Movie Name: Ponman
Release Date: 14th March 2025
FilmyJosh Rating: 3/5
Starring: Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose, Deepak Parambol, Anand Manmadhan, Sandhya Rajendran, Rajesh Sharma, Kiran Peethambaran, Reju Sivadas, Jaya Kurupp, Midhun Venugopal, Thankam Mohan, Shylaja P Ambu
Director: Jothish Shankar
Producer: Vinayaka Ajith
Music Director: Justin Varghese
Cinematographer: Sanu John Varghese
Editor: Nidhin Raj Arol
Ponman: A Dark Comedy-Drama with a Mixed Bag of Moments
Story:
Ponman follows the journey of PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a man with a unique profession—he lends gold to families during weddings, helping them meet societal expectations. When he loans 25 sovereigns to Steffi (Lijomol Jose), he expects the money back the day after the wedding. But Steffi refuses and moves to Kollam with her ruthless husband, Mariyano (Sajin Gopu). Ajesh, determined to get his gold back, embarks on a risky and eventful journey. The film explores the challenges he faces, his reason for choosing such a dangerous profession, Mariyano’s involvement, and Steffi’s response, with the narrative unravelling these questions in a gripping manner.
Plus Points:
- Basil Joseph shines once again with his exceptional choice of roles. His foray into dark comedy, paired with a socially relevant backdrop, makes his performance engaging, seamlessly blending humor and emotional depth.
- Sajin Gopu stands out with his intense portrayal of Mariyano, a ruthless and unpredictable character. After impressing in Aavesham, his transition into this role shows his versatility and keeps the audience captivated.
- Lijomol Jose gives a solid performance as Steffi, despite having a relatively limited screen presence.
- The supporting cast, including Anand Manmadhan and Sandhya Rajendran, bring depth to the story, and the clever mix of humor during serious moments is a definite highlight.
Minus Points:
- The first half sets a strong foundation, but the second half struggles with pacing, leaving the film feeling sluggish. The writing loses its momentum, resulting in sequences that fall flat and fail to land the intended impact.
- While Basil Joseph does well, his usual comedic presence might make it difficult for audiences to fully buy into him in a more serious, dramatic role. A more intense actor might have suited the character better.
- Some characters, especially Anand Manmadhan’s, have potential but eventually fade into the background. A more defined character arc would have strengthened their presence and contribution to the plot.
- The climax fails to deliver the emotional punch it should have. The final confrontation feels underwhelming, lacking the necessary intensity, and the resolution feels abrupt and less satisfying than expected.
Technical Aspects:
- Director Jothish Shankar delivers a solid effort but falters in terms of screenplay refinement and character development, which could have taken the film to greater heights.
- Justin Varghese’s music, while functional, doesn’t make a lasting impact.
- Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography effectively captures the setting, providing a strong visual appeal to the film.
- Nidhin Raj Arol’s editing could have been sharper to maintain a more consistent and engaging narrative pace.
Verdict:
Ponman brings a fresh concept of dark comedy and social commentary, with an intriguing premise. While Basil Joseph excels in his performance, the film’s sluggish pacing, underdeveloped characters, and lackluster climax hinder its overall impact. Though it stumbles in several areas, Ponman still manages to offer some engaging moments, making it worth a one-time watch for those fond of offbeat dramas.
FilmyJosh Rating: 3/5