A Gripping Tale of Resilience and Redemption
Released on January 30, 2025, Ponman is a Malayalam dark comedy thriller that has quickly carved a niche for itself in the vibrant landscape of South Indian cinema. Directed by debutant Jothish Shankar and adapted from G.R. Indugopan’s novel Naalanchu Cheruppakar, the film stars Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, and Lijomol Jose in lead roles, supported by a talented ensemble including Anand Manmadhan and Deepak Parambol. With its theatrical run now concluded, Ponman began streaming on Jio Hotstar on March 14, 2025, bringing its intense narrative to a wider audience. This 800-word review delves into what makes Ponman a standout film of the year—a blend of stellar performances, technical brilliance, and a poignant social commentary that lingers long after the credits roll.
Set against the picturesque yet gritty backdrop of Kollam’s coastal villages, Ponman unfolds a seemingly simple story that spirals into a high-stakes drama. Basil Joseph plays PP Ajesh, a gold dealer with a unique business model: he lends gold jewelry to families for weddings, expecting repayment from the cash gifts received during the ceremonies. If the money falls short, he reclaims the gold. The plot kicks off when Ajesh lends 25 sovereigns of gold to Bruno (Anand Manmadhan) for his sister Steffi’s (Lijomol Jose) wedding to Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), a hulking figure with a menacing aura. When the family fails to repay due to fewer wedding guests—a result of Bruno’s impulsive behavior—Ajesh demands his gold back, only to discover Mariyano’s sinister plan to keep it and eliminate him. What follows is a tense pursuit, layered with deception, survival, and unexpected twists.
The strength of Ponman lies in its screenplay, co-written by Indugopan and Justin Mathew. The narrative doesn’t just focus on the dowry system’s overt evils—a theme often explored in Indian cinema—but shifts perspective to Ajesh, an outsider caught in its web. This fresh angle transforms the film into a character-driven thriller rather than a preachy social drama. Each character is meticulously crafted, existing in shades of gray rather than stark moral binaries. Ajesh, initially perceived as a shrewd businessman, reveals a relentless perseverance born from necessity. Steffi evolves from a passive bride to a woman asserting her agency, while Mariyano’s brute exterior masks a deeper complexity. Bruno’s arc, from arrogance to realization, adds emotional heft, making every player in this saga relatable yet flawed.
Basil Joseph delivers a career-defining performance as Ajesh. Known for his comedic roles in films like Minnal Murali, he sheds that persona here to embody a man driven by grit and desperation. His physicality—slender yet defiant—contrasts brilliantly with Sajin Gopu’s towering Mariyano, leading to a climactic face-off that’s as much about willpower as it is about strength. Gopu, fresh off Aavesham, is terrifying yet nuanced, his screen presence amplifying the tension. Lijomol Jose shines as Steffi, her understated resilience stealing moments of quiet power, particularly in a monologue where she rejects her forced marriage. The supporting cast, including Sandhya Rajendran as Steffi’s helpless mother, complements the leads, grounding the film in raw authenticity.
Jothish Shankar’s direction is a revelation. An acclaimed art director (Kumbalangi Nights), he brings a painterly eye to Ponman, with Kollam’s backwaters and bustling streets becoming characters in their own right. Cinematographer Sanu John Varghese captures this world with immersive frames—think moody interiors and sweeping landscapes—that enhance the narrative’s emotional beats. Justin Varghese’s score is another triumph, weaving tension and melody seamlessly, while songs like “Braidaathi” pay homage to Kollam’s cultural richness. The editing by Nidhin Raj Arol keeps the 127-minute runtime taut, though the first half’s slower build might test some viewers’ patience before the gripping second half takes over.
Thematically, Ponman is a subtle yet scathing critique of the dowry system, a practice still rampant despite legal bans. It doesn’t sermonize but mirrors society through its characters’ struggles—Ajesh’s fight for his livelihood, Steffi’s entrapment, and Mariyano’s greed. The film’s dark comedy emerges organically, often through sharp dialogues that blend humor with biting reality. Lines like Ajesh’s retort to Mariyano—“A hardworking man doesn’t need dowry to survive”—carry weight, encapsulating the film’s ethos without feeling forced.
However, Ponman isn’t flawless. Some critics argue it sidelines Steffi’s voice in favor of the male-driven conflict between Ajesh and Mariyano, diluting its feminist potential. The pacing in the early portions can feel deliberate, and while this builds character depth, it risks losing viewers seeking instant thrills. Yet, these quibbles fade against the film’s overall impact—a testament to its storytelling finesse and emotional resonance.
As it streams on Jio Hotstar, Ponman proves why Malayalam cinema remains a powerhouse of original narratives. It’s not just a thriller or a comedy; it’s a study of human endurance, societal malaise, and the quiet courage of underdogs. With a reported box office haul exceeding expectations and rave reviews—Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave it 4.5/5, calling it “cinematic gold”—the film solidifies Basil Joseph’s hot streak and marks Jothish Shankar as a director to watch. For those who savor films that provoke thought while keeping you on edge, Ponman is a must-watch gem of 2025.
