From script to marketing, 'Ponmagal Vandhal' is a mediocre melodrama

Tamil prejudice against North Indians, caste and class discrimination, and honour killing are other stock paraphernalia touched upon, to set up this 'realistic' film

There are two things that define "Ponmagal Vandhal". The first is Jyothika, as the film's protagonist who blazes through an authorbacked role in a project produced by her husband, Tamil superstar Suriya. The second is the message in the story. The film tries making a strong comment against rape and the sexual abuse of the girl child, which renders a noble intent to the effort.

Strangely, these very factors, on which everything about this film -- from script to marketing -- seems to hinge, also become a burden as the minutes pass, says IANS in a review.

Jyothika's image as a