Manjummel Boys

I don't know where to start. The movie is engaging right from the start to the end. Every actor has performed like there is no tomorrow. I don't want to give anything away but please DO NOT wait for this to come out on OTT. It is a definite theater experience and if you are a malayalee, you will come out walking full of pride because of the quality and depth of this movie's overall production. These are the movies that should be showcased in Cannes and what not.

Entire Manjummel Team - you guys have delivered a masterpiece and thank you giving us the perfect survival thriller. Hollywood - take note!

Wow!! Malayalam cinema delivers again. "Manjummel Boys" is a total emotional rollercoaster, especially if you're the kind of person who really feels with characters. Personally, I went through it all: happy, scared, mad, totally despairing, and even felt like I was choking right along with these guys, rooting for them to find some kind of redemption.

As to those who are familiar, this is based on a true story from 2006. It's about a crew of eleven friends who hit the road for Kodaikanal. The good times are rolling, laughter's echoing through the hills, until one wrong step leads to a chilling reality, the infamous Devil's Kitchen, a place known for swallowing anyone who falls. Fear takes over, despair creeps in, but their bond-that strong, unbreakable friendship-becomes this incredible beacon in the darkness, igniting a desperate rescue mission.

Funny thing, the poster initially made me think this was some kind of horror flick - I was picturing a zombie apocalypse or intense internal conflicts. The trailer cleared that up, but after watching it today, I realized it was so much more. I truly saw fear, despair, a real-life drama packed with injustice, and an incredible tale of friendship shining through absolute hopelessness.

On the acting front, almost everyone absolutely shines, with some moments hitting pure brilliance. Soubin Shahir delivers like always, but Sreenath Bhasi completely steals the show as the young atheist. Seriously, he deserves praises for perfectly conveying every single emotion of someone helpless but desperately clinging to the tiniest shred of hope.

Another huge win for this film is the cinematography by Shyju Khalid. It's stunning to watch how every shot takes on this macabre, chilling tone as things get intense, with every detail just popping on screen. And big props to the makeup team for transforming Bhasi so powerfully in the second half. The editing by Vivek Harshan deserves a massive shoutout for those incredible cuts, especially how he weaves Bhasi's cave scene with his childhood memories. He pulls off a similar magic trick with Soubin Shahir, creating one of the film's most powerful moments.

The soundtrack is just as amazing. Sushin Shyam's score plays with light and dark, hope and despair, perfectly mirroring the film's emotional ups and downs. That pre-interval scene with Soubin Shahir's reaction, accompanied by that stripped-down score, is pure genius. And then the climax hits you with Ilayaraaja's iconic "Kanmani Anbodu Kaadhal"-a total gut punch of emotion. This brilliant homage to the evergreen classic from Kamal Haasan's "Gunaa" truly leaves a lasting impact.

Final thoughts: Malayalam cinema just keeps on winning! After recent hits like "Attam," "Abraham Ozler," "Premalu," "Anweshippin Kandethum," and "Bramayugam ((and yes, you should check out my review for that one!)," "Manjummel Boys" absolutely joins that must-watch list. This is an honest, smart film packed with excellent performances and technical wizardry. While it's not absolutely flawless, after all the emotional turbulence you experience with these "Manjummel Boys," any minor missteps are easily forgiven. This film is a testament to Director Chidambaram's masterful execution; he truly crafted a rollercoaster of emotions and an unforgettable tale of friendship.

I have to say, I didn't expect "Manjummel Boys" to unfold the way it did! As my first film of 2025, it completely caught me off guard. At first, I thought it would be a straightforward buddy film, but it took some surprising turns that really kept me engaged. The story beautifully explores friendship in a way that feels both heartfelt and real.

The cinematic framing is absolutely stunning! Every shot is thoughtfully composed, and the locations are just gorgeous. They really add to the overall vibe of the film and make you feel like you're right there with the characters. It's a visual treat that complements the powerful storytelling.

If you're looking for a film that celebrates friendship while also delivering an impressive cinematic experience, Manjummel Boys is definitely one to watch!

"Manjummel Boys" is a cinematic marvel that captivates audiences with its impeccable direction and compelling storytelling. From the outset, it establishes itself as a masterpiece deserving of the highest praise. The casting choices are impeccable, with each actor delivering performances that are not just top-class but also remarkably authentic and evocative.

One of the film's standout features is its cinematography, which elevates every scene to a new level of visual splendor. The way in which the scenes are captured demonstrates a keen attention to detail, immersing viewers in the world of the story and enhancing their emotional connection to the characters. Additionally, the use of color in the film is masterful, adding depth and richness to the narrative while also serving as a visual metaphor for the themes explored.

Overall, "Manjummel Boys" is a cinematic triumph that exceeds expectations in every aspect. Its direction, storytelling, casting, acting, cinematography, and use of color all contribute to an unforgettable viewing experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It is a film that not only entertains but also resonates on a profound level, making it a must-watch for cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike.

Often times turning real life incidents to movies, personally for me doesn't really hit the right spots with its over exaggeration and dramatisation. But what Chidambaram has done is quite magnificent, considering this is his second movie after his directorial debut, Jan-e-man. In a month where multiple Malayalam movies has been going at each other in the box office, especially with Bramayugam being so critically acclaimed, this movie is made so well that it makes a movie like Bramayugam fall short.

Performances from the whole cast, especially Soubin and Bhasi are next level and Sushin's music, Shyju Khalid's cinematography, editing by Vivek Harsha and costumes by Mashar Hamsa are all noteworthy. This is a kind of movie that elevates the industry to levels it's never seen before and I'm glad that the Malayalam industry are turning out to be juggernauts in movie making, not just in India but globally.

Do watch the movie as it reels you in from the moment it starts and lets you go only when it finishes. Kudos to the whole team behind the movie and can't wait for the rest of the Malayalam movies to roll out for the year.