Manjummel Boys Review
Manjummel Boys: A Captivating Journey of Friendship and Survival
Director: Chidambaram
Producer: Soubin Shahir, Shawn Antony, Babu Shahir
Release Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathy, Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Jean Paul Lal, Khalid Rahman, among others.
Where to Watch: Disney Plus Hot Star
Manjummel Boys Review
“Manjummel Boys,” a 2024 Malayalam hit, has made its way to Telugu audiences, thanks to its April 6 release. With renowned Tollywood production companies like Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings backing it, the film has already garnered significant attention. But what impact does “Manjummel Boys” leave on the audience? Let’s dive into the story, performances, and technical aspects to find out.
The Story: Idea
“Manjummel Boys” follows a group of friends from Kerala who set out on a trip to Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. What starts as a carefree holiday quickly takes a dark turn when they visit the Guna Caves, known for their iconic appearance in Kamal Haasan’s film “Gunaa.” The group, led by Kuttan (Soubin Shahir) and Subhash (Sreenath Bhasi), encounters unexpected events that test their friendship and survival instincts.
The film introduces a host of supporting characters, including tourist guide Dominic (Ramachandra Durairaj), photographer Ratnavel (Vijay Gaura), and local authorities like SI (Vijay Muthu), Forest Range Officer (Mani), Police Officer (Sasi Kumar), and Head Constable (Kathiresan). As the narrative unfolds, the complexities of their journey and the reactions of various characters add depth to the story.
The Performances:
Despite being relatively unknown in Telugu cinema, the cast of “Manjummel Boys” delivers authentic and engaging performances. Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi lead the ensemble, portraying their roles with natural ease. The rest of the cast, including Balu Varghese, Ganapathy, Deepak Parambol, and Khalid Rahman, bring believable chemistry and camaraderie to the screen.
A memorable highlight is the appearance of the real-life Manjummel Boys during a climactic tug-of-war scene, adding a touch of authenticity and nostalgia. Overall, the actors avoid overacting, instead focusing on delivering genuine emotions that resonate with viewers.
The Technical Aspects
Director Chidambaram’s screenplay and direction skillfully capture the essence of the story, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents in 2006. The narrative balances moments of nostalgia with intense emotions as the story unfolds in the picturesque landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
While the pacing could have been tighter, particularly in the early scenes, the film ultimately finds its stride, thanks to Sushin Shyam’s evocative music and Shyju Khalid’s stunning cinematography. The film beautifully captures the camaraderie among the friends, while the interval block sets the stage for a dramatic second half.
Though the screenplay could have taken the emotional intensity to another level, “Manjummel Boys” successfully navigates its core themes of friendship and survival. Vivek Harshan’s editing keeps the narrative flowing, even if some scenes feel slightly drawn out.
Manjummel Boys Review: The Bottom Line
“Manjummel Boys” is a gripping survival thriller that resonates with audiences thanks to its emotional depth, strong performances, and stunning visuals. While the story might be simple, the film compensates with powerful themes and engaging character dynamics. Despite some pacing issues, the movie manages to leave a lasting impact.
Pros:
- Compelling performances
- Beautiful cinematography
- Engaging background score
- Strong emotional themes
Cons:
- Slow initial pace
- Simplicity of the story
With a solid rating of 3 out of 5, “Manjummel Boys” is a well-crafted film that pays tribute to friendship, resilience, and the unexpected turns of life. It serves as a reminder that a good story can transcend language and cultural barriers, offering a memorable cinematic experience for audiences everywhere.