Ponniyin Selvan: Characters from Kalki's novel portrayed by Aishwarya Rai, Vikram, Karthi, Trisha in historical epic

Nandini is the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the chancellor of the Chola kingdom. She is the brains behind the conspiracy to rebel against Sundara Chola and his children in order to conquer the throne. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrays Nandini and her mother Mandakini Devi in a dual role.

Aditya Karikalan is the eldest son of Sundara Chola and is portrayed by the Anniyan fame Chiyaan Vikram in the film. A glorious warrior, he is the commander of the northern troops in the empire and leads the battle against the neighbouring kingdoms of Pandyas and Pallavas.

Portrayed by Suriya's younger brother Karthi, Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan is the trusted aide and friend of Aditya Karikalan and is known for his flirtatious and witty nature. The readers and the audiences trace the entire narrative in the novel and the film through his journey.

Kundavai, the only daughter of the king, is portrayed by Trisha. She is well aware of the politics of the region and is the most intelligent among the three siblings. She uses her strategies to save the empire from the devious games played by Aishwarya Rai's Nandini.

The youngest son Arunmozhi Varman is the titular character of the story as he is fondly called Ponniyin Selvan, i.e. Son of the Kaveri river. He later became the most powerful king in South India. Jayam Ravi portrays Arunmozhi Varman in Mani Ratnam's magnum opus.

Sundara Chola, who is bedridden at his capital city Tanjore, is the reigning emperor of the Chola empire and the father of three siblings Aditya Karakalan, Kundavai, and Arunmozhi Varman. He is portrayed by the multiple National Award-winning actor Prakash Raj.