Ponman, released on January 30, 2025, is a family drama with a touch of suspense, directed by debutant Jothish Shankar. The film is adapted from GR Indugopan’s novel Nalanchu Cheruppakar, and revolves around the struggles of underdogs, offering a compelling narrative about people’s lives beyond material pursuits. Featuring Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, and Lijomol Jose in pivotal roles, Ponman has received praise for its grounded storytelling and strong character arcs.

The plot centers on PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a gold dealer who lends 25 sovereigns of gold to Steffi’s (Lijomol Jose) family for her wedding. The agreement stipulates that Ajesh will recover the gold if the wedding fails to meet the financial expectations. When things go awry, Ajesh confronts Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), Steffi’s hot-headed husband, leading to intense confrontations and emotional revelations. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of personal integrity, family pressure, and the consequences of impulsive decisions.

The film delves deeply into the lives of everyday characters—Ajesh, who relies on hard work, Mariyano, the brawn-over-brains character, and Steffi, who finds herself trapped in a marriage that stifles her. Ponman doesn’t just tell a story; it builds a character study that resonates with viewers on an emotional level, especially with its raw portrayal of the realities many face.

Director Jothish Shankar’s debut is a pleasant surprise, given the low-key promotional effort. The film demonstrates that a strong story can captivate an audience without the need for excessive hype. With its concise two-hour runtime, Ponman effectively conveys its message without dragging on, making it a satisfying watch.

Basil Joseph and Sajin Gopu shine in their respective roles, particularly in their face-off scenes, which are gripping and bring palpable tension to the screen. Lijomol Jose’s portrayal of Steffi is exceptional, as she transforms from a woman forced into an unhappy marriage to someone who ultimately finds the strength to stand up for herself.

Overall, Ponman is a superhero story for the underdogs, with excellent performances and a powerful narrative that reflects societal struggles. It’s a film that highlights resilience, human imperfection, and the complexity of relationships, making it a standout in its genre.

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