User reviews

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.

This is one of those films that make me appreciate it more and more as I think about it. Films related to issues surrounding dowry are nothing new in Malayalam cinema but the honesty, subtlety, and nuance this movie showed is truly outstanding. Initially, I was surprised to learn that the novella this is based on was named 4-5 Cheruppakkar, because if it is about dowry, why is the name talking about young men like that? But the movie really showed why it is, even though it's more about two men and a woman. The way the so-called culture of patriarchy that is so ingrained in society makes the evils of such a system a question of survival for the working-class people has never been portrayed with such honesty. All three main characters are incredibly written and performed. Even when Sajin Gopu's "villain" character is clearly doing something wrong, we are made to understand why a person who is proud of his hard work is resorting to it and also paints a picture of why he's living as an intimidating character to everyone.

Basil Joseph has been having great success as an actor in the last few years but this is one of his best performances. Ajesh's self-confidence is his desperation for survival, and however weird people may find it, this is the kind of character I always wanted to become. Have conviction in your decisions and go to any lengths for it even if everything looks impossible. The way he's able to stand tall in front of both physical and emotional blackmail and yet show enough empathy and sympathy where it counts makes it impossible to not root for the character after a point.

I loved how it ended with such half-direct dialogues where the implications were clear and yet was able to maintain the mood and style of the film.

Let's start with the positive aspects of the film. In terms of performances, everyone delivered a solid act, especially Basil and Sajin Gopu. Anand, who played the character of Bruno, and Sandhya Rajendran, who played the mother, also stood out with their performances. Another highlight was Justin Varghese's music, which I personally enjoyed.

Speaking about the story, the film is based on Indugopan's novel Nalanju Cheruppakkar, and for a debut directorial attempt by Jyothish Shankar, it has been executed quite well.

Now, if there are positives, there will naturally be some negatives too. When adapting a novel into a film, certain cinematic elements need to be added to enhance the experience. However, this film feels like an exact translation of the novel, which is why the second half felt a bit underwhelming. As an audience, we expect certain developments, but they never materialize.

For example, the conflict between Basil and Sajin Gopu's characters regarding Ponnu was left unresolved. Another instance is the mention of Thalavettichira, which initially created fear and intrigue but ultimately amounted to nothing. These elements, if developed better, could have elevated the film.

The climax, too, could have used a bit more intensity and depth. If some additional dramatic elements were included, the film could have been a perfect package.

That being said, it's still worth a watch. These are purely my personal opinions, and others may have a different perspective.

Rating - 4.5/5

A raw, intriguing and 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.

Hats off to you Jothish Shankar in envisioning the story penned by G R Indugopan and delivering an absolutely brilliant movie on screen along with Justin Mathew. This movie has got life in it. The filmmakers has effortlessly landed the audience to the backdrop of Kollam and its underdog culture through the opening folklore song and coastal settings. The first 15 mins moves steadily forming background for the story to take shape and progress while the latter half giving too many enlightening and satisfying moments through articulate dialogues that leaves you awe,surprised and inspired. The director has placed peak moments for both the lead actors in the story showing their head on head performances. This movie is a clear example of how well a realistic story plot can be put to life connecting family drama,emotions,betrayal, brotherhood,friendship in perfect harmony.

Spectacular performances by Basil & Lijomol showing distinct layers of their characters. Stunning performance by Sajin Gopu and his body language,mannerisms and the way he conveys his emotions through his eyes was outstanding. Anand Manmadhan has given a career breaking performance in this movie as an underdog. Sandhya Rajendran who played the mother character has also made an impressive delivery. Deepak Parambol,Reju Sivadas,Jaya Kurup & Kiran Peethambaran also made notable performances.

Marvellous and realistic frames by the veteran Sanu John Varghese along with Justin's impressive songs and BGM's elevated the movie experience. Chitra Chechi's voice when heard with the natural serene frames was an absolute bliss. Kudos to Nidhin Raj Arol for giving a life moving cinematic experience. Hats off to Jothish Sankar & Kripesh Ayyappankutty for giving the natural and earthly tone to the set works and prawn culture setups in giving life to the underdog performances.

A must watch movie on big screens with family to see the raw and realistic life in pure bliss and experience some life moving moments.

The Matters this movie dealing is not new in movies ; but the way it is presented with a character Arc of Basil Joseph 's Ajesh character is the Entertaining Difference ,the way he is dealing with all the problems is the Highlights of this movie !

Collectively Good Performance from all the actors ! Strong roles for both Sajin Gopu & Lijo mol Jose !

This movie truly belong to Basil Joseph ;Intense performance; one of his Best role !

Excellent making from all the Crew , special mention to Editor nidhin raj arol ; Perfect cut for a Impactful Experience !

Go to nearest cinemas : impressive Basil Joseph is waiting to Deliver a Powerful message !

After a pretty long while, I got to see the kind of Malayalam cinema that's very rooted to its region (Kollam, in this case). The lead characters (Basil as gold dealer PP Ajesh, Lijo Mol Jose as the bride Steffi Graf, Sajin Gopu as the groom Mariyano, and Anand Manmadhan as the bride's brother Bruno) are all established in a slow-and-steady fashion. One thing leads to another, and gold needs to be arranged (as dowry) for a wedding. Yes, we're talking about "progressive", "modernist", and "100% literate" Kerala. The transactional nature of weddings still prevails in several parts of the state (if that's unbeknownst to many), with the brides often having no say in the actual event.. and that also includes the choice of accepting or rejecting a groom. There have been several films set in this story backdrop, but what makes Ponman unique is its approach, its locations, and most significantly, the shades attributed to its leads.

Ajesh is such an interesting protagonist, and the way the screenplay moulds him into someone who's willing to take risks and go any lengths to get his job done, is spectacular. This is one role where I felt Basil Joseph's acting chops were put to excellent use, as the character is one that evolves, and the arc is justified. He isn't the invincible hero; heck if you tell me prior to watching the film that there are physical altercations between the slender Ajesh and the hulking Mariyano with the former coming out on top, I would immediately be exclaiming "NO WAY!". Not only does the film deliver splendily in that regard, but what's even more interesting is how the writing builds to this particular boiling point.

In most movies that involve dowries, the leading lady is often relegated to someone who sits in a corner and cries the whole time. But Steffi is written (and performed) in a very candid, very responsive manner. The dialogues spoken by her and Ajesh are concentrated and carry a lot of depth, making their scenes memorable. Their deliciously first-rate performances also make it worth your while. DoP Sanu John Varghese returns to Malayalam after Malik and Ariyippu with a bang-those night shots against the Kollam backwaters look absolutely brilliant. The way he captures a muddy fight sequence between Ajesh and Mariyano is also incredible. Justin Varghese comes up with a soundtrack that seamlessly blends in with the locations, the characters, and their dire circumstances. I have not read Nalanchu cheruppakkar by G. R. Indugopan, but my gut says that director (and production designer) Jothish Shankar did great justice to the source material. Also, the subtle underlining of dank humour in several scenes (special mention goes to Deepak Parambol as Jesus, in two different scenes) REALLY worked for me.

On the downside, even at 2 hours, the first half can come across as slightly draggy (i.e. Until the core conflict emerges) because the film is super-focused on laying out its key characters and their somewhat familiar dilemmas. This, however, gets solid payoffs in the second half, making the overall experience a good one!

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.

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.

"Ponman" is a compelling Malayalam drama that delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships and societal norms. Directed by Jothish Shankar, the film presents a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The story revolves around PP Ajesh, portrayed by Basil Joseph, a gold dealer who lends precious sovereigns for a village wedding. The plot thickens when the bride's criminal husband, Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), schemes to keep the gold and silence Ajesh forever. This sets off a chain of events that tests Ajesh's resilience and determination.

Basil Joseph delivers a standout performance as Ajesh. His portrayal of a man caught between his principles and the harsh realities of life is both nuanced and powerful. Joseph's ability to convey a range of emotions, from vulnerability to determination, makes Ajesh a character that resonates deeply with the audience.

Sajin Gopu, as Mariyano, brings a palpable intensity to his role. His depiction of a man driven by greed and desperation adds depth to the narrative, making the conflict between him and Ajesh all the more compelling.

Lijomol Jose shines as Steffi, the bride caught in the crossfire. Her portrayal of a woman torn between familial obligations and personal desires adds a layer of complexity to the story. Jose's performance is both heartfelt and authentic, making Steffi a character that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

The film's direction is commendable, with Jothish Shankar weaving a narrative that is both tight and evocative. The screenplay, co-written by G. R. Indugopan and Justin Mathew, is sharp, with dialogues that resonate and a plot that keeps the audience hooked.

Cinematographer Sanu John Varghese captures the essence of the village setting beautifully, using visuals to enhance the storytelling. The music by Justin Varghese complements the narrative, adding emotional depth to key moments.

In conclusion, "Ponman" is a cinematic gem that offers a profound exploration of human nature and societal expectations. With stellar performances from its lead cast and a gripping narrative, it is a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema.

I watched this movie after seeing some reviews. As expected the plot was kind of serious comedy as you see in most Basil Joseph movies. With Limited Acting skills and expression, Basil somehow keeps the audience interested in his movies. That's his speciality. The movie started a bit lag and then gained speed as story got control. All the character's did a simple and good job without any overreacting . The Makers got the casting right . If u liked sookshmadarshini, then u can watch this as well. I gave only 6 rating because certain things were missing in the movie . Would have liked 1 more song on those backwater location, then action could have been bit more professional . As I said the start had a lag with those marriage scenes . All in all a one time watch.

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.

Story starts with gold loan for brides marriage. I can't digest basic premise that if brides family takes the loan, protagonist goes after brides in laws family ( btw he loaned based on proper bond paper note still he conveniently that bond paper was not discussed about). If you are ok to accept any sort of script without any back up of logic ( leave your brain logic aside) , it could be come 7-8 pointer.

The love story angle comes out of nowhere between basil and lijo. Some reviewers are praising it as it's on dowry to be politically correct I guess. Not a great story. I was breaking my head every time directors illogical progression of the story without any proper explanation.

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.

Malayalam cinema has always been known for its strong narratives, and Ponman is no exception. Jothish Shankar's direction turns this crime thriller into an engaging cinematic experience, blending suspense with human emotions. Featuring power-packed performances from Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, and Lijomol Jose, Ponman is a film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film revolves around PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a small-time gold dealer whose livelihood is lending gold for village weddings. When a wedding transaction goes awry, Ajesh finds himself in the crosshairs of Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), the groom with criminal tendencies who has sinister plans to take the gold and eliminate Ajesh. With danger lurking at every corner, Ajesh must navigate treacherous waters to reclaim what is his.

Meanwhile, Steffi (Lijomol Jose), the bride, is caught in a web of emotional and moral conflict. Her husband's dark intentions put her in a situation where she must choose between standing by him or seeking justice.

"Ponman" delivers a simple storyline in a beautiful and cinematic manner. Basil Joseph's performance stands out, adding a unique charm that enhances the viewing experience. While Sajin Gopu and Lijo Mol Jose's characters could have been more developed, their performances were neat and effective.

From a storytelling perspective, the plot is intriguing, though it could have included more engaging plot points. As the film progresses, there's a slight sense of disconnect, but it still manages to maintain interest.

Technically, the film is impressive, although some of the music choices felt a bit over the top, occasionally overpowering the scenes. Despite its flaws, "Ponman" is a solid choice for a passive watch.

If you're interested, you can stream it on Jio Hotstar. If you enjoyed this review, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd.

Malayalam cinema's strength lies in its ability to tell grounded, realistic stories, and Ponman stays true to that tradition. This crime thriller, directed by Jothish Shankar, delivers a gripping tale of deception and survival, backed by brilliant performances from its lead cast.

At its core, Ponman is about Ajesh, an unassuming gold dealer who gets entangled in a life-threatening conflict. The antagonist, Mariyano, a criminal with a calculated plan, turns Ajesh's life upside down. What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse, with Ajesh struggling to escape Mariyano's trap.

The screenplay maintains a steady pace, keeping viewers engaged with well-executed twists.

Basil Joseph shines in a serious role, a refreshing change from his usual comedic portrayals. His transition from a helpless victim to a determined survivor is convincing and emotionally compelling.

Sajin Gopu perfectly embodies the ruthless villain, making the character both terrifying and unpredictable.

Lijomol Jose gives an understated yet poignant performance as Steffi, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

I recently watched Ponman, and while it had its moments, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The story was interesting and had potential, but the pacing was very slow, which made it feel dragging at times. The middle part of the movie was particularly boring, and I found myself checking the clock a few times.

The film's narrative was engaging, and the concept was unique. The performances were also commendable, with the actors bringing depth to their characters. However, the slow pacing and lack of excitement in the middle section held the movie back from reaching its full potential. With some tighter editing and more engaging storytelling, Ponman could have been a truly great film.

Overall, Ponman is an okay movie that could have been better with some adjustments. If you're a fan of slow-burning narratives and are willing to invest in the story, you might find it worthwhile. Otherwise, it might not be the most thrilling watch.

Ponman" is a cinematic gem that masterfully blends humor with a poignant critique of societal norms. Basil Joseph delivers a standout performance as PP Ajesh, capturing the nuances of a man caught between his unique profession and the ethical dilemmas it presents. The film's setting in the coastal region of Kollam adds authenticity to the narrative, with the cinematography beautifully capturing the locale's essence. Director Jothish Shankar, in his debut, showcases remarkable storytelling prowess, presenting a narrative that's both engaging and thought-provoking. The supporting cast, including Sajin Gopu and Lijomol Jose, offer compelling performances, adding depth to the story. The screenplay is tight, ensuring that the audience remains invested throughout. "Ponman" doesn't just entertain; it prompts viewers to reflect on deep-rooted societal issues, making it a must-watch for those seeking meaningful cinema.

Take a bow Basil Joseph! Ponman is an engaging social drama that stands out due to iconic performances by Basil Joseph and Sajin Gopu.

As the movie credits rolled with K S Chithraji's voice in the background, and the movie actually ends, I noticed that many of the people especially women were still in their seats , taking in the effect the movie had. It's an inspiring story- not one where the protagonist goes on to conquer the world or become globally successful. It's the winner who wins life's daily struggles and manages to stay afloat.

Marriages are meant to be celebrations and the coming-together of two souls bound by love. However what happens in the larger sections of India is a 'contract' bound by barter- where a girl is exchanged for dowry. These marriages are facilitated and encouraged by the girl's families as though they are a burden and pushed into something that may never see a bright future. This movie deals with such a marriage but it's not preachy.

I wouldn't like to give away the spoilers. The movie is a masterpiece and needs to be watched. Performances are outstanding especially the trio of Basil, Sajin and Lijomol. Basil is turning into one of the finest actors of this generation with his effortless acting. Sajin Gopu was a surprise after Aavesham and Romancham. His Goliath to Basil's David was the highlight of this movie. Lijomol was brilliant and Malayalam moviemakers must make note of this powerhouse talent.

Credit to the Director, scriptwriters and technical team especially the cinematography for bringing such a beautiful story to screen in the best possible way.

Ponman (2025) : Brief Review -

A Meaningless Gold Saga. Ponman, directed by Jothish Shankar, starts off on an interesting note and promises to be a good dark comedy. However, the conclusion and the recovery process are very tedious. It revolves around one person at the center who would go to any extent to get what he has promised; the other characters are played on the back foot. The story focuses on a gold sales agent who gives a 25-sovereign piece to a bride in exchange for cash and gifts. However, in this one bride's case, things aren't that easy. The groom is a barbaric monster, and it's not easy to get gold from someone like him. Initially scared, the agent, our protagonist, dares to step beyond his limits and goes to any extent to retrieve the gold. The screenplay here is engaging, as the plotline isn't boring. Things keep progressing with new developments every 15 minutes. However, characterization and presentation faltered in the second half. The first half is still quite interesting because the characters have just begun to give us an idea about themselves. But by the climax, they no longer reflect that. The agent is literally blackmailing the groom, who suddenly appears helpless. The love story between the agent and the groom is totally out of place, and what a big mess it becomes. Basil Joseph is fun to watch here, but he comes off as overly macho; something just doesn't suit his body structure and attitude. Lijomol Jose is a fine actress, and she excels here. Sajin Gopu and Anand Manmadhan have done decently in their roles, whereas Deepak Parambol, Sandhya Rajendran, and Rajesh Sharma were suitable in their parts. On the positive side, the dark comedy is a well-attempted, if not entirely successful, endeavor. The cinematography and editing are crisp. The music could have been better, and the locations are fine. Jothish Shankar's tale of a certain kind of "Gold Hunt" is interesting but becomes meaningless by the time we reach the destination. I don't understand why gold became such a significant issue, and how all those characters suddenly started to behave according to their convenience when so many other solutions existed. That was indeed messy, and why? We don't know. Ponman literally cons you after plenty of luring in the beginning.

RATING - 4/10*

By - #samthebestest.

We really enjoyed watching this movie, not a single boaring element, I must say Ponman is a refreshing cinematic experience that strikes a perfect balance between humor and social commentary. With its strong performances, sharp writing, and thoughtful direction, it stands out as one of the more innovative films in recent times. Whether you are in the mood for a laugh or a deeper reflection on societal norms, Ponman delivers in both areas, making it a must-watch for all film enthusiasts.

Exceptional performances of Basil and captivating storytelling........................ Well done Team Ponman.

"Ponman" stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling in cinema. Directed by Jothish Shankar, the film intricately weaves a tale that is both personal and universal.

At the heart of the narrative is PP Ajesh, a gold dealer who finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit and danger after lending gold for a village wedding. Basil Joseph's portrayal of Ajesh is nothing short of masterful. He brings a depth to the character that makes Ajesh's journey both believable and emotionally resonant.

Sajin Gopu delivers a compelling performance as Mariyano, the antagonist whose actions drive much of the plot's tension. Gopu's ability to convey menace while also hinting at underlying vulnerabilities makes Mariyano a multidimensional character.

Lijomol Jose's Steffi serves as the emotional core of the film. Her nuanced performance captures the struggles of a woman caught between duty and desire, adding layers to the narrative.

The film's technical aspects are equally impressive. Sanu John Varghese's cinematography paints a vivid picture of the village setting, while Justin Varghese's music underscores the emotional beats of the story.

"Ponman" is a film that challenges, entertains, and ultimately leaves a lasting impact. It's a shining example of Malayalam cinema's storytelling prowess.