Ponni
Directed by	Thoppil Bhasi
Screenplay by	Thoppil Bhasi
Produced by	M. O. Joseph
Starring	Kamal Haasan Lakshmi
Cinematography	Balu Mahendra
Edited by	M. S. Mani
Music by	G. Devarajan
Production company	Manjilas
Distributed by	Central Pictures
Release date	September 3, 1976 (1976-09-03)
Country	India
Language	Malayalam

Ponni is a 1976 Malayalam language film scripted and directed by Thoppil Bhasi based on Malayattoor Ramakrishnan's novel of the same name. Produced by M. O. Joseph under the banner of Manjilas, the film features music by G. Devarajan, cinematography by Balu Mahendra and editing by M. S. Mani. It has Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist and Lakshmi in the eponymous role. The supporting cast includes Soman, Adoor Bhasi, Sankaradi, Janardhanan, Rajakumari and K. P. A. C. Lalitha.

Plot

The film is based on the lifestyle of Adivasis of Attappady at Malleswaram Hills. Slash and burn cultivation practised by the Adivasis suddenly stopped by the Government forcing them to search for new jobs. The hero changes his hair style to suit the times. The courtship dance and traditional songs were depicted in a realistic way.

Writing

The film is based on Malayattoor's famous novel titled Ponni. The novel was written in 1966-67 and was inspired by true stories that Malayattoor heard when he worked as Ottappalam sub collector during 1959 - 1961.