Manjummel Boys

The Malayalam movie industry is churning out some really interesting content, and this movie is no exception. Films like this showcase that big budgets, star casts, and exotic locations are not prerequisites for a good movie. Content and content alone are the primary things that matter.

This is a tale of beautiful friendship where a group of friends from Kerala goes on a trip to Guna Caves in Tamil Nadu. The caves have a restricted area for the public, but the boys, being boys, explore that area, and one of them falls into a 900 ft deep pit. It is called The Devil's Kitchen because nobody has ever been pulled out alive. How these friends stand together, going above and beyond to save him from the death trap, is what the story is all about.

Being inspired by a true story, it hits you differently. The screenplay is well-written and keeps you engaged with the narrative. The editing is crisp, keeping the pace of the movie quite fast with not a dull moment at all. A standout scene was when they use their tug-of-war skills to untie a knot. It was sheer brilliance in writing.

The song 'Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan' is a masterstroke used at a crucial moment in the film. It triggers your emotions to another level. The background music and score by Sushin Shyam are commendable too, as they build up the emotional quotient in the viewers. The cinematography is noteworthy as it makes you believe the setup is from the real location. Although the scenes inside the cave are a bit patchy, it can be forgiven as the budget was quite tight.

The movie features an ensemble cast with Soubin Shahir in the lead. However, I feel he is pretty mediocre, and here it is no different. But the makers couldn't do anything as he is the producer too. The other actors- Balu Varghese, Ganapathi, Lal Jr., Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, and others-have done their parts to perfection. Sreenath Bhasi, in a special appearance, has done a good job and made his presence felt.

This survival thriller must be watched to feel the thrill for yourself. There is no surprise why it created a stir at the box office, as the director Chidambram has made a brilliant movie with minor glitches. #pranureviews #ManjummalBoys #ManjummalBoysReview

P. S: My only concern is that the real boys (upon whom the movie is based) are suddenly being hailed as heroes, which is troublesome. They broke the rules and ended up in a bad situation, and there's nothing truly heroic about that. However, their pure friendship is certainly something to be admired.

If a film can be evaluated even on one criteria, Manjummel Boys is one; and that criteria for me is the superb cinematography.

Based on a true story of a disaster that befalls a group of friends. They are mentioned as boys of the village named Manjummel though they look grown up men but act as immaturely as boys in their getting high at a marriage.

They decide to take a holiday trip to Goa but end up in Kodaikanal where they go to explore what is called Guna Cave the name having derived from the title of Kamal Hassan movie.

Here they meet a disaster.

From a boisterous rather loud childish- for-the age bunch, they grow up to the seriousness of the situation. One of the "boys" falls in a crevice and here the drama of survival and rescue and comradery begins. Really superb photography takes over and that is what makes the film immensely watchable.

Director Chidambaram deserves full praise for Manjummel Boys.

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.

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.