Ponnar Shankar (U)
08/Apr/2011

PONNAR SHANKAR

Critics Review

2.00

Nothing historical about Ponnar Shankar

The dialogues are choppy. The editing is half-baked, and many characters don't make sense. Logic has been thrown out of the window, and none of the major characters, have any chance of performing. The biggest drawback, though, is the fact that historical accuracy has been thrown to the winds. No time period is mentioned, there are no references to places or kings. As a historical movie, this one's an epic fail. (more)

Source: Pavithra Srinivasan, Rediff.com

2.00

Epic Disappointment

The story of Ponnar and Shankar had the potential, but inconsistent direction, editing and acting ensure that it doesn't fulfill any. On the plus side is the terrific work by the art director and cinematographer. But too many gaps in the story ensure that the movie never rises above its mediocrity and ends up being an epic disappointment.(more)

Source: Venkateswaran N, Times Of India

2.50

Entertainer

Ponnar Shankar has everything required to make an old fashioned period drama. 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(more)

Source: MovieBuzz, Sify.com

3.00

Vintage winner

It is rare that movies are made based on historic novels. Prashanth, who makes his comeback, has done it doubly well. The graphics, supervised by Prashanth himself, is highlight of the movie, though at places look amateurish. Unfortunately Ilayaraja disappoints with his music. On the flip side, the movie has many dragging moments. Too many characters come and go without leaving a mark. The first half proceeds at quick pace, but the latter part of ‘Ponnar Sankar’ stutters and staggers. (more)

Source: Editorial Board, IndiaGlitz.com

3.00

A treat for movie buffs who enjoy historical !

Kudos to director Thiagarajan, who has done an impressive job. He has given equal importance to all the characters in the film and brought the best out of them. Though the movie is engaging and engulfs you into its proceedings, it does not leave an impact after it is over as there is no ‘stand out’ factor. On the whole, Ponnar Shankar throws a big surprise of being a well made historic film that runs for just a little more than two hours. It is a sincere and successful attempt by the team.(more)

Source: Editorial Board, Behindwoods.com

3.00

An alluring canvas

Opulent sets, mesmerizing locations, rich costume, imposing cast … Ponnar Shankar's (U) positives are many. Yet they don't negate the loopholes in the line. Ilaiyaraja rules in re-recording. Made on a mind-boggling scale, you can watch Ponnar Shankar for its sheer grandeur. But it has not been bolstered by a powerful story which such celluloid magnificence warrants! Screenplay and direction don't help much either.(more)

Source: Malathi Rangarajan, The Hindu

3.50

Worth a watch with some compromises

Great action, good visuals and not much to complain about technically! Prashanth and Thiagarajan have done a great job in creating the pace and raciness of screenplay in this historical magnum opus which is well-packaged and will appeal to moviegoers across genres and regions. If you are ready to overlook some minor loopholes (which you may hardly even find), Ponnar Shankar is a great film to watch (especially on the big screen)! (more)

Source: Ambili S, galatta.com