Basil Joseph is back on OTT – soon enough and yet again with a brilliant performance as
PP Ajesh, the gold agent from Kollam in his latest release – Ponman
Review by Rajeshwari Kalyanam
Ajesh works for a jeweller who gives gold ornaments for girls’ dowry in advance and collects cash that comes as gift at the wedding.
Basil shines yet again in this amazingly sketched role of a gold agent who does everything to project himself as a ruthless matter of fact agent who wouldn’t blink twice before taking back the jewellery from the bride if the collected cash does not match the worth of the jewels. He has a kind heart too. And, yet, it is important for the sake of his job to be tough and uncaring. How this lands him in trouble is what the story is all about.
“I don’t need to know your wedding rituals. I am only interested in when I will get my cash back.” He states disinterestedly as he gulps down his drink while striking the deal. One of his requirements is surely availability of good drink while he waits for his payment at the bride’s house.
This time the bride is (Steffi) Lijolol Jose whose mother is in a tough position as the groom’s mother insists that it is most important that the bride come with 25 sovereigns of gold. On the other hand her hot headed son spars with the Church parish and is thrown out of the political party, which he banked upon.
Deepak Parambol is in the role of the mediator between Ajesh and Bruno. Sharma is the more patient one and even while he is not impressed with the latter’s ways he promises to help. The problem is temporarily solved when Ajesh given them the gold ornaments in advance, but not before signing stamped papers.
Steffi gets married all decked in her gold – to Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), and if her brother Bruno (Anand Manmadhan) is right then the groom is indeed notorious and quirky surely.
The problem comes when many of the guests that the family invites stay away from the wedding thanks to Bruno’s ways.
And less people means, less money collected. Only 13 Sovereigns worth money comes as cash gift. Ajesh demands he get back the jewellery worth 12 Sovereigns. However the bride has already left to her marital home. And. thus starts the actual story.
Ajesh will not take no for an answers. And, he sets out to collect his jewellery.
The seemingly simple appearing script has many layers that showcases the fishing district of Kollam, the wayward youngsters who waste their time in the name of the party and politics, the all-prevailing dowry system and the madness for Gold at that, not to mention the excessive alcoholism and desperation to survive that drives the common man.
Basil portrays this role effortlessly. It is interesting how the actor does this without letting glimpses of any of his earlier landmark performances creep in. Its like he just metamorphoses into his roles and you don’t see the actor but the character.
The rest of the cast comprising of some of the best talent from Malayalam film industry come together to deliver yet another amazing film – Ponman.
The film is based on the book by award winning writer and filmmaker – GR Indugopan – Nalanchu cheruppakkar. Indugopan along with Justin Mathew. Ponman is the directorial debut of art director Jotish Shankar.
Ponman is streaming on Jio Hotstar.
Ponman Review
Rating 3.5/5
