“Ajeshadaa… Ajesh…”
This signature catchphrase from the titular character Ajesh, played by Basil Joseph, could have been meme material, but instead, it stands as a testament to unfathomable perseverance.
Adapted gracefully from a screenplay written jointly by Justin Mathew and G.R. Indugopan, based on the book Naalanju Cheruppakkaar (transl: A Few Youngsters) written by Indugopan himself, Ponman brings every single frame to life through Jothish’s finesse in direction.
Honestly, I was surprised by Jothish Shankar‘s directorial debut Ponman and never expected it to be such an outstanding experience. It’s evident from every bit of this movie that he’s definitely going places.
I’m awestruck by the well-written characters in this movie, the performers who effortlessly bring them to life, and most importantly, the dialogues they deliver—lines that feel like literal arrows of fire.
Basil Joseph: Redefining Character Depth in Ponman
Starting with Ponman himself, Basil Joseph’s Ajesh, a character who will do anything to reach his goals. Basil did an exceptional job with the character’s mannerisms and dialogue delivery, making this one of his finest performances to date. He managed to deliver finest moments using just words, a feat that even most commercial films fail to achieve.
Sajin Gopu’s portrayal of the terrifying antagonist Mariyano left me in shock and made me want to punch the character. That just shows how well-written the character is and how phenomenal an actor Sajin is. From a playful Ambaan in Aavesham to this monstrosity of a character in Ponman, his range continues to grow.
Lijo Mol Jose did an amazing job with her character, Steffi. Her performance made Steffi feel distinct from most other female lead characters. The character was deep and nuanced, portrayed to near perfection. Her strength never felt forced but blended seamlessly with the film.
Steffi’s brother Bruno, played by Anand Manmadhan, and Sharma, played by Deepak Parambol, also delivered notable performances. In fact, every single character in the film had a purpose, and the actors, regardless of screen time, carried out their roles exceptionally well. They all deserve equal credit alongside the lead actors.
Another group of people who deserve a big round of applause are those behind the screen as they are the unsung heroes of this film.
Justin Varghese’s music was one of the most prominent factors that drew me into the world of Ponman. It flowed effortlessly throughout the movie, elevating the highs and pouring emotion into the lows, striking the perfect balance. The track Paka was my favorite, sung by none other than the great K.S. Chithra, complemented by Justin’s background vocals and phenomenal score.
The cinematography by Sanu John Varghese beautifully captured the scenic beauty of coastal Kollam, where the film is set. The scenes showcasing local traditions, events, and daily activities made the film feel vibrant and immersive.
Overall, for me, Ponman was a masterpiece, and I feel like it’s not getting the appreciation it deserves. I highly recommend watching this film in theatres, as it demands and deserves to be experienced on the big screen. This is one gem of a cinema.
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Rating : 8.5/10
awestruck by the well-written characters in this movie, the performers who effortlessly bring them to life, and most importantly, the dialogues they deliver—lines that feel like literal arrows of fire.
