Ponman

Emotional family drama portrayed through brilliant screenplay and exceptional performances.

The plot of the story revolves around the Gold dowry system prevailing in the marriage institution set on the backdrop of a coastal town in Kollam and how a Gold broker gets entangled in an emotional and survival protest among two families forms the crux of the story.

Speaking about the story, the film is based on Indu Gopan's novel Nalanju Cheruppakkar, and for a debut directorial attempt by Jyothish Shankar, it has been executed quite well. Collectively Good Performance from all the actors ! Strong roles for both Sajin Gopu & Lijo mol Jose.

Ponman is an absolute cinematic triumph, blending an enthralling screenplay with masterful direction and a compelling story. From start to finish, the film keeps you hooked, never allowing a single dull moment. Basil Joseph delivers a heart-winning performance, bringing depth and sincerity to his role, while Sajin Gopu is a revelation, his devilish presence and single, unwavering expression transform him into a true monster on screen. The rest of the cast also shines, each performance adding weight to the film's gripping narrative.

What makes Ponman truly stand out is its ability to address the dowry culture without turning into a preachy, message-driven film. Instead, it weaves its social commentary seamlessly into the plot, ensuring the storytelling remains engaging rather than didactic. The film's tight pacing, flawless execution, and emotional intensity make it an absolute must-watch. With its powerful themes and exceptional performances, Ponman earns a well-deserved 8.5 out of 10.

Ponman kicks off with an energetic track that immediately sets the tone for the film. Based on the phrase "Kollam kandaal Illam venda," the song beautifully captures the essence and spirit of Kollam, showcasing its rich landscapes and culture. A vibrant tribute to the region-Kerala Tourism, take note!

At its core, Ponman tells the story of a family struggling to get their daughter married amidst steep dowry expectations. Enter PP Ajesh-the Ponman (gold guy) - who arranges gold for such families, ensuring they either pay him back in cash or return the gold if things don't work out. What starts as a simple transaction quickly spirals into an intense, gripping journey when things don't go as planned.

But Ponman isn't just about its setting - it's about sheer perseverance, conviction, and the courage to take risks when the stakes are high. Basil Joseph delivers one of his finest performances, shedding his usual comedic persona to embody a character driven by sheer willpower. His raw energy, sharp dialogues (deeply rooted in Kollam's colloquial slang), and fearless attitude make Ajesh a compelling protagonist. He takes on challenges that even seasoned players would hesitate to tackle, and that relentless drive is the heartbeat of this film.

Sajin Gopu's Mariano is a character who invokes both fear and intrigue. A tyrant in his own right, he commands authority, and his presence alone unsettles those around him. Yet beneath this tough exterior, the film subtly explores the weight of responsibility he carries as the breadwinner of his family. This layered portrayal adds depth to the film, making Mariano more than just an imposing figure.

Anand Manmadhan's Bruno is another standout - his blind faith in party loyalty, only to face bitter disappointment, is a subtle yet striking reflection of workplace and political dynamics. Lijomol Jose as Steffi plays her part well, portraying a woman unafraid to take a stand for what she doesn't want in her life. Sandhya Rajendran, as the mother, brings an emotional touch, portraying the helplessness of a parent caught in societal pressures.

Ponman is a film about ordinary people showing extraordinary resilience. With a solid storyline, raw intensity, and brilliant performances, it grips you from start to finish. A compelling watch that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Oh my goodness, "Ponman" is a movie where I wished it would end sooner-not as a negative critique, but as a testament to how deeply I rooted for PP Ajesh to catch a breath, even for a moment. This character, played by Basil Joseph, who is a hot mess in this film, and his struggles are so palpable that you can't help but feel for him.

Director Jothish Shankar, in his debut, has managed to craft an exceptional adaptation of GR Indugopan's novel Naalancheru Cheppuvaakkaar (Four-Five Young Men). He presents a murky character study of individuals who are neither black nor white but exist in shades of gray, and "Ponman" embodies this complexity beautifully. The film also offers a vivid portrayal of the Lenten season celebration, the Latin Catholic community, and the unique biosphere of Thalavettichira Island, adding layers of cultural richness to the narrative.

The supporting cast is just as fabulous. Lijomol Jose, as Steffi, plays the bride who yearns for gold, raised by her widowed mother (Sandhya Rajendran). Sandhya's character has an intriguing arc that goes beyond pleading and sobbing for some time extensions to repay Ajesh. Then there's Mariano, played by Sajin Gopu, whom audiences might recognize from "Aavesham" as the Amban character. In "Aavesham," he was a villain you loved to hate but secretly wanted to shake hands with; in "Ponman," he's someone you'd want to stay at least 10 feet away from-especially his shrimp farm.

Another decent performance is given by the character Bruno, Steffi's brother. A shout-out also goes to that quirky friend-in-need who steals every scene with his antics. He's the kind of character who feels like a savior, and you'll understand why when you watch the film.

But the showstopper, of course, is Basil Joseph. I've always known Basil to be a talented dramatic actor, but this is undoubtedly his best work yet. The constant escalation of absurd comedy, particularly during the drinking scenes, and the mounting tension and stakes are almost nauseating. Watching Ajesh's life spiral into chaos is mesmerizing, and Basil embodies the role flawlessly. His physicality, accent, and delivery are impeccable, leaving you absolutely entranced.

Overall, "Ponman" is an extremely worthwhile tour de force that gives neither the characters nor the audience a moment of peace. One moment, you're laughing; the next, you're gripped with anxiety. The director and the technical team have poured their hearts into weaving together a chaotic yet heartwarming-and bittersweet-story. You'll understand the bittersweetness by the end of the film.

A movie about dowry like never before, with so much social commentary that doesn't feel preachy - only Mollywood can do this. Will Akshay Kumar remake...?

This film was terrific from an acting standpoint. I didn't expect Sajin Gopu (Ambaan from Avesham) to play a grey shade role this convincingly, dude's convey a fear that you wouldn't expect from Avesham. Lijomol Jose and the support characters were good, but this was a Basil Joseph show.

The film questions the pressure on a family for gold as dowry. Madilyil Jewelry - lol. Apparently it's a thing...? Lijomol's Steffi starts off as a certain character, undergoes a transformation that makes you want to support but also not, at the same time. You want to blame everybody but you see why they do what they do...there are so many layers to this film that you can keep discussing but everything seems subtle.

All that said, I dunno why I was expecting another Jaya Hey or a humorous film but I suppose it's not fair to expect that from all Basil movies. Regardless, this was totally worth the watch and will surely make it to Mollywood's top 10 films of the year.