Film review: ‘Ponmagal Vandhal’ – Court-room conundrum

At a time when film industry is down and out with corona lockdown, comes Ponmagal Vandhal. This Jyotika-starrer may live up to its title – showing a way to the filmdom by having a digital premiere in OTT ( Amazon Prime) when theatres are shut.

Directed by JJ Fredrick, it is more an emotional fare which many say a right content for OTT release. Speaks about a victim’s fight for justice. Call it a revenge drama fought inside the four walls of a sessions court in Ooty.

In a nutshell, Ponmagal Vandhal revolves around Jyotika who wages a battle for a cause. A journey that she prefers to embark since her comeback to big screen with 36 Vayathinilae in 2015.

Here she plays a rookie lawyer Venba, who re-opens the case of a woman, found guilty of killing a few including girl children 14 years ago. As is the case with films on such genres, dialogues hold the key and there are a few running to pages. And Jyotika has dubbed them on her own voice. Fredrick, with just a few handful of characters, has tried to narrate a story with some twists and turns with a sole aim to convey a message towards the end. With Jyotika known for it much recently, has tried delivered it on screen to the T.

The film begins with an elderly woman Jyothi charged for murder(s), getting killed in an encounter by police when she tried to flee. After almost 14 years, Venba, an advocate, reopens the case with the help of her father Petition Pethuraj (Bhagyaraj).

The case is heared by judge ( Prathap Pothen). And the war of words erupt between public prosecutor Rajarathnam (Parthiban) and Venba. Why Venba takes up the cause and what she wants to convey people around forms the crux.

At places, the movie is more an emotional ride than a fiery argument that we saw growing up in such genres of films. Can’t avoid being preachy in a few scenes.

Besides Jyotika, Bhagyraj and Parthiban, there is Thyagarajan as business tycoon and philanthropist Varadarajan. A predictable role for him indeed and for Pandiarajan, he hardly gets any screen space.

Ramji’s cinematography capturing the hilly terrains with its natural beauty is soothing to our eyes. Govind

Vasantha’s background score compliments the crux. All said, Ponmagal Vandhal is a must today when crimes against minor girls are on a high. But had they cut the melodrama moments, she could have been bang on target. Nevertheless, a sincere attempt indeed.