Anupama Chopra delves into Ponman, director Jotish Shankar’s dark comedy-thriller based on G.R. Indugopan’s novel Naalanchu Cheruppakar. Set in Kollam, Kerala, the film follows PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a gold agent running “Madiyil Jewellery”—a scheme providing brides with dowry gold upfront, repaid through post-wedding cash gifts. When Steffi (Lijomol Jose) marries Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), a volatile shrimp farmer, Ajesh’s deal collapses as the family fails to repay 12 sovereigns. Chopra praises the film’s blend of absurdity and pathos, particularly a haunting scene where Ajesh waits outside Steffi’s room, the unextinguished light hinting at her unseen trauma. The narrative unfolds as Ajesh pursues Mariyano to a crime-ridden island, exposing systemic greed and the human cost of dowry culture—all without overt moralizing.
Chopra highlights Basil Joseph’s career-best performance, balancing comedy and anguish with precision. In a standout moment, Ajesh tearfully deflects a slap by praising his aggressor’s football skills, showcasing Joseph’s “dazzling” emotional range. Sajin Gopu’s Mariyano—both menacing and pitiable—and Lijomol Jose’s quietly defiant Steffi add depth to this “terrifically written” ensemble. Shankar’s direction, Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography, and Justin Varghese’s score amplify the coastal grit. While critiquing the dowry system, Ponman avoids sermons, instead crafting a high-stakes drama where “heroes and villains blur.” Stream now on JioHotstar.
