Watch Ponmudipuzhayorathu

Ponmudipuzhayorathu is a 2005 Indian Malayalam language drama film directed by Johnson Esthappan. The film stars Madhu Warrier, Sheela, Aravind Akash, and Nedumudi Venu in pivotal roles. The story revolves around the lives of the residents of a hamlet named Ponmudi, located amongst the picturesque backdrop of the Western Ghats. The film is set in the 1970s when a wealthy businessman, Mathews (Nedumudi Venu), returns to his native place with his wife (Sheela) and daughter after a long time. Mathews intends to set up a factory in the village, which would provide employment to the villagers. But the plans of the businessman are thwarted by a group of politicians who have vested interests in the land.

At the center of the plot is the love story of young cousins, Manu (Madhu Warrier) and Gouri (Kaveri). Manu, a spirited young man, works as a mechanic in the village. Gouri, on the other hand, is a shy girl who helps her mother (Bindu Panicker) with household chores. The two are very close to each other, almost inseparable since childhood.

Their innocent and honest relationship eventually blossoms into love. However, their love faces a significant hurdle when Gouri's parents oppose their union. Gouri's father, who is a staunch believer in the caste system, sees Manu as a lower caste member and raises objections to their relationship. But Manu and Gouri refuse to let their love be dictated by societal norms and continue to hold onto each other.

The movie also explores the complex relationships between the various characters in the story. There is Mathews' daughter, who is drawn towards Manu, while her parents disapprove of her liking for him. The local politician, played by Aravind Akash, has his own agenda and is willing to go to any lengths to fulfill it.

The film is rich in its depiction of the village life of Kerala in the 1970s. The lush greenery, the winding roads, and the sprawling tea estates come alive on screen. The rustic charm of the village is beautifully depicted, and the audience is transported to a time and place that is very different from the present.

The performances of the lead actors are noteworthy. Madhu Warrier, in particular, shines in his role as the spirited and brave Manu. Sheela, who made a comeback to acting with this film after a long hiatus, is convincing as the strong-willed wife of Mathews. Nedumudi Venu, as always, delivers a flawless performance.

The music of the film, composed by Deepak Dev, is soulful and adds to the emotional impact of the story. The songs are melodious, with meaningful lyrics that resonate with the theme of the movie.

Overall, Ponmudipuzhayorathu is a beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of village life in Kerala. It is a poignant and heartwarming tale of love, courage and standing up for what one believes in, despite facing opposition.

Ponmudipuzhayorathu is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.