Ponman: Padakkalam star Sharafudheen says Basil Joseph's PP Ajesh is the most masculine character - 'I felt jealous...'
Ponman: Sharafudheen, who recently starred in Padakkalam, has also lavished praise on Basil Joseph’s character PP Ajesh, calling it the most masculine character he has seen in recent times.
Last Updated: 07.15 PM, Jul 01, 2025
When Basil Joseph-led Ponman released in theatres in January 2025, the Malayalam film did win positive reviews but was not the ultimate crowd puller. But the film won its appreciation after its OTT debut, with netizens praising Basil Joseph for his poignant performance as PP Ajesh. Now, Malayalam actor Sharafudheen, who recently starred in Padakkalam, has also lavished praise on Basil Joseph’s character PP Ajesh, calling it the most masculine character he has seen in recent times.
Sharafudheen on Basil Joseph’s Ponman
The team of Ponman, the 2025 Malayalam film, recently held the 50th day celebration, felicitating the cast and crew. Padakkalam star Sharafudheen also joined in the celebrations, stating that he really liked the film.
While stating that he is not sure if it is politically correct to say so, but Sharafudheen nevertheless remarked, "PP Ajesh is one of the most masculine characters I have seen in recent times. I found it to be an interesting character.” He further said that the makers portrayed such a character wonderfully, without indulging in violence.
He further said, “I felt jealous about this (character).”
Notably, Ponman is helmed by Jothish Shankar, an art director-turned filmmaker. He was the art director of Aarkkariyam, which starred Sharafudheen along with Biju Menon and Parvathy Thiruvothu. Aarkkariyam was helmed by Sanu John Varghese, who served as the cinematographer for Ponman.
Basil Joseph’s PP Ajesh
In Ponman, Basil Joseph played PP Ajesh, a small-town gold dealer, who lends jewellery to brides from poor backgrounds with the condition that either the jewellery or the money would be returned after the wedding. However, when he gives jewellery to Bruno’s sister Stephy (an emphatic Lijomol Jose), it is not returned as promised. But Ajesh is determined to get back his gold, even if it means standing up to the burly Mariano (Sajin Gopu). And that PP Ajesh succeeds despite the odds stacked against him makes Ponman a brave tale on the triumph of the underdogs.