Ponman Movie Review (2025): Basil Joseph Shines in a Golden Tale | CharotarDaily.com

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Ponman Movie Review (2025): Basil Joseph Shines in a Golden Tale

A gripping Malayalam drama that blends humor, tension, and social commentary

Introduction: Why "Ponman" Stands Out in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of Malayalam cinema, Ponman emerges as a golden gem in 2025. Directed by debutant Jothish Shankar and starring the versatile Basil Joseph, this film is a refreshing take on the dowry system, wrapped in a dark comedy-thriller package. Released on January 30, 2025, "Ponman" has already captured hearts globally with its unique storytelling and stellar performances. As a film critic for Charotar Daily, I’m here to dive deep into why this movie deserves your attention.

Plot Summary: A Tale Worth Its Weight in Gold

Set against the coastal backdrop of Kollam, Kerala, Ponman movie follows PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a gold broker entangled in the risky business of lending jewelry for weddings. When he lends 25 sovereigns of gold to Bruno (Anand Manmadhan) for his sister Steffi Graf’s (Lijomol Jose) wedding, things take a dramatic turn. Steffi’s groom, the notorious Mariano (Sajin Gopu), schemes to keep the gold, putting Ajesh’s life and livelihood at stake. What unfolds is a tense, humorous, and emotionally charged chase that exposes the dark underbelly of the gold dowry system.

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Cast and Crew: The Heart of "Ponman"

The brilliance of Ponman 2025 lies in its impeccable cast and crew. Basil Joseph delivers a career-defining performance as Ajesh, shedding his comedic persona for a gritty, determined character. Sajin Gopu as Mariano is equally compelling, balancing menace with subtlety. Lijomol Jose shines as Steffi, bringing depth to a woman caught in societal expectations.

• Director: Jothish Shankar (Wikipedia)
• Screenplay: G.R. Indugopan, Justin Mathew (IMDb)
• Cinematography: Sanu John Varghese
• Music: Justin Varghese
• Cast: Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose, Anand Manmadhan, Deepak Parambol (Filmibeat)

The technical finesse of Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography and Justin Varghese’s haunting score elevates this Malayalam cinema masterpiece.

Film Critic’s Take: Strengths and Flaws

Ponman is a triumph of storytelling. Jothish Shankar’s direction weaves humor and tension seamlessly, making every frame pulse with life. The screenplay, adapted from G.R. Indugopan’s novel Naalanchu Cheruppakar, is sharp and layered, offering a fresh perspective on a societal malaise. Basil Joseph’s relentless pursuit of his gold is both inspiring and unsettling—a testament to his acting prowess.

However, the film isn’t without flaws. The pacing dips in the second half, and some characters, like Bruno, feel underdeveloped. The climax, while clever, lacks the punch to leave a lasting impact. Still, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise dazzling canvas.

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Rating: A Golden 4/5

★★★★☆

Ponman movie review verdict: This film is a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story. It’s not just a movie—it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Why You Should Watch "Ponman" on OTT

Available on JioHotstar since March 14, 2025, Ponman is perfect for a weekend binge. Its 127-minute runtime flies by, thanks to its engaging narrative and stellar performances. Whether you’re a Basil Joseph fan or a cinephile seeking quality content, this Malayalam movie 2025 won’t disappoint.

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Mickey 17: Robert Pattinson's Sci-Fi Clone Thriller - A Charotardaily.com Review

By CharotarDaily

The anticipation is palpable for Mickey 17, the upcoming science fiction thriller helmed by the visionary director Bong Joon-ho (of Parasite fame) and starring Robert Pattinson. Here at Charotardaily.com, we're dissecting the buzz surrounding this project, exploring what makes it a potential game-changer in the sci-fi genre. The film, based on the novel "Mickey7" by Edward Ashton, promises a mind-bending narrative centered on a 'disposable' employee on a human expedition to colonize an ice world. With a stellar cast including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Toni Collette, Mickey 17 is poised to be a major cinematic event.

A Clone's Predicament: Exploring Themes of Disposable Lives

The core concept of Mickey 17 revolves around the "Expendable" – a character whose purpose is to undertake high-risk missions. When Mickey dies (and he will, repeatedly), his consciousness is regenerated in a new body, retaining most of his memories. This raises profound ethical questions about the value of life, the nature of identity, and the consequences of technological advancement. Bong Joon-ho's past work often delves into class disparities and societal anxieties, and it seems Mickey 17 will continue this trend within a futuristic framework. The expendable nature of Mickey, and the frequent deaths, really sets this movie apart.

The expendable nature of Mickey, and the frequent deaths, really sets this movie apart. Robert Pattinson, known for his intense and transformative performances (see his roles in The Batman and Good Time), is perfectly cast to portray the complex emotions and existential struggles of a character grappling with repeated resurrections and the knowledge that he is ultimately 'disposable.' His ability to convey vulnerability and resilience will be key to making Mickey a relatable and compelling protagonist.

Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie: A Stellar Cast

Robert Pattinson's casting as Mickey is arguably the film's biggest draw. His evolution from teen idol to respected actor has been remarkable, and his willingness to tackle challenging and unconventional roles makes him an ideal choice for this complex character. Naomi Ackie (known for her work in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody) adds another layer of depth to the ensemble cast. Her role remains somewhat mysterious, but her talent and versatility suggest she will play a significant and impactful part in the narrative. The chemistry between Pattinson and Ackie, if utilized effectively, could be a highlight of the film.

Bong Joon-ho's Vision: A Master at the Helm

Bong Joon-ho's involvement is a significant factor driving the excitement surrounding Mickey 17. His masterful storytelling, blending genres and social commentary, has earned him international acclaim. Parasite's Best Picture win at the Academy Awards cemented his status as one of the most important filmmakers working today. With Mickey 17, he has the opportunity to explore new thematic territory while utilizing his signature style of dark humor, suspense, and insightful character development. The combination of his direction and the source material has us here at Charotardaily very excited.

Anticipation and Potential: What to Expect

While details about the plot are still under wraps, based on the source material and Bong Joon-ho's track record, we can anticipate a thought-provoking and visually stunning cinematic experience. Expect a blend of sci-fi action, philosophical inquiry, and social critique, all wrapped in a compelling narrative. The film's exploration of identity, mortality, and the ethics of technological advancement promises to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. We predict a strong critical response and significant box office success, solidifying Robert Pattinson's position as a leading man and further cementing Bong Joon-ho's legacy.

Final Verdict

Mickey 17 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of [Year - e.g., 2025]. With Bong Joon-ho at the helm, Robert Pattinson leading the cast, and a compelling premise exploring complex themes, this sci-fi thriller has all the ingredients for a cinematic triumph. Keep an eye on Charotardaily.com for more updates, trailers, and our full review upon release!

Our Rating:

(4 out of 5 stars)

References & Sources:

• The Hollywood Reporter - 'Mickey 17' Release Date Delayed
• IMDb - Mickey 17
• News Article about Naomi Ackie in Mickey 17

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