Ponvannan is an South Indian movie actor and director, who works in the Tamil industry. Ponvannan apprenticed as a director and writer under Bharathiraja. He subsequently made his directorial debut with Annai Vayal (1992), before making the critically acclaimed venture, Nadhi Karaiyinile (2003).

He has since appeared as a supporting actor in films, winning acclaim for his role in films including Paruthiveeran (2007), Ayan (2009), Vaagai Sooda Vaa and Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014).