Movie Review: Manjummel Boys (2024)

By Guruji Sunil Chaudhary, Leading Digital Success Coach

Plot Overview

Manjummel Boys is a gripping Malayalam survival thriller that revolves around a group of ten close-knit friends known as the Manjummel Boys. They decide to go on an adventurous trip to Kodaikanal, where they enjoy nature, camaraderie, and some light-hearted moments. However, their excursion takes an unexpected and perilous turn when one friend suggests exploring the Guna Caves, an infamous site known for being the shooting location of the Kamal Haasan film Guna. Disregarding multiple warning signs and the restricted nature of the area, the friends venture into the cave, curious to experience its thrill.

As they navigate deeper into the caverns, the excitement quickly turns into a nightmare when Subhash, one of the friends, accidentally falls into a seemingly bottomless pit. The group tries every possible way to establish contact with him, but their efforts prove futile. Desperate and frightened, they reach out to locals, forest guards, and even the police for help, only to receive a chilling response: the hole is referred to as “Devil’s Kitchen,” a place from which no one has ever returned. The movie then unfolds as a story of hope, despair, and the unbreakable bond of friendship, as the Manjummel Boys struggle against overwhelming odds to rescue their friend.

Cast and Acting Performances

The performances in Manjummel Boys are crucial in driving the narrative and creating an emotional connection with the audience. Each actor brings something unique to the table, helping to portray a realistic and heartfelt friendship.

Actor	Character	Performance Review
Soubin Shahir	Group Leader	Soubin Shahir takes on the role of the group’s de facto leader, delivering a nuanced performance that oscillates between hope and despair. His emotional intensity adds depth to the film, portraying the desperation of a friend fighting to save someone dear to him.
Sreenath Bhasi	Adventurous Friend	Sreenath Bhasi shines as the fun-loving, adventurous member of the group who brings both light-heartedness and urgency to the film. His portrayal is authentic, adding a sense of realism to the story and making the audience feel the anxiety of the situation.
Balu Varghese	Comic Relief	Balu Varghese provides much-needed comic relief in the first half of the film, balancing the darker tones of the second half. His humor feels natural and contributes to the group’s camaraderie, making the emotional shifts later on more impactful.
Subhash (Character)	Friend in Danger	Although Subhash, the character, has limited screen time due to his fall into the pit early in the film, his presence looms large throughout. His situation is the catalyst for the events, and the emotional weight is handled through his backstory and the friends’ reactions.

The ensemble cast succeeds in depicting a realistic group dynamic, where each character has their own distinctive traits and brings out the emotional highs and lows, especially during scenes that demand a deep display of friendship and distress.

Screenplay and Direction

The screenplay, penned by Chidambaram, serves as the backbone of Manjummel Boys. It excels in setting up a captivating first half that builds the tension step by step. The friendship, banter, and light moments shared by the friends feel genuine and serve to establish an emotional connection with the audience. The plot shift occurs seamlessly, moving from a fun-filled adventure to a harrowing struggle for survival.

However, the screenplay struggles in the second half with some repetitive scenes, especially the sequences involving external help that doesn’t yield results. This slightly diminishes the urgency of the rescue, and a tighter edit could have maintained the gripping pace established earlier. Despite these minor setbacks, Chidambaram’s direction remains impactful, with a realistic approach that keeps the audience immersed in the perilous situation. The film does well to capture the spirit of adventure and the essence of a survival thriller.

Cinematography Highlights

The visual presentation of Manjummel Boys significantly adds to the overall experience, creating an atmosphere that feels both thrilling and ominous.

Aspect	Details
Real Locations	The movie is shot in authentic locations, including Perumbavoor and the actual Guna Caves. This decision enhances the film’s realism, as the visuals genuinely convey the rugged and dangerous environment.
Cave Sequences	The cinematography by capturing the tight, dark spaces of the caves effectively creates a sense of claustrophobia and heightens the suspense. The dim lighting, combined with close-up shots, immerses the audience into the friends’ ordeal.
Action and Stunt Work	The camera work in the action scenes, particularly during the attempts to navigate the cave’s dangerous ledges and the rescue sequences, helps maintain a high level of tension. The use of handheld shots adds to the intensity.
Atmospheric Details	The film uses natural sound and lighting to its advantage, enhancing the eerie atmosphere within the cave. The visuals reflect the characters’ fear and uncertainty, contributing to the overall suspenseful tone.

Box Office Predictions

The movie’s adventurous theme and survival plot are expected to resonate well with the audience, especially the younger crowd that enjoys thrillers and suspense-driven stories. The unique setting and realistic approach could help attract viewers. However, the film’s niche appeal may limit its reach beyond Malayalam-speaking regions, unless it garners significant word-of-mouth support.

Market	Box Office Prediction	Performance Expectation
Kerala (Domestic Market)	₹10-12 Crore	Strong opening expected due to the local appeal, real-life filming locations, and well-known cast.
Tamil Nadu (Dubbed Version)	₹5-6 Crore	Moderate performance anticipated, as survival thrillers have a limited but steady audience here.
Overseas (Malayalam Diaspora)	₹3-4 Crore	Likely to perform well in regions with a large Malayalam-speaking community, such as the Middle East and the U.S.
Total Predicted Earnings	₹18-22 Crore	Decent earnings anticipated, with word-of-mouth potentially driving more viewership.

Conclusion

Manjummel Boys offers a unique take on the survival thriller genre with its authentic depiction of friendship and adventure. The film benefits from strong performances by Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Balu Varghese, who bring depth and humor to their roles. The screenplay, while gripping for the most part, stumbles slightly with repetitive elements in the latter half, which could have been addressed with tighter editing. The cinematography captures the dangerous beauty of Guna Caves, making the setting feel like a character in itself.

The film’s themes of friendship, bravery, and survival are effectively conveyed, making it a worthwhile watch for thriller enthusiasts. While not without its flaws, Manjummel Boys manages to keep the audience invested in the group’s struggle against the odds. With its mix of adventure, humor, and suspense, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the bonds of friendship can be stronger than fear.

Rating: ★★★ (3/5)