A poster of the film ‘Ponman’.
Basil Joseph stars in the new film Ponman, based on GR Indu Gopan’s novel Nalanchu Cheruppakkar. This film arrives soon after the success of his previous release, Pravinkoodu Shappu.
Set in Kollam, Ponman tackles the issues surrounding dowry in Christian marriage customs. The narrative is deeply rooted in local culture, thanks to its strong character development.
Synopsis
Ajesh Kumar (Basil Joseph) works in the jewelry business, providing wedding jewelry on credit to families who can’t afford it outright. Stefi (Lijo Mol) borrows jewelry for her wedding to Mariano (Sajin Gopu) due to pressure from her in-laws for a significant dowry. Her brother (Anand Manmadhan), a political activist, is of little help.
The jewelry comes with the understanding that it will be returned post-wedding. However, Stefi is terrified that returning it might jeopardize her marriage. Ajesh needs to repay his financier, leading to rising tension as he tries to reclaim the gold.
Flawless Script
The script by GR Indugopan and Justin Vineeth stands out, featuring rich character arcs. Ajesh’s clever attempts to recover the gold drive the story, with memorable confrontations between him and Mariano. The first half builds anticipation, while the second half unfolds with action-packed moments.
Characters like Mariano and Stefi evolve, with Mariano’s ruthless nature making him a compelling antagonist. In contrast, Stefi’s journey from a passive bride to a stronger woman signifies her growth within the constraints of her marriage.
Technical Aspects
Director Jothish Shankar also takes charge of art direction, capturing the essence of Kollam through beautiful scenery and well-executed settings. Cinematographer Sanu M Varghese effectively portrays the region’s beauty, especially in the introduction song featuring Kollam’s landmarks.
The music, composed by Justin Varghese, enhances the film, especially during intense scenes. Songs blend seamlessly with the narrative, elevating the viewing experience.
Performances
The film features strong performances, particularly from Basil Joseph. His portrayal of Ajesh resonates with depth and emotion. Sajin Gopu impresses as Mariano, while Lijo Mol shines as Stefi, showcasing remarkable character evolution. Anand Manmadhan and Deepak Parambol also deliver commendable performances, adding layers to their characters.
Final Take
Ponman excels in both storytelling and presentation. The film highlights the struggles within the dowry system through powerful performances and a well-crafted plot.
Check out this related article: Unpacking ‘Twinless’: A Sundance Gem That Redefines Characters and Conventions – In-Depth Review
Source link