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Ponmana Selvan(1989)

3.9/10
Tamil139 minstheatrical

Ponmana Selvan is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by P. Vasu. The film stars Vijayakanth and Shobana in lead roles, with Gemini Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi, and Goundamani in supporting roles. The story follows Raja, a kind-hearted man who discovers he is adopted and faces betrayal from his own brothers. The film is a remake of the Kannada film Karunamayi. It features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with the song 'Nee Pottu Vecha' gaining lasting popularity. The title, meaning 'the gold hearted man', was chosen to reflect Vijayakanth's character. The film was released on 15 August 1989.

Director:P. Vasu
Occasion:Independence Day 1989
Mood:
emotionalupliftingdark
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
MX Player, YouTube
Theatrical Release
15 August 1989
Director
P. Vasu
Language
Tamil
Runtime
2h 19m
Rating
3.9/10

Storyline

Raja is the beloved eldest son of a respected family. His world shatters when he learns he is adopted. His brothers turn against him, and he is thrown out of his home. Raja must fight to reunite his family and win back the woman he loves.

A gold heart can heal any wound.

Film Details

3.9Rating
139Minutes
TamilLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date15 August 1989
Release Typetheatrical
OccasionIndependence Day 1989
Original Titleபொன்மனச் செல்வன்

Parental Guide

Violence
Moderate
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Moderate

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
emotionalupliftingdark
Themes
familyidentityjusticefriendship
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audiencefamily
Best Withfamily
Violence3
Emotion4
Humor2
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Ponmana Selvan

Cast reunions in this film: Goundamani & Ilayaraja (75 films together), Vijayakanth & Ilayaraja (50 films together), Ilayaraja & V. K. Ramasamy (42 films together), Ilayaraja & Radha Ravi (37 films together), Ilayaraja & Jaishankar (34 films together), and Ilayaraja & S. S. Chandran (24 films together).

Trivia

  • The film's title 'Ponmana Selvan' translates to 'Golden-Hearted Son', reflecting the protagonist's selfless nature.
  • This was one of the early major successes for director P. Vasu, who later directed the blockbuster 'Chandramukhi'.
  • Actor Ramki, who played the lead, was reportedly chosen for his ability to portray both intense action and family drama.
  • The movie's soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja was popular, with the song 'Ennai Thottu' becoming a hit.
  • A key theme is the value of adoption and chosen family, which was less common in mainstream films of that era.
  • The film's climax involves a dramatic courtroom scene, a staple in many 1980s Tamil family dramas.
  • It is sometimes noted for its portrayal of brotherly conflict and sacrifice, similar to other films of the period like 'Siva'.

Frequently Asked Questions