Manjummel Boys was released in theatres in February this year, but even to this day, the conversations are still around the movie.
The movie is set in the late 2000s in Kodaikanal and is based on a real story. that’s when the intrigue begins. When you know an incident happened in real life, the appeal multiplies because now there are real people involved. 10 boys (men) are part of a sports club and their favourite activity is ‘tug-of-war‘. They have grown up together, they know each other’s families, their struggles, their successes, and their shortcomings. They are the typical gang of boys one would disregard in a town. They exist, and that’s pretty much what they do.
They plan a trip to Kodaikanal, they are carefree and living in the moment, they explore the city like any group of boys would. You get a sense of their group dynamics and who they are. When they visit the infamous Guna caves, they have no care in the world. There are warning signs and a tour guide who advises them to steer clear of the dangers but to no avail. They aren’t the types to listen or even fathom the dangers of the said ‘ Guna caves‘.
When Subash falls into a pit, 900 feet deep, which could be more because no one knows the exact depth, their world stands still. The group doesn’t understand the severity of the situation at first but as they speak to the local authorities the guard and the police, they understand that it’s grave.
There have been a lot of survival thrillers in the past, but what makes this one special is that it rides heavily on the bonds of friendship. How strong is that relationship, are you willing to jump into a pit for your friend or do you have a friend who would do that for you? These are questions that your mind will ponder around even after you are done watching the movie.
Dialogues play a pivotal role in the narrative here, you ought to pay attention because a lot is said in the first half of the movie that makes complete sense in the second half. It’s not that you don’t know what’s going to transpire, you wish and hope that Subash is rescued and alive, and you know that he will make it. It’s in the small details in the film, the reactions and the way they use music to tug at your heartstrings. The movie is not just an average flick about friendship, it is a perfectly wrapped survival thriller whose heart and soul are these boys and their bond.
Chidambaram, the director, and writer of the film shows very light-hearted scenes and tries to explain their dynamic and what they do on a day-to-day basis. The premise is set well. Subash, at the beginning of the film, questions what God is, and when he is rescued, the locals around him consider him God, it’s such a full circle moment.
There are a lot of films that talk about friendship and this film will be considered one of the finest in that specific genre. Kuttan volunteered himself to get into the pit, knowing full well there was a possibility that he and his friend wouldn’t come back, and still not hesitating a bit made even the authorities wonder about their bond. It is not just Kuttan and Subash, it is about all ten of them, and even they say it when one police officer asks, “Are you sure you want to get in and rescue him? Kuttan responded with yes and asked his other friend what would friends do if it was you and him responding. If you are not rescuing him, I will go in and rescue him. It is one of the major hopes that the authorities have to save him at any cost. Not just one guy, everyone is ready to jump in and save them.
Another essential aspect of the film is the iconic song Kanmani anbodu kaadhalan from the Kamal Haasan film Guna. The song, originally a love ballad is used here to bring out the meaning of their friendship. The lyrics get a new meaning, the song gets a new meaning and it would now be associated with the Manjummel Boys for years to come,
The cinematography, editing, and music deserve special appreciation in this film. Shyju Khalid’s cinematography, Vivek Harshan’s editing and Sushin Shyam’s background score are what make one feel all the emotions. A lot more depth, a lot more details, and a whole lot of friendship are what make Manjummel Boys a celebrated movie across all languages.
Manithar unarnthu kolla
Ithu manitha kaadhal alla
Athaiyum thaandi punithamanathu!
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
