ponman review
Movie Review, REVIEWS

Ponman Review: A Refreshing Take on Kerala’s Dowry System

There are films that loudly declare their themes, and then there are films like Ponman—ones that don’t need grand monologues to make their point. Instead, they weave frustration, tension, and quiet fury into the very fabric of the narrative. Directed with a sharp eye for realism, Ponman takes us to the heart of Kerala’s dowry system, where gold isn’t just metal—it’s a measure of a woman’s worth.

A Familiar Yet Unexplored Story

Set in Kollam, Ponman follows Bruno (Anand Manmadhan), a member of a Leftist party who spends his days idling, much to the worry of his widowed mother. Her priority, however, is her daughter Steffi Graf (Lijomol Jose), whose marriage depends on whether the family can provide 25 sovereigns of gold as dowry. It’s a predicament many families in Kerala can relate to—where a wedding isn’t just about love but about financial transactions disguised as tradition.

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As they scramble to arrange the gold, Bruno gets into a fight with a clergyman, leading to his suspension from the party. Enter PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a madiyal (on-the-lap) jewelry specialist—a man who loans gold for weddings, expecting full repayment within a day. If the cash doesn’t come in, the gold is taken back. This unusual business model introduces a fascinating layer to the story.

Ajesh lends the family 25 sovereigns, but after the wedding, they can only pay for 13. The remaining gold must be retrieved. The catch? Steffi has already moved into her husband Mariyano’s (Sajin Gopu) house, and he’s no ordinary man—he’s a physically imposing, no-nonsense prawn farm guard who isn’t about to give up the gold without a fight.

Basil Joseph’s Finest Performance Yet

This is perhaps the first time we see Basil Joseph in a role like this—one that isn’t inherently comic, heroic, or exaggerated. Ajesh is, at his core, a simple man trying to make an honest living, but his dedication to his self-imposed rules makes him intriguing. He prides himself on always recovering his gold, no matter how ruthless his clients may be. He’s neither a muscle-bound fighter nor a manipulative con artist, yet he refuses to back down.

As the film progresses, Ajesh transforms from a seemingly harmless guy to someone who borders on obsessive—even psychotic at times. It’s a remarkable shift that Basil Joseph handles with nuance, making Ajesh unpredictable yet deeply human. At times, you wonder if he’s a cunning opportunist; at other moments, you just want to hug him and tell him it’s okay. This is undoubtedly one of his most layered performances, proving his range beyond his usual comedic and directorial brilliance.

Beyond Dowry: A Story of Friendship, Integrity, and Survival

While Ponman is deeply rooted in the reality of dowry and the weight of gold in Kerala’s marriage system, it doesn’t limit itself to being a socially conscious film. It expands into themes of friendship, survival, and what integrity truly means in a man.

ponman review - sajin gopu

Lijomol Jose delivers a strong performance as Steffi, making an impact. Anand Manmadhan and Deepak Parambol play their roles effectively, complementing the narrative without overshadowing its core themes.

A Story Told Without Preaching

One of Ponman’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. It never resorts to preachy dialogues or forced emotional manipulation. Instead, it lets the audience feel the weight of the dowry system through its characters’ struggles. The frustration isn’t handed to you—it builds up organically as you watch a family scramble for gold that will determine their daughter’s future.

The film subtly but powerfully reminds us how deeply embedded gold is in Kerala’s culture—not as a symbol of wealth or status, but as an unspoken currency of a woman’s worth.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Drama That Stays With You

Ponman is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. It doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel its weight. With a compelling screenplay, strong performances—especially from Basil Joseph—and a narrative that balances realism with gripping tension, it’s a film that deserves attention.

For those who love realistic dramas with a strong emotional core, Ponman is an absolute must-watch. And for those who have ever questioned the silent power of gold in Kerala’s marriages, this film will leave you with plenty to think about.

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