‘Manjummel Boys’ Review: Chidambaram’s Masterful Survival Thriller
While the survival thriller aspect evokes memories of Bharathan’s ‘Malootty’, this film diverges by closely linking events to the characters’ friendship. Chidambaram’s “Manjummel Boys” intricately connects details; a character’s loud screams and a tug-of-war competition surprisingly pay off, adding unexpected depth to the narrative.
In his debut film “Jan-E-Man,” Chidambaram showcased his ability to navigate between humor and seriousness seamlessly. With “Manjummel Boys,” inspired by a real-life incident, he faces different challenges. Despite the audience knowing the eventual outcome, the film manages to keep us engaged, which is quite remarkable.
Manjummel Boys kicks off casually, with the gang crashing a wedding and engaging in tiffs with a rival group. The laid-back vibe persists until a pivotal moment when one of them falls into a ravine. By then, the unique traits of the eleven friends have already etched themselves in our minds. This connection becomes crucial in the latter part of the film. Where the emotional depth of their bond takes center stage. The story hinges on the camaraderie.They share, adding a layer of emotional resonance that binds the audience to their journey.
Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)
- Director: Chidambaram
- Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi, Jean Paul Lal, Chandu Salimkumar, Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurien, Khalid Rahman
- Run-time: 135 minutes
- Storyline: A group of eleven friends embarks on a trip to Kodaikanal, facing unexpected challenges when one of them falls into a ravine.
Ajayan Chalissery’s meticulous production design, depicting the bat-filled ravine, coupled with Shyju Khalid’s visuals during the rescue and Sushin Shyam’s immersive yet subtle background score, creates a compelling sense of being present in the moment. During a pivotal scene, Sushin steps back, allowing Ilayaraja’s classic ‘Kanmani Anbodu Kathalan’ from Gunaa to take center stage. This gracefully executed sequence, also a tribute, almost redefines the memory of the original scene featuring Kamal Haasan.
The epilogue’s references to the real event, with snapshots of the actual people involved, enhance the film’s impact. The well-suited cast contributes significantly to the film’s success, delivering precisely what was needed. With Manjummel Boys, Chidambaram showcases a flawlessly crafted survival thriller, solidifying his position in the industry. Clearly, he has established himself as a filmmaker with staying power.
