Ponman is a gripping movie that takes you through an emotional rollercoaster, offering a perfect blend of love, relationships, and integrity. The story revolves around PP Ajesh, a middleman in a risky wedding gold business in Kollam. His job is to lend gold to the bride’s family, which they return after the wedding with the money they receive as gifts. However, Ajesh finds himself in trouble when Steffi’s family is unable to repay the gold after her wedding.
The film, directed by Jothish Shankar, marks his debut as a director. Jothish, an award-winning art director known for his work in Kumbalangi Nights and Android Kunjappan, brings his artistic vision into the film, making the settings beautifully intertwined with the story.
Basil Joseph plays the role of PP Ajesh, whose business runs into trouble when Steffi’s brother, Bruno, gets Ajesh's help to secure gold for the dowry. After the wedding, Steffi's family can't repay the gold, which has already been taken to the groom’s house. Ajesh, determined to get the gold back, faces challenges, especially since the groom, Mariyano, comes from a rough area.
What makes Ponman stand out is its ability to keep the audience hooked. The tension builds as Ajesh tries to figure out how to retrieve the gold. The suspense keeps you on edge, with a clever twist that will have you clapping with excitement. But what really sticks with you are the film’s well-crafted characters and their strong will to survive.
The film’s writing by Indugopan and Justin Mathew is top-notch. The characters are deep and relatable—some you love, some you hate, and others you sympathize with. Ajesh, played by Basil Joseph, is especially well-written. His determination to get his gold back feels almost crazy, but it’s something we can all relate to.
The movie is also filled with beautiful lines that mix humor, humanity, and philosophy. The dialogues between characters like Ajesh and Bruno are heartfelt and thought-provoking, making you both laugh and reflect on life.
Ponman Twitter review
Ponman thrives on its powerful performances, with Basil Joseph delivering a standout act that anchors the film. The face-off between Basil and Sajin Gopu is a major highlight, adding intensity to the narrative. While the first half unfolds at a slow pace, the second… pic.twitter.com/1Gky9Tmd6Z
— SIIMA (@siima) January 30, 2025
#Ponman - Possibly the best adaptation of a GR Indugopan novel so far. Basil’s career best performance, and the emotionally resonating second half is the strength of this film. Sanu Sir’s cinematography and Justin’s music is brilliant. The short duration is also a plus.Go watch! pic.twitter.com/Efev1jpeH0
— Aravind (@Reflections1212) January 30, 2025
#Ponman Review 🎬🔥
— Nomadian Journey (@NomadianJourney) January 30, 2025
A solid adaptation of GR Indugopan’s novel! 📖✨ @basiljoseph25’s career-best performance, with a gripping second half that elevates the film. 🎭💥
✅ Performances – Basil, Sajin Gopu & Lijo Mol shine
✅ Cinematography & BGM – Brilliantly executed 🎶🎥
✅… pic.twitter.com/mmN1jUXyrm
The performances are outstanding. Basil Joseph perfectly brings Ajesh's pain and determination to life. Lijo Mol Jose portrays Steffi with emotional depth, and Sajin Gopu, Anand Manmadan, and Deepak Parambol all add to the film’s strength with their supporting roles.
Director Jothish Shankar’s subtle touches elevate the movie. Moments like Steffi admiring the gold in private or the quiet tension during Bruno’s desperate phone call add a cinematic touch that enriches the film’s storytelling.
In conclusion, Ponman is a film that touches your heart. It’s not just about gold; it’s about the integrity of a man fighting for what’s right, even when everything is against him. With its strong performances, compelling characters, and beautiful direction, this movie is definitely worth watching.