On the ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ trail: Travellers explore Tamil Nadu in newer ways

Ride horses near Veeranam lake. Or trek through the Thanjavur countryside. After Tamil hit film ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, travellers are rediscovering Tamil Nadu with road trips and cycling expeditions

Ponniyin Selvan has raked in ₹500+ crores at the box office.

It has also changed the lives of Jack, Ammu, Kalyani, Kannan, Chinna Rani and Periya Rani.

They aren’t actors or part of the starcast. They are horses belonging to Mohan Naatamai, who plies them at Veeranam Lake, located in Cuddalore district and around 240 kilometres from Chennai.

“After the film’s release, a lot of people coming here want to be like Vandhiyathevan (played by actor Karthi). They want to be seated atop a horse and soak in the atmosphere near the Veeranam,” says Mohan.

And so, Mohan, who has ten horses and also runs a riding school, is suddenly seeing a spurt in business from visitors, mostly from other parts of Tamil Nadu. “There are some who want to take a short ride. Some others wish to ride five kilometres along the lake, and I ride in my scooter alongside to ensure things are fine.”

The Mani Ratnam-directorial has not just raised curiosity on the Chola empire and other works by Kalki Krishnamurthy, but has also sparked off interest among audiences wanting a quick travel break: to explore places featured in the film/novel.

Looking back