’s a good punishment! Anyway it amuses me.

* I mean dramatically that would be interesting, but once Arulmozhi Varman renounced the throne, he’d suddenly be much less conspicuous :)

Also, Ravidasan and the Devaralan character (he has a different name historically) were real historical figures, who seem to have been potentially officials in the Chola court, not Pandya bodyguards. And Rajaraja Chola did punish them for their part in Aditha’s death once he became King, but only with exile so either he wasn’t super sure of their guilt or they weren’t the masterminds.

Lastly, I’m reading Lords of the Deccan by Aniruddh Kanisetty. This is nonfiction, but it’s extremely well-written and reads like a novel. At the beginning, it’s about the war between the Chalukya King Pulakesin II and the Pallavas (which I understand is the subject of another Kalki novel but with Kalki’s sympathies on the other side.) When we get to the Cholas vs Chalukyas or Cholas vs Rashtrakutas, this will be fascinating to see where my sympathies (as a Kannadiga) will lie :)

#ponniyin selvan #indian history #lords of the Deccan

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 3

•The Unfinished Battle •

Back At The Battleground,

After Nandini Left,

Malayaman was confused about why she had left the war. An eagle came flying towards her and landed on her shoulder, boom! She vanished.

He heard her saying something in the distance but he couldn't hear anything.

The Senadhipathi of the army, Ravidasan, lead the war in her absence the Pandiyan army fought more furiously.

Malayaman continued fighting until a Chola messenger came to deliver a message.

Malayaman opened the palm leaf and went through it what he read shocked him

Adhitha,

Stop the war immediately and return to Thanjavur as soon as possible, you have caused a great mistake by attaching Veera Pandiyan without knowing the truth. He isn't the one who killed...

As he was about to continue reading, it started to rain heavily, and the palm leaf letter got drenched because of the rain resulting in the words written being erased.

But he very well knew what the letter meant. It was an order by the king telling Karikalan to end the war as soon as possible.

Malayaman thanked the messenger who bought it and headed towards the north of the battleground.

"Soldiers" called Malayaman. All the soldiers including the Pandiyan soldiers turned to look at him.

" I sincerely apologise for the inconveniences and foolishness we have caused to the Pandiyas, we were given some wrong information which caused us to wage a war against you." Apologised Malayaman.

"Thatha what are you blabbering" exclaimed Parthibandhra as he was very shocked.

" I am not blabbering I just got the order from the king to tell us to stop the war". told Malayaman. Parthibandhra found it hard to believe.

"Well if you have to stop the war it shouldn't be you asking for forgiveness, it should be Karikalan" answered Ravidasan smirking, for which the Pandiyan army cheered.

" As Adhitya Karikalan is not present here, it is my duty to follow the king's order". replied Malayaman.

" So, where has your coward prince gone? Did he run away?" asked Ravidasan causing the Pandiyan army to laugh.

This made Parthibandhra's blood boil. "Watch your words, you want to know where Karikalan had gone? Well he has gone to slay your king," shouted Parthibandhra.

"Calm down son " Malayaman soothed him.

"We won't be continue fighting against you that's all, Soldiers attention! , Everyone head towards the camp" ordered. The Chola soldiers followed him half-heartedly.

Malayaman told Parthibandhra to look after the injured soldiers and went in search of Karikalan.

He went in the direction of where Karikalan had gone,

He started to search for Karikalan in the forest but he was nowhere seen.

Finally, he ended up near a river bank Malayaman looked around, nobody was there but Karikalan's horse was tied to a tree near the river.

Malayaman walked forward to see a broken karikalan leaning against a tree, he was drenched in rain. "Adhitha" called Malayaman.

Adhithan turned towards the source of the call. "Thatha," said Karikalan sadly.

"What happened, my son, why are you here? You should have come to the war, right?". Asked Malayaman.

"Thatha I made a very big mistake killing Veera Pandiyan." Told karikalan.

"You killed Veera Pandiyan!?", exclaimed Malayaman. "Yes Thatha", replied Karikalan, confused about why Malayaman was reacting so shocked, he knew that he was going to kill him.

"You indeed have done a great mistake," told Malayaman."How do you know Thatha, "asked Karikalan confused.

" I just got a palm leaf letter from your father telling you to stop the war immediately and return to Thanjavur." Malayaman information Karikalan.

Karikalan was shocked to hear about how his father came to know about the war as he didn't inform him before coming.

Instead, he sent a letter lying that he was going to attack the Rasthrakuthas.

"What are you saying Thatha?." asked Karikalan in shock. " Yes my son your father came to know about it somehow," replied Malayaman.

After a few seconds he continued" Leave that my son everything happens for something good, why do you regret killing him?"

Adhithan froze and regret filled his face, "Thatha what we thought is wrong, it wasn't him who had done that". Replied karikalan sorrowfully.

"What?Then who was it ?" Asked Malayaman. " I think it is better to not talk about it any further " replied Karikalan.

Malayaman understood and kept silent the only sound that could be heard was of the rain.

After a big gap, Adhita Karikalan told " Come thatha let's go to the camp" and walked forward towards his horse from the river basin. Malayaman followed him.

Karikalan kicked his horse and started to travel towards the camp. All of his thoughts were of Veera Pandiyan whom he regretted killing.

His heart felt heavy because of the guilt. He knew the person who will make his heart light. He thought about it as he reached the camps.

The news of Veera Pandiyan's death reached Adhita Karikalan.

Everyone started praising him for killing Veera Pandiya. He was least interested in them,He close his eyes in distress, Parthibandhra came and hugged him with a smile,but he didn't reciprocate the hug.

" What happen Nanba,why do you look sad, be happy,we won" told Parthibandhra happily.

Karikalan ignored his words and told, "Leave me alone for sometimes, I wish to be in peace". Parthibandhra was about to reply but Malayaman gestured him to leave Adhithan alone.

Karikalan went inside. Entered inside the tent and started to remove his armour. He constantly kept thinking about Veera Pandiyan's death.

Karikalan got frustrated and pulled his hair, he started to push the items kept in his camp and broke things.

He felt restless he started to scream in frustration. Hearing his scream, Parthibandhra and Malayaman came there.

They saw the things broken and scattered everywhere. Karikalan was sitting on his bed, breathing heavily. Malayaman went near him and told, "Adhita calm down, things that happened cannot be undone".

" How can I forget thatha, I killed the wrong person. " Karikalan breathed out and continued " Thatha if it wasn't him, then who killed my mother!?" Shouted karikalan.

" We will find him my son don't worry " Malayaman teared up a little after hearing about his daughter.

Karikalan shook his head and lay down on his cot with one hand on his forehead. He told his friend and grandfather to leave him alone.

He closed his eyes and exhaled. He thought about the only thing that would bring him peace and happiness, his Nandhini.

Hope you liked this chapter!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #nandhini #kundavai #vikram #chiyaan vikram #aditha karikalan #arulmozhi #arunmozhi varman

[mainsamayhoon]

Carrying the story forward: vandiya devan, kundavai, arulmozhi

The ones that are genuinely smart but nobody is listening to them: sebiyanmahadevi, vanamadevi, chinna Pazhuvetarayar, malayman

The ones that should not be listen to but are: periya Pazhuvetarayar, madhurataka, nandini, sudar choza

At this point put the crown on them cause they are the ones genuinely helpful: nambi, mandakini, poonguzali, anirudha bharahmraya

Need to clam down: Adithya karikaln, periya velar, ravidasan,

They've done nothing but cause trouble: devalarn, rakkmaal, pinakpani

Stop being manipulated: periya Pazhuvetarayar, kandamaran, parthbendra

Does not get paid enough to deal with this: nambi vandiyadevan, poonguzali

They aren't the main character but will make you fall in love with them: manimgala, vanathi, sedhun amudhan

#inncorrect quotes #ponniyin selvan #if I was alive in that time I would have kept away from the royal family #cause it's so messed up #poonguzali agrees with me #not a single sane person is in that royal family

[rasnak2]

Genuine question. Does PS1 and fanfiction go together? Or is it better left out without? I wanna know opinions. I mean, idk why I took this long to hype about it, considering I saw the movie a year ago and read the book years ago... but.

I mean, having read the books before watching the movie, there were a few scenes I would've loved to watch on screen that I missed but apart from that, You hear no complains from me.

The cinematography?

The screen presence of each and every one?

The way they held their characters and pulled it off?

The Kundavai-Nandhini face-off?

Nandhini in genral? Those expressions and manipulations?

Kundavai and her political wits?

Vandhiyathevan and his... everything! I mean, that man is awesome!

Nambi... oh man Nambi, would've loved to see him more cuz he's just a very fun character to see

Adithya Karikalan? No words

Arunmozhi? Waiting for part 2

Poonguzhali? I WANT TO SEE HER MORE!!!!

Honestly would've loved to see more from the rebels too. Ravidasan tho... *chef's kiss*

Also, I need more Sendhan Amudhan. Where are the scenes man!

My god the Pazhuvettarayars...

Not to mention the bromances and romances that are going on in the side... *I am looking at you Vandhiyatheva*

#ponniyin selvan #ps 1

[alwaysthesideofwonder]

Ravidasan and co cackling over their brilliant plan to kill Arulmozhivarman using a swapped elephant mahout

The reader recalling all of Arulmozhivarman’s antics with the elephants in Illangai: Who wants to tell them how badly this is going to backfire?

#abi reads ponniyin selvan

[avani008]

Dear Yuletide Writer 2022!

Here are some things I think are rad: snark. friendships. sneaky twisty endings. stories with bite. characters with personalities. stories that make their writers happy. mythology. humor. stories that dig into and expand on the canon, whether that’s backstory or minor characters or worldbuilding. brown paper packages tied up with string.

Stuff I’m not so keen on: rape, incest, mentions of RL pandemics/quarantines or cancer? more into het and femslash than slash. no modern AUs for the fandoms I’ve selected this year, as I’m interested in the canon settings; AUs that preserve the canon setting (either canon divergence or trope-based [soulmate, daemons, fantasy elements in non-fantasy canons]) are not just fine but would be much adored!

Treat Policy: Yes, please!

Fandoms Requested: Ponniyin Selvan (2022), Regency Faerie Tales- Olivia Atwater, Spymaster series- Joanna Bourne

Ponniyin Selvan

Characters Requested: Kundavai, Nandini

Where to Find Source Material: currently playing in theaters, but supposedly coming to streaming (Prime?) in November 2022

I love so many characters in this movie (and the source material), but to exactly no one's surprise, I loved Kundavai and Nandini best. I'd really love to see anything more about one, or both, of them (writer, you do have explicit permission to only feature one character in your fic, if that is what works better); but also here are some prompts that may help!

A quick note, though: while I'm familiar with the novel, the movieverse seems very different--starting from the fact that everyone is aged up in this adaptation to bigger details (Kundavai is implied to be solely responsive for Nandini's adolescent banishment, Vanathi's...entire personality). I'm totally fine with incorporating elements of the novel, but a fic based only on what we see in the movie is fine, too!

Another quick note: for people familiar with the novel, certain revelations and fakeouts about Nandini's backstory skirt the no-incest DNW. If including it is necessary for your fic, that's fine; but I ask you don't center the fic around that particular tension.

For Kundavai:

Kundavai is my historical (and fictional!) favorite, and I loved how the movie showcases her political competence and general smarts--so tell me more about that! 5 times fic for Kundavai backstory? Love it. Kundavai having to solve a mystery and save the day? Amazing. Kundavai's political and moral development, taking into account her very real blinders about class/caste that we see? Please!

In terms of shipping, if you want to stick with canon verse: Kundavai and Vandiyadevan have pretty great chemistry, and I'd love to see something that explored their relationship further, since most of their novel scenes establishing their attraction got cut (though Karthi did a phenomenal job in quickly conveying that *this* crush/flirtation was serious). What actually did happen during the offscreen scene where Kundavai gives him her message for Arunmozhi?

For Nandini:

Nandini is unsurprisingly such a clever, mercurial, magnetic character-- one of my favorite scenes is the compression of 3 chapters in the book, where she faces down 3 different men confronting her, all into the space of 5 minutes; she handles each differently, easily swinging from amused indifference to indignant earnestness to furious authority. Also fascinating: her unapologetic "Yes, I have [grown accustomed to luxury]" to Ravidasan, her co-conspirator, her tangled feelings for Aditya (unlike book Nandini, who isn't nearly as venomous about him), but, more than anything the scene where Nandini is staring at the throne. Not only does she seem far more longing than we've seen her look at any man around her, but I adore the choice to have her picture her younger self (alone, rather than as royal consort) enthroned, rather than her present self: is this because her present self is no longer worthy of it? Who knows? Nandini could easilyfuel a thousand character studies by herself, and certainly all of those questions would be great to include.

Or: again, while Kundavai's protegees got cut, Nandini's handmaidens are very prominently around--and clearly involved in her scheming, both in terms of her husband's plans, but also the Pandya plot? Why? Are they also ex-Pandyas, or (the more interesting option, IMO), is Nandini, with her experience of being looked down upon, actually a phenomenal boss who inspires incredible loyalty? Exploring their relationship and who these women are and how they interact with her would also be fantastic.

For both together:

One of the things that intrigues me the most are the years just pre-canon where Kundavai and Nandini are technically both part of the royal court; we know Kundavai spends most of her time away, but surely she must have made other, earlier visits. While their verbal sparring is ever- delightful (and one of my favorite things about their relationship), I'd particularly love something about them being forced to work together to solve a problem--political intrigue? a mystery at court? a conspiracy? They'd be a startlingly brilliant team despite (or because) how much they clash, and I'd love to see them together.

Or, naturally, their troubled backstory. Aditya accuses Kundavai (both in the novel and in the film) of being motivated by jealousy only, while her defense is her duty/her internalized casteism/classism, but what if there was more that inspired her to act?

Finally: if you want to acknowledge the incredible chemistry between them, and pair them together (as enemies-to-...still-enemies-but-now-with-benefits?), absolutely go for it!

Regency Faerie Tales- Olivia Atwater

Characters Requested: Dora Ettings, Elias Wilder

Where to Find Source Material: Your local library, bookstore, or ebook supplier!

This fandom, along with the next, were two surprise discoveries this year, both amazing in their own ways! The Regency Faerie Tales are such lovely comfort reads, with truly likeable, pleasant characters --though paired with an honest look at the social inequalities of the time period, and the chilling nature of Faerie. Consider:

That last paragraph of the epilogue and its implications! How does that come about, after their previous distaste for Lord Hallowvale’s world? How do Elias and Dora adjust to a rejoined Dora, and how is that different from their previous relationship, if in any way? How do they adjust to life in the faerie realm?

Or: each of the books is clearly vaguely based on a fairy tale--"Rumplestilskin" " Cinderella" "Goose Girl"--so maybe something that centers around another fairy tale? The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast/East of the Sun West of the Moon, and Snow White would all be interesting given the themes and backstories that the characters have, and I'd love to see a take on them!

Or, an exploration of Faerie would be so intriguing! Tell me more how its alien customs and structures really work. In particular, while I haven’t requested her specifically, I’d be totally fine with the inclusion of Lady Hallowvale, even if you wish to set it prior to the Epilogue. I’m also fascinated by the similarities and differences between her and Dora, but also the parallels between her and Elias, especially given his backstory. 

Finally, if you are interested in worldbuilding, and/or other cultures, I would love to see a more inclusive look at characters, magic systems/entities, fairy tales from other countries! How do they play into this world? How does (or doesn't) magic change this world? How do Elias and Dora react to storytelling tropes from another culture altogether?

Spymaster series- Joanna Bourne

Characters Requested: Justine DeCabrillac, Adrian "Hawker" Hawkhurst

Where to Find Source Material: Your local library, bookstore, or ebook supplier!

In contrast to that last fandom--while they share a nominal setting in the Regency period--the Spymaster series is all brilliant characterization and intrigue. The action plots are superbly paced, where the romance doesn't take up too much from the main plot, and the limited perspective works so well--the Annique twist in the first book took me utterly by surprise, and then delighted me. 

So writer, if your long standing dream has been to write canon-typical plotfic, I would be so ecstatic! Couples working and bantering together is always one of my favorite things to read, and the espionage aspect of this series is a particular strength . While we see a lot of glimpses of the Adrian-Justine relationship, I think there's always room for more, so whether you want to add a post-canon adventure, or invent one we didn’t see between flashbacks, it would be great!

I also love these characters, and their relationship--I love the pining in the face of duty, the very real tragedy* I love how it extends in bits and pieces of the years, I love how it's frequently interpreted and misinterepreted through outsider POVs. Something that plays with outsider POVs would also be so fascinating, again, at any time during the series; or, what a happily ever after looks like for these two crazy kids.

*again, DNW caveat: it's okay to acknowledge canon-accurate mentions of prior assualt in this case, but I would really prefer that it be kept to a minimum, with no on-screen incidences.

Finally, although I haven't formally requested, Annique (and her irreverent narration) is always a delight. I love her instant platonic-soulmates friendship with Adrian, and I am intrigued by Joanna Bourne's words on her blog on how Annique compares with Justine:

When I was writing Annique, I was making her the other side of the coin with Justine. They were both child spies, about the same age. Both raised by Lucille. One relatively protected, innocent, a child of the light, one who had not killed. The other abandoned and debauched, a child with little light inside her, a willing killer.

And they knew each other, of course, as they were growing up. They were more than a little jealous. When Annique makes the remark about the doppleganger, she's thinking of Justine.

Adrian, in TSL, come fresh from one side of the coin to the other and neither Annique nor Adrian realize this.

This is such an amazing dynamic we never see on-screen, and I would love to dig into it further at both ends.

I hope at least some of these prompts help! Thank you in advance and have a wonderful Yuletide yourself:D

#yuletide22 #dear yuletide writer letter #ponniyin selvan #regency faerie tales #spymaster series #queue ho gaya na

[ambidextrousarcher]

“அப்படியானால் தாங்கள் கிழவரை அழைத்து கொண்டு உடனே நடையைக் கட்டுங்கள். நான் இருந்து பார்த்துக் கொண்டு வருகிறேன்."

“நாங்கள் இருந்தால் என்ன?"

"கிழவர் இருந்தால் இளவரசருக்கு இராஜ மரியாதைகள் செய்து அழைத்துக்கொண்டு போகப் பார்ப்பார், காரியமெல்லாம் கெட்டுப் போகும்."

"மந்திரவாதி! நானும்தான் கேட்கிறேன். அவர்கள் இறக்க வேண்டிய அவசியம் என்ன? மதுராந்தகனுக்குப் பட்டம் கட்டிவிட எல்லாரும் சம்மதித்து விட்டால்...”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: Part of the Nandini’s conversation with Ravidasan. They are discussing t he possibility that Arulmozhi might be alive.

“If that is so, you accompany the old man (Pazhuvettarayar) and depart immediately. I shall stay here and return after searching.”

“What is the issue if we stay?”

“The old man would want to extend royal respect to the Prince and depart with him. Everything would be ruined.”

“Sorcerer! I too want to ask. What is the need for them to die? If everyone agrees to crown Madhurantakan…”

Hmm. So she wants only Aditha dead? (Technically) This lady’s motivations seem kinda nebulous.

Today’s snippet! Tagging @celestesinsight @mizutaama @whippersnappersbookworm @racoonpaws @harinishivaa @favcolourrvibgior @harinishivaa @deadloverscity @thereader-radhika @themorguepoet @thelekhikawrites and @humapkehaikaun

Snippets may be irregular this week as well, on account of the fact that I have night duty.

#ponniyin selvan #snippet #book 3 #ravidasan #nandini

[thereader-radhika]

Today my Tamil friend told me that her grandmother has this whole 'fanfiction' planned out in her mind about Aditha Karikalan's murder.

In her imagination, Aditha Karikalan was a rowdy prince with multiple affairs and one of his lovers was the sister of the people who were punished for his murder. Granny knows that they were the government officials in that period. So they were working closely with Karikalan who wooed their chellam younger sister. Unfortunately his intentions weren't honourable. Betrayed (euphemism for impregnated and dumped) by the young prince, she committed suicide out of shame and the brothers killed Karikalan like the filmy heroes of 70s Tamil cinema and avenged her death.

Granny is too old to use Tumblr and Wattpad and the granddaughter has no interest in this. So she allowed me to share this. Our mothers and grannies in their heydays would have been more prolific and corny fanfiction writers than us if they had internet 😁

N. B. People punished for Aditha Karikalan's murder:

Soman .........

Ravidasan Panchavan Brahmadhirajan

Parameswaran Irumudichola Brahmadhirajan

Revadasa Kramavittan

and their families (mother, sons, wives uncles, son-in-laws, etc.)

We don't know what was Soman's occupation as the inscription after his name is unclear. Ravidasan and Parameshwaran were high class government officials, as their titles indicate. Kramavittan was the title of Vedic scholars who were experts in chanting Vedas in the Krama method of chanting. He too could have been a government official.

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #aditha karikalan #chola dynasty #aditya karikalan #ravidasan

[cgbalu]

https://podcasts.google.com?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9rYWRoYWlwb2RjYXN0c3Bvbm5peWluc2VsdmFuLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz&episode=a2FkaGFpcG9kY2FzdC5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS9rYWRoYWlwb2RjYXN0cy1wb25uaXlpbi1zZWx2YW4tZXBpc29kZS00Mi04OTMxY2U5MzRlMTM5YjcyYTI2OTg2YzgwNzQ1MGVhYg%3D%3D

This is the podcast I am listening to.

This is a book mark, to know where I am. This will be used to know where I left.

&&&&&&&&&

I am at 50th episode of Kavitha podcast.

&&&&&

Good progress in reading the Ponniyin Selvan. 

Reading?

No.

Listening to the narration.

&&&&&&&&

Now, poongkuzhali and Senthan Amudan are together at kodiakkarai. They are now trying to take care indisposed ‘AruL mozhi’

They evade Ravidasan... the mandhiravadhy. They put him in the sand dunes near Kazhagar koil.

Now I am with the characters, story and the locations.

Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy and Enjoy.

Powered by Journey.

#diary100words #hundredwords

[thereader-radhika]

May the swords raised against them stop on you. May the fire approaching them consume you. May the poison meant for them kill you. May the arrows aimed at them pierce you. May you be the fortress, weapon and shield of our Emperor. Go forth, kill and die for him.

With this, I declare myself the craziest and weirdest Ponniyin Selvan fan out here 😁

Chapters

1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8

@willkatfanfromasia @favcolourvibgior @sampigehoovu @sambaridli @celestesinsight @sakhiiii @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #Ravidasan #veera pandyan

[thereader-radhika]

The Handsome One

Ravidasan: Tell me the truth, girl! You've not lost your heart to the youngster’s [Vanthiyathevan] beauty, have you? Nandini: Chi, chi! What words! How can anyone talk about a man’s beauty? Only in this debased Chozha country do people rejoice over a good-looking Emperor. Aren’t battle scars the only signs of beauty in a man?” Ravidasan: That's well said.

Sundaran was a name frequently used by Pandya men, not Cholas. The first Pandya king who was named Sundaran is believed to have been Siva himself and he is worshipped as Sundareshwaran, the husband of Queen Thadathagai (Madurai Meenakshi).

Quite funnily, Meenakshi's brother (Vishnu) is also called the handsome one - Alagar.

Alagar giving away his sister Meenakshi to Sundarar

The pairing of Veeran and Sundaran as brothers' names is repeated throughout Pandya history. Veera Pandyan mentioned in the novel too had a brother named Sundaran. Veera Pandyan's Sivakasi Copper Plates say,

Just like Maha Vishnu (Upendran*) who conquered the world by his prowess had Devendran as his elder brother,  he [Veera Pandyan] had an elder brother named Sundarapandyan, who was a refuge for scholars.

This prince could have been a scholar and poet like Kandharadithan and Veera Pandyan could have been the more militarily active brother. Anyway Sundaran died when he was young, probably before Veeran rebelled against Cholas (we don't know if Veera Pandyan himself offed him ☠️). He constructed a pallippadai (sepulchre temple) Sundara Pandyar Isvaram-udayar Kovil, for his dear annan after he became the king.

Now the temple is known as Kalainathaswamy Temple and the village is called Pallimadam. This temple was quite famous in the academic circles during the time of publication of Ponniyin Selvan because it is the only Pandyan memorial temple that has survived to the present day.

An article published by The Hindu about the temple

Basically, Kalki is hinting that Nandini who is associated with Pandya rebels doesn't even know the basics of Pandya conventions or the bare minimum details about her dead 'master'. This is another historical easter egg like The Curious Case of Parthivendran. She is just bluffing and coasting with whatever little she knows and hoping that her emotional appeals will work. It is obvious that she got this idea from the rants of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the veteran of 24 battles who bears 64 scars on his venerable body.

Meanwhile Ravidasan who really needs Nandini's Lankan coins is like

Bonus information: Pandya dynasty fell apart due to the civil war between another Veeran and Sundaran 🤣 in the 14th c.

* Upendran - Younger brother of Indran. This might be a bit confusing. In the beginning of early texts like Rig Veda, Vishnu is a minor god and Indra, as the King of Gods and the personification of the forces of weather is a mighty God. Later, Indra's influence reduced and Vishnu overtook him. Gradually, 'Upendra' came to refer only to Vamana, one of the avatars of Vishnu who was born as a younger son of Aditi. Still this Vedic influence can be seen in several later texts too, calling Rama and Krishna 'Upendra'.

Here, Vishnu/Upendran = Veera Pandyan, the younger brother Indran = Sundara Pandyan, the elder brother.

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #nandini #nandhini #ravidasan #veera pandyan #pandya #vanthiyathevan #vanthiyadevan