Ponniyin Selvan I, Mani Ratnam's crowning achievement, opened in theatres on September 30 and has since received a resoundingly positive reception. The film features a large ensemble cast, with important roles for Chiyaan Vikram, Trisha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, and others.
When asked if Rajinikanth wanted to appear in the movie during an interview, Mani Ratnam declined, claiming that no role in the movie had a personality as large as his. The filmmaker responded by saying, "That's true. He was fondly mentioning it, that is all because he is such a huge star and this has got so many characters. It has to be honest to the story. So I can't bring in a huge superstar between this and so I told him that I will be taking a rain check with him."
The director said, "Who knows, let's see," in response to the question, "But maybe in the next film soon."
Rajinikanth said the following during the unveiling of the Ponniyin Selvan I trailer: "I wanted to be a part of #PS1 somehow, so I asked Mani sir if I can play Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. He denied the offer saying my fans would not be happy. Anyone else would have taken it, but Mani denied it and this is what makes him unique".
He added that when he first heard the story, he immediately picture Sridevi as Kundavai. He was quoted as saying, "When I read the story, I imagined Kamal as Arulmozhivarman, Sridevi as Kundavai, Vijaykanth as Aditya Karikalan, and Sathyaraj as Pazhuvettaraiyar."
