Poogambam Tamil Movie Review: A One-Man Effort.

Poogambam Tamil Movie Review: A One-Man Effort.


Storyline and Concept:

“Poogambam” is a Tamil film written, directed, produced, and acted by Ishakhusaini, who impressively takes on dual roles as both Prabhakaran (Lakshmanan) and Porkai Pandiyan (Ram). The film’s production executive and co-director is N. M. Eliyas, with PRO Vijayamuralee managing promotions. The storyline contrasts two worlds, one of a young student returning to India for higher education and another of a corrupt man chasing political power at any cost.

The Tale of Two Brothers:

The movie opens with Prabhakaran, an honest and ambitious student, and Ram, a morally corrupt individual aiming to become an MLA. Ram helps two young women, but his true motives emerge when he expresses his desire to marry the younger one. Who, instead, falls in love with Prabhakaran. This emotional triangle soon turns into a rivalry when Prabhakaran challenges Ram’s political path. A major twist unfolds as both characters discover they are brothers, setting the stage for emotional conflict and eventual realization.

Satanism and the Battle Between Good and Evil:

Adding a darker layer, the film introduces Sathya, a man who practices Satanism and initially tries to support Porkai Pandiyan. Later, Sathya learns that Porkai Pandiyan’s father had killed his father, turning his assistance into vengeance. The director uses this subplot to explore questions about morality, revenge, and faith. While the concept of Satanism is an unusual and bold choice for Tamil cinema, it feels underdeveloped and somewhat disconnected from the main narrative. Still, it represents the larger fight between right and wrong, both within society and within oneself.


Questioning the Morality Behind the Message:


Prabhakaran’s character is meant to represent righteousness and integrity, but the way it’s presented raises several questions. As a student leader, he speaks about honesty and standing against corrupt politicians, yet some of his own actions contradict the very values he promotes. Why does Prabhakaran accept money from Porkai Pandiyan if he truly believes in rejecting corruption? And where is the moral when he maintains a physical relationship with the girl, leading to her pregnancy during their college days? These moments appear inconsistent with the film’s intended message about ethics and righteousness. The director’s intention to highlight social awareness and moral integrity is evident. Still, the lack of coherence between message and character behavior leaves the audience questioning the depth and clarity of the film’s values.

Performances and Technical Aspects:

Ishakhusaini shoulders the entire project, as actor, director, and producer, with clear sincerity and effort. His dual role performance adds emotional depth, though the film would have benefited from tighter writing and smoother narration. N. M. Eliyas provides steady technical support as co-director, and the team has managed decent production within limited means. However, the screenplay and pacing could have been more engaging. Releasing during the Deepavali season alongside major titles like Deseal, Bison, and Dude, this independent film faces tough competition.

 

Verdict:

“Poogambam” is a one-man effort by Ishakhusaini that aims to combine entertainment. Though the narration lacks sharpness and the Satanism angle feels loosely connected. It is an attempt, with a need for a stronger cinematic execution.

Rating: 1.5 / 5

 

Comments