Starring Jyotika in the lead role, Ponmagal Vandhal is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film also features R Parthiban, K Bhagyaraj, Pandiarajan, Pratap Pothen and Thiagarajan.
After the coronavirus-induced lockdown led to the closing of all theaters across the country, some films are being released on OTT platforms.
Directed by JJ Fredrick, Ponmagal Vandhal is a courtroom drama where Jyothika’s Venba is fighting for justice.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Jyothika spoke about her recent movie choices and said, “I think I have become more responsible. I have kids, and I want them to be proud of me. I have friends from different circles of life – working and non-working. I learn a lot, and I feel that a lot has to be spoken. I would like to be a voice. And I think women still need that support. I have been blessed and lucky to get some scripts. When I get them, I really leave no stone unturned to get them out there.”
She added, “I want to be part of a film because me being part of it makes that film big. I leave my kids back home, and I want to feel like I am doing some good work when I step out. And I want to tell my children and family the quality work I do every morning.”
User @bhatiasumeet681 shared via Twitter, “Just finished watched. Parthiban and Thiagrajan along with Jyothika take the acting honours here. The confrontation scene between Thiagrajan and Jyothika in the house an absolute highlight.Absolutely brilliant direction. #PonmagalVandhal.”
“#PonmagalVandhal - A intriguing Court Drama after NKP. Obviously its a women centric film which was completed carried by Jyotika but its not a movie for Women its a movie for men and their parents. A perfect flick from 2D to be watched in home as a family,” tweeted user @Iamsriiiii.
User @Mathancinema shared on Twitter, “#PonmagalVandhal one of the best movie of the year ?????? mind blowing performance by jothika, excellent screenplay and direction by @fredrickjj and thanks for giving us the new wave experience starting ott release @2D_ENTPVTLTD @Suriya_offl, hope we get the glimpse in big screen.”
“A strong film. Just wonderful @Suriya_offl hats off. @rajsekarpandian what a powerful message #PonmagalVandhal @PrimeVideoIN definetly a huge reach to the people,” actor Nitin Sathyaa tweeted.
Ace cinematographer turned director PC Sreeram tweeted, “#PonmagalVandhal #Jyotika performance carries the film throughout with her superb performance. Ramji visual backs the Dir Fredrick narration.Best wishes to the team,#fredric @Ramji_ragebel @official_surya.”
Since her comeback in 2015, Jyotika’s movies have been quite varied. She no longer humours stereotypical female characters. While feeling grateful for all the opportunities, the actor says she wants to use her star status to talk about issues concerning society, especially the challenges of women.
Ponmagal Vandhal, involving a serial killer case is not just a thriller, the film also has an important social message, says Jyotika. Click here to read more.
“#PonmagalVandhal OMG this movie superb ?. I couldn't sleep last night after watching this movie.. Hatsoff to Director nd Jyothika.. Bold subject nd Must need script at current scenario. Thank you so much giving best movie ?,” tweeted user @acmanojcat.
Entertainment tracker LM Kaushik shared on Twitter, “#PonmagalVandhal - @rparthiepan scores well as the cool & calculating opposing lawyer confronting the serious & emotional #Jyotika. We all know about his unique style of naiyyandi acting, pun intended lines & dialogue delivery - he showcases all that again. Give us more, sir.”
USer @pudiharicharan tweeted, “Don't miss #PonmagalVandhalOnPrime. A dark, socially relevant legal drama that features #Jyotika in a powerful role. #PonmagalVandhal.”
User @SurendharMK posted, “#PonmagalVandhal With prominent directing talents part of the film, @fredrickjj, as a debutant, has handled the ensemble cast well. @rparthiepan, as usual, steals the show with his inimitable acting. @Suriya_offl's voice over at the end brings to light some alarming facts.”
User @Sahash60286676 shared on Twitter, “It's an Awesome Screenplay and story. At this time we need a movies like this. Thanks to the director and the team of PonmagalVandhal.#PonmagalVandhal.”
“#PonmagalVandhal Superb. Every Boy should learn how to behave with a Girl. #Jyothika Performance Peaks. Her Screen Presence is very much better than so called Female Superstars right now in the Film Industry. Give it a shot guys@Suriya_offl,” shared user @southindianbo on Twitter.
User @share_gv tweeted, “#PonmagalVandhal #PonmagalVandhalOnPrime #childabuse #wowed Extraordinary flim #MustWatch thanks @PrimeVideoIN for bringing this.”
Indian Express critic Shubhra Gupta rated the film 2 stars out of 5 and wrote in her review, “Jyotika carries the film with her performance, but you wish she varied the mix of pain-sorrow-determination: after a point it becomes one-note.” She further added, “Wanting to make films about important issues is important, but the execution is even more important.”
Read more | Ponmagal Vandhal review: Jyotika-starrer is let down by muddled writing
“Just loved the film #PonmagalVandhal @fredrickjj bro , amazing #jothika mam's screen presence , @govind_vasantha amazing background score ,waiting to see more @2D_ENTPVTLTD script oriented films ,Must watch on @PrimeVideoIN ,Kudos to the whole team,” shared user @its_tjbala on Twitter.
User @imharish_007 posted via Twitter, “Watched #PonmagalVandhal now, was blown away by the message it carries.,brilliant performance from #Jyotika ma'am. Congratulations & thank u @Suriya_offl sir for a wonderful movie.”
The courtroom drama, which stars Jyotika in the lead role, has become the latest victim of Tamilrockers. The piracy website has been a troublemaker for film and TV production companies for a few years now as it tends to leak all the latest releases. Interventions by law enforcement agencies and courts have not managed to stop it.
“#PonmagalVandhal brilliant film. Very important msg conveyed through the film,which every girl must know n learn #Jyothika mam such a powerful performance always proud of u hats off to the youngster dir for conveying such a strong msg Thumbs up @fredrickjj @2D_ENTPVTLTD @Suriya_offl,” posted user @actor_kashmira on Twitter.
Has it become relatively easy for talented and driven young filmmakers to break into the Tamil film industry? Yes, says JJ Fredrick, who has written and directed Ponmagal Vandhal, starring Jyotika. The film, which is bankrolled by Suriya, is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Read more | Jyotika is Ponmagal Vandhal’s superhero: Director JJ Fredrick
“@Suriya_offl is turning out to be an example both as an actor and a producer. #PonmagalVandhal is a must watch. With minimal complaints, this legal drama creates an impact almost till the end. Another socially responsible outing for @2D_ENTPVTLTD #Jyotika shines,” posted user @Mohamed_Sallman on Twitter.
“It's been more than 5 hours since I watched it. I couldn't sleep.#PonmagalVandhal what a film!! It has created deep impact in our hearts nd I hope it would do the same in the book of law and atleast frm nw justice wouldn't be delayed. @Suriya_offl @fredrickjj @rajsekarpandian,” tweeted user @sweetakshaya.
User @VigneshSathyaN posted on Twitter, “This film carries a very important message against child sexual abuse, and when a woman speaks about it, it becomes even more hard-hitting. Overall, a definitely watchable film for Jyothika's performance, and the strong message conveyed. Kudos to the Whole team #PonmagalVandhal.”
“#PonmagalVandhal - 3.25/5 Highly engaging emotional courtroom drama with fantabulous performances from #Jyotika @rparthiepan and all other supporting roles. Relevant, much needed film to the society. Twists Ok hand Eye-catching visuals has shot in Ooty. Must watch. @2D_ENTPVTLTD,” tweeted user @Cinematalks_.
User @suren2060 shared on Twitter, “#PonmagalVandhal Very good movie to watch with family and friends with a twist and amazing screenplay , Jo rocks as usual. @rparthiepan Played his role very well..@2D_ENTPVTLTD @Suriya_offl deserved credits for releasing this movie in @PrimeVideo.”
User @ItsMeGopi_ tweeted, “#PonmagalVandhal A good first half with gripping screenplay and some twists and drama. Nice emotions and hard hitting message runs through the second half . Finally with the less runtime and social message and some good emotions it makes the quarantine time a worth watchable.”
“It’s nice to see our heroines select socially relevant films with strong message. for #PonmagalVandhal streaming now @PrimeVideoIN A courtroom drama in which #Jyotika shines throughout @Suriya_offl @fredrickjj @rajsekarpandian @govind_vasantha,” shared user @@sridevisreedhar on Twitter.
User @sekartweets posted via Twitter, “#PonmagalVandhal addresses an important topic. The powerhouse performer #Jyotika shines once again in this courtroom drama that grabs our attention for the relevant message. @fredrickjj's execution reminds us of the famous courtroom dramas in the past with technical upgradation.”
Director Pandiraj shared on Twitter, "Watched #PonmagalVandhal Superb performance by #Jyotika mam, excited to see the 5 legends on screen. Very emotional subject much needed to be told. Best wishes to the team!"
Vignesh Shivan shared on Twitter, "#PonmagalVandhal is a hard hitting, well made,sensibly written film carried by #Jyotika mam like a champion of an actor throughout!A great first film frm @fredrickjj taking a delicate topic&handling wit dignity! anothr good film frm @Suriya_offl sir @rajsekarpandian @2D_ENTPVTLTD"
Film producer SR Prabhu posted on Twitter, "Had the privilege to watch #PonmagalVandhal on @PrimeVideoIN last night! Gripping and Hard Hitting Thriller on the way from MidNight world wide! Ulaga varalaattrill Mudhal Muraiyaaga ungal illangalukke Neradiyaga #PMV"
R Sarath Kumar tweeted, "Excellent film, need of the hour message, par excellence performance by Jyothika, well engineered by Fredrick, kudos to the entire team #PonmagalVandhaal #Jyothika #SuryaSivakumar"