Manjummel Boys Movie Review
Manjummel Boys
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“Manjummel Boys” is a Malayalam-language survival thriller film, dubbed into Telugu, written and directed by Chidambaram. It is produced under the banner of Parava Films, and its Telugu release is handled by Mythri Movie Makers. The film features an ensemble cast, including Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Lal Jr., Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, Khalid Rahman, Chandu Salimkumar, Shebin Benson, and Vishnu Reghu. The music is composed by Sushin Shyam, cinematography is by Shyju Khalid, and editing is done by Vivek Harshan. Initially released in Malayalam, the film grossed 200 crores, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever. It is now being released in Telugu. Let’s see Whether the film resonates with telugu audience or not.
Story:
Set in 2006, a group of ten friends from Manjummel spontaneously decide to head to Kodaikanal for a trip, inspired by their rival gang’s adventurous lifestyle. While exploring the Guna Cave, one of them falls into the deep pit known as Devil’s Kitchen, where no one has ever survived. The film follows the Manjummel Boys’ race against time to save their friend from this deadly gorge.
Analysis:
The movie recounts the gripping tale of a group of friends embarking on a trip to Kodaikanal, only to find themselves in a perilous situation within the depths of the Guna Caves. Despite warnings, their curiosity leads them to explore forbidden areas, resulting in one friend, Subhash, falling into a treacherous pit. As tension mounts, they grapple with fear while seeking help from locals and authorities. Amidst the reluctance of the police, the bravery of Siju David shines as he ventures into the abyss to rescue Subhash, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and resilience against adversity.
Manjummel Boys
Themes of friendship, courage, and resilience resonate throughout the film, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance in overcoming challenges. The narrative delves into the impact of trauma and the healing process, particularly as Subhash copes with the aftermath of his ordeal. Grounded in true events, the movie’s authenticity lends depth and credibility to the storyline. The portrayal of the Manjummel Boys’ courage and eventual recognition serves as a testament to the strength of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.
Clocking in at 2 hours and 15 minutes, the film’s initial moments may feel less engaging. However, the director skillfully establishes the world of the friends, gradually introducing elements like their struggles in tug-of-war competitions, which later play a crucial role in their rescue efforts. References to the history of the caves, illustrated through closed-off holes with grills, add depth to the storyline. The strategic use of the song “Kanmani” throughout the movie, including the beginning, end, and references to the iconic film “Guna,” adds a nostalgic and thematic layer to the narrative. Despite the challenge of maintaining audience engagement within a single location, the director succeeds in creating a compelling and immersive experience.
Highs:
- Narration.
- Performances.
- Emotional depth.
- Engaging second half.
Lows:
- Pacing issues in the first 20 minutes
Technical Aspects:
The film benefits from high production values, captivating music by Shusin Shyam, striking cinematography by Shyju Khalid, and effective editing, particularly in the second half.
Chidambaram’s direction impresses, especially in delivering emotional depth and presenting the central incident on screen. The film also pays homage to the legendary Kamal Haasan’s “Guna” and the beautiful “Priyathama” track. However, the first half an hour falls short, indicating room for improvement.
Verdict:
Overall, the movie delivers a compelling narrative of courage and friendship amidst adversity. Despite some pacing concerns, its authentic storytelling and thematic depth make it a worthwhile watch, showcasing the strength of human resilience.
