Ponmagal Vandhal (2020)

Very predictable storyline and poor script and editing. Too many loose ends and finally the climax is a damp squib...

Fmovies: The subject is very real and horrifying at the same time. But despite having such a subject in hand the director lost focus in the implementation. The trailer of the movie looks like an engaging courtroom drama but once you watch the movie you realise its a very old age formula movie relying heavily on the sentiments rather than logic and being realistic. The first half is decent even though you know the end of the movie already. But it is in the 2nd half that the movie loses stream completely. 2nd half is more focused on Jyotika and the emotions rather than logic. Even the concluding judgement seems so hideous due to lack of the most important aspect required for any court and that is proof. As said earlier, the movie relies heavily on Jyotika and her emotions rather than logic. The movie would work for those who connect just on an emotional level but for others who have already been used to so many realistic court dramas, investigating movies in the recent times, this movie would feel very old. Great effort by Jyotika though. She seems in control of everything she does and makes the movie watchable. Especially the concluding statement and flashback hit very hard, to even think such horrifying acts happens right in the society we live in.

The movie would have been one of the best movies in recent times as it is made on a well known topic and contains the right emotions in the 2nd half but it needed more logic in the court proceedings and the final judgement to become a decent package.

One time watch.

The plot starts after 10 minutes with the father (Bhagyaraj) re-opening a 15-years old case seeking justice for a psychopath women killer. The first half, was usual with Jyotika producing evidence and the other party proving the evidences void. The second half, is where the subject matter of the movie is revealed. The last part of the movie though emotional and cinematic, defies logic. I particularly liked the judge character and the short cameo with his assistant. Though there are cliche scenes likes public opinion, credit should be given to the director for getting to the point straight forward and not using male bashing, victimization routine seen in other women-centric movies!!

Ponmagal Vandhal fmovies. Young lawyer Venba seeking justice for a women framed as a psycho killer.

Ponmagal Vandhal is courtroom drama with a precious story line and heavy star cast. Writers tried to keep the audience engage with story throughout the 120mins by emotional and powerful dialogues. Cinematographer Ramji scored high in this movie. Jyotika and Parthiban performance were amazing. Most of the actors are highly experienced in this movie and their performance will overshadow the big loopholes. However movie couldn't stand up to the story line due to its old fashioned screenplay and directional style. There was a CG shot inspired from the series 'Westworld', which looks totally irrelevant. Week characterization for some of the important characters turns out to be a huge negative for this film.

Verdict: Strong story line make your 120mins worth for watching this film.

This is one of the usual movies with not much surprises or twist in the story. There should be a fierce debate in courtroom scenes which was totally missing in this movie. Lots of loopholes. Good time pass to watch from home if you have a lot of patience and keep your expectations very low. Jyotika is trying to replicate Nayantara's success streak who had some good movies like Imaikka Nodigal, Aram etc but she chose good subjects (those which i mentioned) but we see a lot of movies from Jyotika that are not up to the par/expectations of the viewers. She needs to improve on her story selection or whomever is advising her to take these kinds of movies

Nothing fresh..Easily predictable scenes..Poor execution