Ezhara Ponnana

Ezhara Ponnana is a hearty Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by Thulasidas and written by John Zakaria and Kaloor Dennis. The film was released on 16 October 1992. The film features an ensemble cast made up of popular actors at that time, including Jayaram, Siddique, and Kanaka. The film's title, Ezhara Ponnana, indicates a vibrant, festive context, referring to the golden elephant figurine which is the protagonist's object of desire.

The story revolves around Unnikrishnan (Jayaram), a simple yet lovable character from a village in Kerala whose life is intertwined with the lives of those around him, in hilarious and sometimes heart-wrenching ways. Jayaram, as expected, excels in his typical boy-next-door role, portraying the persona of Unnikrishnan with such naturality and charm that you can't help but feel connected to the character.

The film starts with Unnikrishnan's desire to acquire a Ezhara Ponnana, a golden elephant figurine offered to the local deity in his village's annual festival. It's believed that owning this golden elephant can bring prosperity and ward off evil spirits. With his heart set for the Ezhara Ponnana, Unnikrishnan gets entangled in a series of comedic and dramatic events that lead him through various adventures and misadventures.

Another important character in the film is the cunning businessman Vijaya Krishnan (portrayed by Siddique). Siddique, with his charming screen presence, is perfect for the role, taking us on a roller coaster ride of emotions from humor to trepidation with his earnest performance. His character's interactions with Unnikrishnan form the crux of the story, adding a mix of tension and levity.

Kanaka plays the love interest of Unnikrishnan, stealing hearts with her innocent charm and chemistry with Jayaram. Her character strengthens the emotional bond and intensifies the struggles of Unnikrishnan, thus making the story intriguing and heart-touching.

The keen performances by all the actors are supported by a script that excellently blends comedy and drama, yielding a film that both tickles the funny bone and pulls at the heartstrings. John Zakaria and Kaloor Dennis deserve commendation for their brilliant storytelling, ensuring the film remains entertaining throughout without losing the depth and essence of each character and their emotions.

The director, Thulasidas, has done an excellent job on his part by successfully bringing out the true essence of life in a typical Kerala village, with his realistic direction. The scenes are set in an array of picturesque locales, each impeccably capturing Kerala's landscapes' heart and soul, from its lush paddy fields to its exotic backwaters.

The music in Ezhara Ponnana is a masterpiece composed by Johnson Master. He has harmoniously integrated traditional forms with modern beats, creating tracks that complement the overall narrative and mood of the scenes.

Furthermore, Ezhara Ponnana fully capitalizes on its supporting actors, each of whom brings their unique humor style to the screen. They wonderfully compliment the lead cast, adding layers to the storyline and making pivotal contributions to the narrative.

In conclusion, Ezhara Ponnana is much more than just a comedy-drama; it is a flavorful slice of life story textured with humor, drama, love, and community spirit. With its soulful depiction of village life, well-rounded characters, engrossing narrative, and beautiful soundtrack, the film offers a rich cinematic experience that stays with viewers long after the end credits roll.

While the film was released in the 90s, it still holds relevancy today due to its timeless themes and engaging storytelling. For those particularly interested in Malayalam cinema, this movie is among the classics that helped shape its landscape, promising a captivating watch for both its comedic elements and its heartfelt moments.