Movie : Ponnar Sankar
Director : Thyagarajan
Producer : Thyagarajan
Music : Ilayaraja
Cast : Prashanth, Pooja Chopra, Divya Parameshwaran, Prakash Raj, Sneha
Ponnar Shankar has everything required to make old fashioned period drama- grandeur, great sets, rich costumes, well-choreographed action war scenes and thrilling sword fights plus romance, bravery and soothing music of Ilairaja. Above all it has Prasanth in a stunning double role. What more can you ask?
However the film is weak on plot, though Kalignar’s dialogues and use of chaste Tamil words is another feather on his cap. It is obvious that the film has been made to be a fast pace entertainer with all essential ingredients, targeting today’s audiences. Ponnar and Shankar are revered as demi-gods.
It is the story of brave twins Ponnar and Shankar (played superbly by Prashanth), who forms an integral part of folklore as they became rulers of a Kingdom in medieval Tamil Nadu, against all odds after their parents are killed. The film chronicles the life and times of Ponnar and Shankar from their birth to the time they vanquish the enemies of the state.
Like in many period dramas of the past an array of characters walks through the film in supporting cast to take the story forward. P & S’s mother Thamarai Nachiar (Kushboo) and father Nellaiyan Kondan (Jayaram), the scheming villain Manthiappan (Prakash Raj), who had a crush on the twin’s mother and is seeking revenge.
The loyal, devoted and courageous Rakki Annan (Raj Kiran), the guru of the twins. The only sister of theirs is played by Sneha. Napolean plays a king who is manipulated by his army chief. And the twins have two beautiful sisters Muthaagi (Pooja Chopra) and Pavalagi (Divya Parameshwaran) to romance.
Technically Ponnar Shankar is slick, count Muthuraj’s sets, Shaji’s camera work and Don Max’s editing. Music and re-recording of Ilaiyaraaja is a major plus, with ‘Kannai Padithaen’ being the pick of the lot.
The film belongs to Prashanth right from his terrific introductory scene riding a horse and doing some amazing action scenes. The other actors have only one or two scenes and are there to just carry the story forward.
On the downside the film has no logic, weak storyline and there is continuity problem and loop holes in the plot. However at the end of the day the film is made like a big budget period drama with the intention to entertain the mass audiences and it does to a large extent.