Regrettably, I watched "Manjummel Boys" by Chidambaram months after its initial screen release, but it's clear why this movie performed so well. Undoubtedly, the Malayalam film industry recently triumphed with its several cinematic gems. Among them, Manjummel Boys shines out as an exceptional survival thriller and an incredible visual odyssey!
The story begins with a swarm of staunch friends named Manjummel boys living in the Manjummel region of Kochi, Kerala. Each hustling in different occupations abruptly plans a trip to Kodaikanal. Their adventure lures them to Guna Caves, which itself stands out as a character-like element in the film.. The first half of the movie depicts the bonding of the Manjummel boys and their ecstatic moments in Kodaikanal. The second half plunges into the negative background of Guna Caves, focusing on Subash's fall in one of the deep holes, the subsequent emotional rescue operation, and its following events.
Based on a true story, Chidambaram sir encompasses the spirit of friendship, unconditional affection, faith, and stubbornness with his adept direction. Morever, the film pays homage to Kamal Hasan's iconic movie Guna (1991), which influenced the identity of Guna caves. Through constant references to "Guna" and the use of its romantic song "Kanmani, the film underlines the lyrical message that "this isn't mortal love but a pure devotion."
Its cinematography is truly engaging, with wide-angle shots of Kodaikanal, low-angle shots of artificial caves, close-up shots, and the clean transition between the lake dive and pit fall that is really spine-tingling. The set designed for Guna caves and the deep hole was very realistic, puzzling up viewers with the image of the original caves. Talking about acting, each and every actor delivered an excellent performance that gripped the audience with its persistent flow of emotions. Without any female actresses or love angles, the film embodies boundless love, thanks to the actors.
Apart from all these, the unique features this film holds are its clever foreshadowing and symbolism. The tug-of-war sequence at the beginning of the film is handily connected to the climax. We can also witness the original Manjummel boys competing as an opponent team with actors in a tug-of-war bout after a dispute between them. Additionally, the loud voice of Sixon, which annoys everyone around, helps Subash regain his senses. A scene from the first half indicates Subash's disbelief in God as he questions Prasad about the meaning of faith. Prasad responds, "The light above us is good," to which Subash merely laughs. However, during Subash's rescue, we witness Siju (Kuttan) with a light above him, and a similar occurrence happens during Subash's hospital operation. Subash's transformation from atheism to belief is displayed through a bizarre scene where he wakes up, trapped naked in caves, crying for help, resembling a baby in a mother's womb. Following this symbolic scene, there is a part where young Subash wakes up unexpectedly in a dark room and moves to the next room, where his mother is sleeping beside him. The presence of a god's idol above him indicates his newfound safety and conversion to theism. The shape of the cave hole, similar to a female vagina, and the rope through which Siju (Kuttan) pulls him up, resembling an umbilical cord, further emphasize this rebirth theme. Another symbolic reference to the upcoming events in the film was communicated with the t-shirt design of Sixon, which had Titanic printed on it before the mishap and survival after the rescue operation. The film is embellished with numerous scenes and references like these, enhancing its depth and overall cinematic immersion.
Despite its technical proficiency, the film's predictability weakens its impact. Those familiar with survival thrillers might find themselves anticipating plot points, lessening the emotional stakes. Compared to a few successful thrillers, Manjummel Boys' emotional connection feels underdeveloped. The origin of friendship between Manjummel boys and less elaborative storytelling at the start make the first half less impactful than the second. The ending of the film could have been better, providing a stronger narration of Subash's life and friends after the operation.
Holistically, Manjummel Boys encapsulates a tender message about the limitless love of friends and valour and also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers that follow with a step into restricted areas. The film offers a breathtaking cinematic experience and a lasting impression on its audience.
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