Manjummel Boys is a 2024 Malayalam-language survival thriller film written and directed by Chidambaram. The film is based on a true incident that happened to a group of friends when they went on a trip to Kodaikanal. Mythri Movie Makers are releasing the Telugu dubbed version with the same title. The film has Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi, Lal Jr., Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, Khalid Rahman, Vishnu Reghu, Chandu Salimkumar, Shebin Benson, George Maryan, Viji & others in important roles. The music is composed by Sushin Shyam and the film is produced by Babu Shahir, Soubin Shahir & Shawn Antony under Parava Films
banner.
Story:
Set in 2006, a group of friends from Manjummel go on a vacation trip to Kodaikanal & get into a daring rescue mission to save one of their friends who has fallen into the Guna Caves, a perilously deep pit from where nobody has ever been brought back. Will they find their friend? How will the Manjummel Boys save their friend? Needs to be seen in the film.
What about on-screen performances?
Shoubin Shahir as Kuttan plays the toughest part and he does an excellent job with his performance. His efforts in the rescue mission are appreciable and the way he showcased his expression in the rescue part is commendable.
Sreenath Bhasi also gets an equally tough role and he delivers a superb act as Subhash, the guy who falls into the pit. His performance stands out, especially in the second half where the audience literally feels the pain through his expressions.
All the rest of the ensemble cast in the Friends gang and other supporting artists namely - Balu Varghese, Ganapathi, Lal Jr., Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, Khalid Rahman, Vishnu Reghu, Chandu Salimkumar, Shebin Benson, George Maryan, Viji & others portrayed their characters with a natural and realistic approach.
What about off-screen talents?
The plot is based on a real incident that has happened in Kodaikanal. The adapted story is well-written and has enough moments to keep us hooked to the screens. The Telugu dialogues are neatly translated and the Telugu dubbing is done right too.
The screenplay by Chidambaram is pretty engaging, except for the first 20 minutes where the world-building and the character introductions could have been done in a much better manner. But right from the time where the friends go to the cave, the pace picks up and the entire rescue operation will have us on the edge of our seats. The drama between the friends, the cops, and a few other characters near the cave is well-induced into the plot.
Director Chidambaram does a super job with his presentation. The way he envisioned the whole incident and presented it on the big screen is commendable. Putting aside the slow-paced initial half of the film, he delivers a gripping tale that revolves mainly around human emotions, with friendship taking the front seat.
The cinematography by Shyju Khalid stands out. The film demands a great effort in the visuals where the audience has to feel the suffocation and tension and he contributed effectively in this regard.
The background score by Sushin Shyam and the sound design by Shijin Hutton & Abhishek Nair combine to give an eerie experience while we watch the proceedings inside the cave.
Special mention to the production design by Ajayan Chalissery. The set work looks very authentic and kudos to the art team for replicating the cave as real as possible in the sets.
Vivek Harshan's editing is good, though the initial slow pace could have been tightened.
The production values by Parava Films are good.
What’s Hot?
* Engaging Second Half
* Gripping Rescue Portions
* Realistic Performances From All
* Brilliant Cinematography
* Authentic Production Design
* Good Background Score
What’s Not?
* First 20 Minutes
* Childhood Portions Affect The Flow
Verdict: Overall, Manjummel Boys is yet another worth-watching Malayalam dubbed film in Telugu and a well-crafted survival thriller with an engaging second half. It is also high on emotions as the core point is about friendship which makes the film even more personal. It is a must-watch in theatres!!
Rating: 3/5
Plot: Hridayapoorvam tells the story of a family navigating love, laughter, and challenges in a way only Sathyan Anthikad can deliver. The film explores relationships, humour, and life’s little lessons while keeping the narrative light-hearted. Overview: The movie marks the much-awaited reunion of Mohanlal
Read More →
Plot: Four Years Later is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of a young, newlywed couple, Sridevi (Shahana Goswami) and Yash (Akshay Ajit Singh), as they navigate their marriage, personal aspirations, and societal pressures. Set in Australia, far from their comfort zone, the couple faces challenges in compatibility, honesty, and the pursuit of their own goals. As they come to terms with th
Read More →
Ravi Teja, Faria Abdullah, Megha Akash, and Poojitha Ponnada starrer, Ravanasura hit the theaters today. Here's our review of the film, which is directed by Sudheer Varma. Story: Ravi (Ravi Teja) is a criminal lawyer who takes a special interest in a criminal case pertaining to Mega Akash. But he first has to deal with the obligations under his ex-girlfriend, Faria Abdullah who is his superior lawyer. What is the case that Ravi takes up that is so important to h
Read More →
Ravi Teja joined hands with promising young talent Karthik Ghattamaneni for his latest outing, Eagle. The film released in theaters today and here is what we have to say about the same. Story: Ruthless assassin Sahadev(Ravi Teja) terrorizes a whole region with his enigmatic violent nature, but he is faced with a challenge after an investigative officer and crooked gangs are behind him. In the midst of this, Nalini(Anupama Par
Read More →
Om Bheem Bush which marks the coming together of Sree Vishnu, Priyadarshi, and Rahul Ramakrishna has hit the theaters today amidst decent hype. Let us see what the film has to offer. Story: Krishnakanth(Vishnu) Vinay(Priyadarshi) and Madhav(Rahul) are three over-the-top individuals who claim to be scientists. They set foot in a scarce village in the name of an experiment but find themselves in the midst of a black magic conspiracy which turns their lives
Read More →
Plot Maa Inti Baangaram follows Swarna, played by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who travels with her husband Anirudh to his native village for a family wedding. Their visit takes an unexpected turn when a stranger spots her and believes she resembles a woman named Jhansi. The story then moves into the mystery around Jhansi, her past, and her connection with Karuna, an ex-Naxalite leader played by Gulshan Devaiah. The film builds curiosity around whether Swarna and Jhansi are two different people or whet
Read More →
Overview: Stree 2, the sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy hit Stree, is among the most eagerly awaited films of 2024. The film gains added attention as it is part of the broader Maddock Horror Films Universe, which includes characters from Bhediya and Munjya, released earlier this year. Featuring a stellar cast including Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi, Stree 2
Read More →
Hanuman marks the collaboration of Teja Sajja and director Prasanth Varma. The film hit the marquee today and here is what we have to say after watching the mythological film. Story: Hanumanthu(Teja Sajja) is a low-key thief who survives on the paltry robberies that he does on the streets. But his life changes drastically when he acquires superpowers following a series of events. But he now has to find a way to effectively us
Read More →
Guntur Kaaram is the only superstar-driven film this Sankranthi season. It marks the collaboration of Mahesh Babu and Trivikram and unlike their last two films together- Khaleja and Athadu, Guntur Kaaram is an out and out action entertainer. Let us see what the film has to offer. Story: Ramana (Mahesh Babu) is deserted by his mother Vasundhara (Ramya Krishna) right at a young age due to an acciden
Read More →
Veteran filmmaker Krishnavamsi has made a comeback of sorts with Rangamarthanda which released in theaters today. Here’s our review of the film. Story: Raghava Rao(Prakash Raj) is a seasoned drama artist who did countless shows and is a remarkable artist on stage. After receiving the Rangamarthanda title for his incredible contribution to the field, he announces retirement and wishes to spend the rest of his life with wife Ramyakrishnan. Will he be able
Read More →
