Ponmam Movie Review: Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose.

Movie Name: Ponman
Release Date: March 14, 2025
theclickdaily.com Rating: 3/5
Starring: Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose, Anand Manmadhan, Deepak Parambol, Sandhya Rajendran, Rajesh Sharma, Kiran Peethambaran, Reju Sivadas, Jaya Kurupp, Midhun Venugopal, Thankam Mohan, Shylaja. 
Director: Jothish Shankar
Producer: Vinayaka Ajith
Music Director: Justin Varghese
Editor: Nidhin Raj Arol
Cinematographer: Sanu John Varghese

Basil Joseph’s latest Malayalam film, “Ponman,” has entered OTT and is now available in Telugu. Here is the review of this dark comedy-drama.

Story:

Basil Joseph has an unusual profession—he lends gold to needy families during weddings, and when he lends 25 savars of gold to Steffy, he asks her to pay him back the same amount the day after the wedding. However, she refuses and leaves for Kollam, the hometown of her cruel husband Mariano. Determined to get back what is rightfully his, Ajesh embarks on a dangerous journey. What kind of Ibadullah will he face? Why did he choose such a dangerous profession? Does Mariano know about the deal? How will Steffy react? These answers will make this film interesting.

Plus Points:

The foray into dark comedy with a socially relevant backdrop adds an interesting dimension to the film. His performance is captivating, balancing humor and emotions with ease.
Sajin Gopu delivers a strong performance as Mariano, playing an unpredictable and cruel character. After making an impression in the rage, he surprises the audience with a completely different personality, leaving them in awe.

Lijomol Jose, despite having a limited role on screen, plays the role of Steffy convincingly. The supporting cast, like Anand Manmadhan and Sandhya Rajendran, add depth to the story. The comedy in the serious moments is a strong point of the film.

Minus Points:

Though the first half lays a strong foundation, the film feels sluggish due to the faltering pace in the second half. The writing loses its grip, leading to scenes that lack the intended impact. But given his track record in comic roles, the audience might find it difficult to accept him in a serious setting. The role would have suited an actor with a more serious screen presence. The climax is not as expected by the critics. It would have been better if there had been a better climax sense.

Technical Aspects:

Director Jyotish Shankar has given a good effort, but a more refined screenplay and strong character development would have taken the film to a higher level. Justin Varghese’s music is functional but does not leave a lasting mark. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography effectively captures the film’s setting, while Nidhin Raj Arol’s editing could have been sharper and carried the story more strongly. The production values ​​are very good.

Verdict:

Overall, Ponman presents a good plot with a mix of dark comedy and social commentary. While Basil Joseph gives a commendable performance, the slow-paced second half, undeveloped characters, and an abrupt climax make the film a burden. Despite its flaws, it offers some engaging moments, which makes it a one-time watch for those who enjoy offbeat dramas. Not bad for a one-time watch.

theclickdaily.com Rating: 3/5