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Critics Review
2.75
Too Predictable And Simplistic!
The film pans out exactly as anticipated and the absence of any real intelligent move by either of the lawyers during the case is a big disappointment. (more)
Source: Bharath Vijayakumar, MovieCrow
2.00
Jyotika - starrer is let down by muddled writing
Jyotika carries the film with her performance, but you wish she varied the mix of pain-sorrow-determination: after a point it becomes one-note. (more)
Source: Subhra Gupta, Indian Express
1.50
A Superb Jyotika Fails To Lift An Unoriginal Plot
Much of Tamil cinema is shoddily penned, and scriptwriters exhibit lethargy and take the easy way out by lifting scenes or ideas from other films and not just Hindi but even foreign. Ponmagal Vandhal despite its bold attempt bypass the theatre, fails to offer any plot originality. (more)
Source: Gautaman Bhaskaran, News18
2.00
As far as courtroom dramas go, Ponmagal Vandhal is decidedly lacklustre.
Ponmagal Vandhal is decidedly lacklustre. Instead of fiery dialogues and charged arguments between the opposing lawyers what we get are emotional statements being passed off as explosive proof. And to top it, Fredrick even gives us shots of people in the courtroom wiping off their tears on hearing the lead's heartfelt speech. (more)
Source: Suganth , Times Of India
3.00
Jyotika's thriller has the twists, leaves us wanting more
The twist at the end is unexpected, and brings the film together -- the different versions of what we've watched so far melding to form one narrative. It's just as effective as the interval block. Ponmagal Vandhal is ambitious in what it wants to do and Fredrick has good instincts as a filmmaker.(more)
Source: Sowmya Rajendran, The News Minute
3.50
Jyotika doesn't punch hard but sincerely delivers clarion call to believe women's stories
Ponmagal Vandhal fits perfectly into Jyotika's pursuit: Every film is a milestone in her single-minded journey of women's empowerment. This milestone is one of empathy. Ponmagal Vandhal is the story of Venba who put herself in the shoes of another woman. But it is also a clarion call for all of us to believe women's stories. (more)
Source: Ranjani Krishnakumar, Firstpost.com
3.00
Jyotika's film encourages rape survivors to speak up
Debutant director JJ Fredrick's Ponmagal Vandhal starring Jyotika delivers a strong message about the judicial system, sexual abuse and the trauma that survivors go through. Apart from a few flaws in the screenplay, the film touches upon a sensitive topic that the country doesn't quite pay heed to. (more)
Source: Janani, India Today
2.50
A Middling Courtroom Drama Starring Jyotika That's Not As Engaging As It Is Important
The film understands that the legal system is flawed but it doesn't completely reject it either. So it's not about breaking the law as much as it is about slipping through its cracks. For Venba, it's not about retaliation. It's more about restoring balance, both internal and external. Ponmagal Vandhal achieves this because the perpetrators of the film's most heinous crime are already dead.(more)
Source: Vishal Menon, Filmcompanion.in