What started out a serial novel in Kalki magazine, during the 1950s quickly became what many consider to be one of the greatest works of Tamil literature. It is said readers back in the day would eagerly wait for each weekly installment, cut them out from the magazine and put them in plastic files to be read over and over again. The serial novel's popularity elevated Kalki's circulation to over 70 000 copies. The story revolves around the death of the king of the great Chola empire and the struggle for the throne. There has been several attempts to adapt the film into film. Now, the time has come. Here is a run down of the many characters and the actors who will be playing them.
Karthi as Vandiyathevan
Many readers of the novel consider him the main protagonist of the story even though he is not the titular character. He is the best friend of crown prince Aditya Karikalan and is appointed as his bodyguard while they are stationed in Kanchi. He is known for his wit and bravery that eventually earns him the position as commander of the Chola empire's southern troops. Karikalan sends him to Thanjavur to meet his father, King Sundara Chola to invite him to Kanchi. While in Pazhayarai,Vandiyadevan becomes Kundavai personal guard and they eventually fall in love.
Vikram as Aditya Karikalan
The eldest son of King Sundara Chola, crown prince of the mighty Chola kingdom and commander of his father's northern troops. He is a decorated warrior prince; having fought his first battle at the young age of twelve. He sends his best friend, Vandiyathevan to become his younger sister, Kundavai's personal guard. He is infamous for his great temper, which has earned him a few enemies who conspire against him.
Trisha as Kundhavai
The Chola king's middle child and only daughter. Unlike other princesses, she vows to stay in her motherland and unite the entire region as part of her kingdom. She is well-known for her kindness, like when she takes care of the orphaned princess, Vanathi. She is respected and loved by her people. She trains her younger brother, Arulmozhi Varman to become a great leader to achieve her ambitions. She also sends her guard, Vandiyathevan to Sri Lanka to escort Arulmozhi home to guard their elder brother, Karikalan from an eminent threat.
Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi Varman
The youngest child of King Sundara Chola. He is raised in Pazhayarai by Periya Piratti and Ilaya Piratti. Legend has it that he was saved by the mystical Mother Kaveri herself from drowning in her holy river when he was five. He is then called "Ponniyin Selvan" or "Son of Kaveri". He is educated by his elder sister, Kundavai, who then sends him to Sri Lanka when he is nineteen to widen their empire. Despite being a conqueror, he is loved by most of the people in Sri Lanka for his religious tolerance, kindness and good looks.
Aishwarya Rai as Nandini
The ward of a priestly family in Madurai who grew up alongside the royal children. She is jealous of Kundavai for her popularity. She and Karikalan were childhood lovers but the royal family does not approve of their relationship. As a result, she conspires with the royal family's rivals to destroy the Chola dynasty. By marrying the powerful Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, she manipulates him and many other men to take over the kingdom. Vandiyathevan is the only man who is unfazed by her beauty.
Sarathkumar as Periya Pazhuvettarayar
The chancellor and treasurer of the Chola empire. He is so highly respected throughout the kingdom that he is considered the second most powerful man in the empire next to the king himself. The 64 scars from his many battles are a testament of his love for his king and country. He marries a much younger Nandini after he is seduced by her great beauty. His young wife easily uses him as her puppet to make his relative, Uttama Cholan the next king. The once loyal nobleman eventually becomes one of the leader of the conspirators who goes against the royal family.
Prabhu as Chinna Pazhuvettarayar
The chief of the Thanjavur fort. He is the younger brother of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar who he loves and respects for protecting their family. Both brothers dislike Vandiyathevan for his temper. He is the father-in-law of Uttama Cholan.
Kishore as Ravidasan
Bodyguard of the late Veera Pandiyan, a rival king of the Chola kingdom. He plays a big role in the conspiracy to assassinate all the members of the Chola royal family as revenge for the death of his king. He was once a minister in the Chola court.
Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali
Vikram Prabhu as Sendan Amudhan
A flower boy who helps Karikalan and Arulmozhi during their adventures. He becomes a close friend of Vandiyathevan. He marries Poonguzhali.
Mohan Raman as Sundara Chola
King of the Chola kingdom and emperor of south Indian empire. He was named 'Sundara' for his handsome face during his youth. As his death became eminent due to old age, he is moved from Pazhayarai to Thanjavur by the Pazhuvettaraiyar family for his protection. This sparked the search for the new heir to the throne. He wishes for his cousin to be his successor, although rumour has it he is being held prisoner by his host.
Rahman as Uttama Chola
Nephew of the former king, Sundara Chola. He was raised to be humble and to not desire his uncle's throne. He is brainwashed by the cunning Nandini to set his eyes on the throne. Most of the royal family living in the capital, including Kundavai, assume that he is not fit to be king.Ashwin Kakumanu as Kandanmaran
He is the prince of Kandamboor and a good friend of Vandiyathevan. He arranges for the secret meeting between the petty rulers who conspire to get rid of Karikalan.
Jayaram as Azhwarkadiyan Nambi
He is a spy who works for the prime minister. Apart from being a foster brother of Nandhini's, he is also another close friend of Vandiyathevan.
Lal as Theveraalan
Bodyguard of the late King Veera Pandiyan. He is part of the conspiracy to assassinate all the members of the Chola royal family. Like Ravidasan, he was once a minister of the Chola court.
Riyaz Khan as Idumbankkari
Another former bodyguard of the late King Veera Pandiyan who conspires to wipe out the Chola family. He becomes the guard at Kadambur palace.
Arjun Chidambaram as Soman Sambavan
Another former bodyguard of the late King Veera Pandiyan who conspires to destroy the Chola family.
Appani Sarath as Revadasa Kiramavithan
Another former bodyguard of the late King Veera Pandiyan who is part of the conspiracy to get rid of the Chola family.