Never Ending Movie Carnival
Never Ending Movie Carnival
Manjummel Boys Review : A Chilling Rescue Thriller
What: Manjummel Boys - directed by Chidambaram and based on a true story is one of the best Malayalam films made in recent times.
Manjummel Boys Synopsis
A happy and cheerful marriage ceremony in the heart of a small town called Manjummel near Kochi in Kerala at the start of the film insinuates something unpleasant. There is a group of friends who enjoy playing tug of war and challenge the opponents with gusto. We see that they are skilled at it. Soon they plan a boys-only-getaway to the scenic Kodaikanal hill station.
The hunky-dory trip to Kodaikanal turns into a nightmare for the band of boys whenever one of them named Subhash (Sreenath Bhasi - Ustad Hotel, Kumbalangi Nights previous) falls into a frighteningly deep trench in the restricted zone of the Guna caves. A swarm of bats dangerously make their way into the air from the deep ravine after the fall, indicating a terrifying event to unfold.
What follows is a chilling ordeal for the remaining who cry and clamour for all kinds of help to get their friend back despite bleak hope of survival thrown by the localities, the hostile police and the rescue squad.
With spectacular shots and cinematography by Shyju Khalid, the film keeps you riveted through the fear and unpredictability it unleashes in the deep and dark abyss that has claimed the lives of many. Chidambaram (Jan.E.Man previous) conjures a vivid and striking sense of tension as we traverse through the predicament of the boys in despair. Some say that the perilously deep cave is haunted, and some say that it’s the Devil Kitchen – no one who has fallen into it has been brought back.
In the mid of the chaos, the police get unbearably apathetic and indignant while dealing with the boys. That’s the only point where I found the crisp writing to diminish to evoke sentiments. Otherwise, the narrative resonates with us as it exhibits a vivid bond of brotherhood, compassion, and the triumph of the human spirit as well as inventive filmmaking.
Chidambaram assembles relatively unknown and new faces which makes it look more realistic. Sreenath is outstanding in the film and makes the trauma of Subhash palpable. It is a tough and ardent job to portray the mental turmoil of the character, but he does with a great finesse. Soubin Shahir who plays Kuttan is another actor who gives an achingly original performance and stands out in the lot.
Manjummel Boys – Final Words
The film is technically sumptuous and benefits enormously from the production design (Ajayan Chalissery) and authentic set pieces and an ominous background score by Sushin Shyam.
I am going with 4 stars out of 5 for Manjummel Boys. A very well crafted and neatly designed with strong emotional elements.
Ahwaan Padhee, is an IT Techie/Business Consultant by profession and a film critic/cinephile by passion, is also associated with Radio Playback as well, loves writing and conducting movie quizzes. More By Ahwaan Padhee