Manjummel Boys is a heartfelt survival thriller by writer-director Chidambaram, showcasing friendship, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, making it a must-watch for heartfelt storytelling.
Gist of the Story
A bunch of pals travel to Kodaikanal from Kerala. Guna Caves, a location that is truly forbidden, piques the curiosity of the passionate kids. After they all reach the forbidden area, one of them unintentionally tumbles into a deep cave hole.
| Directed by | Chidambaram S Poduval |
|---|---|
| Written by | Chidambaram S Poduval |
| Produced by | Soubin Shahir Babu Shahir Shawn Antony |
| Starring | Soubin Shahir Sreenath Bhasi Balu Varghese |
| Cinematography | Shyju Khalid |
| Edited by | Vivek Harshan |
| Music by | Sushin Shyam |
| Production company | Parava Films |
Detailed Plot
Based on a true event, Manjummel Boys tells the tale of eleven friends who organize a trip to Kodaikanal in 2006. After getting lost in the forbidden Guna Caves, one of them becomes stuck there. Primarily known for its three pillar-shaped boulders, Guna Caves is a well-known Kodaikanal viewing destination. In an attempt to reach the Guna Caves, around thirteen adults are said to have perished. The name Devil’s Kitchen was once applied to the caverns. But, they gained notoriety as Guna Caves as a result of the site being used for Kamal Haasan’s Guna (1991) Tamil film. Once the name of the caverns was changed to Guna caverns, a lot of people began to come. The kids in Manjummel Boys choose to go inside the caverns.
But the group’s senior member Kuttan (Soubin Shahir) advises them against it. However, the others disregard his advice and go into the caverns. As all of this is going on, Subhash (Sreenath Bhai) unintentionally falls into a deep pit in the caverns, turning the friends’ excursion into a nightmare. The villagers and police first decline to assist the children but later come around. The main focus of the movie is what transpires with Subhash and his buddies.
Artistes’ Performances
As Kuttan, Soubin Shahir does a great job playing the elder guy in the group. The actor does an excellent job of portraying the helplessness and misery he experiences at a pivotal point in the film. While Sreenath Bhasi’s physical makeover for the movie is impressive, there were several details about his character that the filmmakers might have done a better job with. Balu Varghese and Ganapathi, two members of the “Jan.E.Man” ensemble, make a cameo in “Manjummel Boys,” albeit in tiny parts. Chanthu, the son of veteran actor Salim Kumar, makes a strong film debut. Despite being a real eccentric, his character Abhilash is really important to the film.
Direction / Technical Side
Chidambaram’s suspenseful survival drama Manjummel Boys makes a deep impression. This suspenseful survival movie, starring Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi, is not your usual buddy movie. Let’s examine the specifics:
Unwavering Friendship:
The friendship between these guys is the essence of Manjummel Boys. Their journey serves as a monument to true friendship, and their relationship is indestructible. The picture masterfully conveys the core of their friendship, particularly amid one of them’s terrifying struggle.
True Story and Impact:
The tale gains weight from the fact that Manjummel Boys is based on a genuine story. It’s grounded in truth, not just a make-believe survival story. As the crew overcomes obstacles that may end their lives, the suspense increases and their fortitude is admirable.
Melodrama and Compassion:
The picture stays intense throughout, albeit the third act veers into melodrama at times. Emotional depth is provided by the film’s pervasive human compassion. Even with the knowledge that the kid would be saved, the effect is very strong.
Visuals, Music and Craftsmanship:
In terms of performance, screenplay, editing, and graphics, the movie is a true masterpiece. With a deft use of emotion and tension, director Chidambaram crafts a moving cinematic experience. The movie gains a lot more atmosphere with Sushin Shyam’s music in the second half, when the sound design dominates over the images.
Verdict;
In conclusion, Manjummel Boys is a celebration of friendship, resiliency, and the unbreakable human spirit rather than merely a survival thriller.It is admirable that writer-director Chidambaram was able to take a true event and turn it into a moving tale. This is a compelling movie that has heart, and it’s worth experiencing.