The film marks the acting debut of Aadhav, grandson of legendary lyricist Kannadasan. Set against the backdrop of a school campus, Ponmaalai Pozhudhu depicts the evolving love between best friends Arjun and Divya. And the course their love takes when faced with parental opposition. For a first timer, Aadhav essays his role with confidence, the rough edges lending a natural feel to the character. A perfect foil is Gayathri, suitably fitting into her role.
The earlier part is breezy where Arjun and Divya discover that there is more than just friendship between them. The easy camaraderie between the group of friends, Divya’s initial reluctance to acknowledge her love and the realisation, are all brought about with fair interest by the debutant director. The latter part is about the problem Arjun faces from Divya’s father and brother. Arul Das is splendid as Divya’s boorish father, his antics generating humour at times. Kishore plays Arjun’s strict but understanding father Shekhar. There is a brief flashback to the character, where Shekhar sees history repeating itself in the life of his son and is determined that his son’s love affair wouldn’t end the way his own did. Kishore lends the right intensity to his role. But the character could have been integrated in a smoother way.
The narration which turns dull midway, peps up towards the end. The director has made an effort to make the ending slightly different. The scene of the fireflies may seem far fetched. But it lends a colourful dreamy feel to the finale and a hope of a new dawn for the lovers.
The plot has the potential but the screenplay lacks coherence. Verdict: The film is a promising effort by a debutant director.
Director- AC Durai
Cast- Aadhav, Gayathri, Kishore, Arul Das, Anupama