Excellent I am not even a worthy person to write a review about the greatest historical novel I have ever read in both tamizh and english put together. For those who are curious to know the premise, it is basically about the life of a great chola(kingdom in south india circa. 1000 AD) king 'Raja Raja Chola' before he ascended the throne. It is narrated by a Vandhiya thevan who is also one of the protagonist. The story takes place during the time of political instability in the chola kingdom or to put it precisely the time before they discover about the impending threats to the kingdom.
There are a lot of cultural references in this book about the various religions that existed during that period. The most interesting part is the fight between a vaishnavite priest and shivites. The first two volumes of the book have a very fast
pace with spying, flashbacks, intros, love etc.
The story toggles between Tamilagam and Sri lanka. And author has beautifully and vividly illustrated the places like dhanushkoti, northern parts of srilanka, thanjavur, and places near karaikal. I guess some of the places exists even today.
Well, I would run out of time if I keep talking about this book. I would say people who are interested in reading historical novels will definitely like this book.

I just wanted to share my happiness of the book to the world comprising of individuals who always wanted to read this book and never find time. May be this could be a push to you guys. If that happens I’ll be more than happy.
I’m a satisfied person now. Having read an epic novel which spans about 2500 pages that too in Tamil gives me that satisfaction. Thanks to this one book I got the pleasure of reading a language which
I’ve almost stopped reading of late.
I am little worried that there hasn't been a movie so far based on the novel. I wish the novel is soon made into a TV/film series.

Beleive me, I never stopped reading in between for the entire 5 volumes. So for I read Ponniyin Selvan nearly for 10 times!. My desire is that I have to forget the story to read it and sink into old Chola period afresh everytime.
I read PS when I was studying 6th Standard at Govt. High school Vedanthangal. My teachers used to complain to my parents that “This boy is bringing story books and Ambulimama to the school and splois other co-students!" :).
The love on PS and almost all other Kalki’s novels lead me ultimate land up with “Perumazhaippulavar’s ” Uraigal (Explanations) on Sanga Ilakkiyangal (Especially Kalithogai).

First Historical novel, which drag me to the Tamil novel reading world. It is rated one of my best, which I have completed at my age of 13, along with many Sandilyan's novels.

Ponniyin Selvan is one of the best books I have ever read, it is easily there on my top 5. There are so many great things about this book that I don't even know where to start. It is an exemplary historical fiction, has a great story, and most importantly, has great characters. The story of the book is basically about Raja Raja Chola, who was also known as Ponniyin Selvan (hence the title of the book), before he was king, and all the circumstances that led to him becoming the king. One of the highlights of this book, according to me, is the character portrayals. All the characters are deep and very relatable, even if the story is set in the 10th century. This book is a definite must read.

Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy was written in early last century. And to this day, it remains the most popular classic book ever written in Tamil. And you can guess my level of obsession with it, when you know that I ‘learnt’ to read tamil, just so that I can read this book.
They say it is difficult to review books that we really like. And I do believe it is true. I wouldn’t call this a review. This is merely a tribute, to one of the greatest writers of Tamil Literature.
‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is set during last years of King Sundara Chozha’s reign (957–970 CE), the father of the great Chola king, Raja Raja Chozhan. The book is named after Raja Raja Chozhan. ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ was one of the titular names by which he was lovingly called by his subjects. Though the book bears the king’s name, he is not the hero of this epic.
The story begins with the appearance of a young soldier, who rides in with his horse, right into our hearts. Vandiya Devan, is a penniless young soldier, whose antecedents once ruled the Chola empire. The first part of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ chronicles his adventures, derring do’s, narrow escapes, fatal attractions and finally a journey all the way to Sri Lanka.
Vandiya Devan is on his way to the capital Thanjavur, bearing messages from the Crown Prince, Aditya Karikalan to the King and to Princess Kundavai who lives in Pazhaiarai. Enroute to Thanjavur, he stays in his friend’s palace, only to discover a plot against the Crown Prince and he is determined to warn the King about it.
Rich descriptions, poetic yet simple narrative, fantastic characterizations, unforgettable dialogues, I could just go on… Kalki’s powerful words brings the world of Chola kingdom alive, complete with its intrigues, mysteries, love and age-old code of soldier’s honour and duty.

This is the best novel I have ever read in Tamil. The plot, the setting and the characters take us to a mesmerizing travel through the ancient India and Sri Lanka. It keeps us spellobound and hooked to the book. To people who have thoughts about reading this novel, I must warn you ,once you pick the 1st volume, you are never going to lay your thoughts on anything else untill you finish off the 5th volume. Be prepared to be not trapped by this awesome novel and axed by your employer/school.