"From one of my favourite directors... Mani Ratnam sir! Thrilled to launch the Telugu teaser of 'Ponniyin Selvan-I'. Really looking forward to the film! (sic)," tweeted Mahesh Babu, unveiling the teaser of the September 30th release.

The grandiose visuals invite us to soak into the world created by the acclaimed filmmaker. The principal characters make their presence felt, with Aditya Karikalan (Vikram) and Vanthiyathevan (Karthi) taking the lead.

Arulmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) has got the titular role, bagging which made him feel emotional. A glimpse of Kundavai (Trisha) and Nandhini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) is rousing.

Seen in an atypical stretch is Thirumalaiappan (Jayaram), among others. The film also features Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (Sarathkumar), Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar (Parthiban), Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) and Periya Vellar Boothi Vikramakesari (Prabhu).

Ravi Varman's cinematography is majestic. AR Rahman's music looks authentic. Sreekar Prasad's editing is another highlight.

Despite the teaser getting leaked on the Internet before its scheduled release, the excitement among the audience was intact. Mani Ratnam is expected to give a bang for the buck with the magnum opus. The pan-India flick is among the most-awaited releases of the year.