Manjummel Boys draws inspiration from real-life events that unfolded in the lives of ten youngsters from Manjummel, located in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The story follows their journey during a pleasure trip to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, capturing the essence of their experiences and the challenges they faced along the way.

Story:

Kuttan (Soubin Shahir), Subhash (Sreenath Bhasi), and their friends from Manjummel, Ernakulam, Kerala, embark on a pleasure trip to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. During their journey back to Kerala, they realize that they forgot to visit the famous Gunaa caves, named after Kamal Haasan's blockbuster film "Gunaa," which was shot there. Excited, they decide to explore the caves more deeply, leading to a series of shocking developments.

These developments form the crux of the story, as the rest of the Manjummel Boys—Sixon (Balu Varghese), Kanna (Ganapathi), Sudhi (Deepak Parambol), Anil (Abhiram Radhakrishnan), Sujith (Arun Kurian), Abhilash (Chandu Salim Kumar), Jinson (Ram Vishnu Reghu), and Prasad (Khalid Rahman)—react to the unfolding events. The involvement of key characters such as tourist guide Dominic (Ramachandra Durairaj), tourist photographer Ratnavel (Vijay Gaura), local seller Arumugam (George Maryan), and local authorities including SI (Vijay Muthu), Forest Range Officer (Mani), Police Officer (Sasi Kumar), and Head Constable (Kathiresan) adds depth to the storyline, revealing interconnected narratives and the impact of their actions on the unfolding events.

Analysis:

Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathy, Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Jean Paul Lal, and Khalid Rahman, although relatively unknown in Tollywood, captivated audiences with their natural and realistic performances in "Manjummel Boys." Their portrayal of intense emotions and expressions elevated the scenes, delivering dialogues with ease and authenticity, without any forced artificiality.

Director Chidambaram drew inspiration from real-life incidents in Manjummel in 2006, where a group of ten friends had a harrowing experience during a trip to Kodaikanal. His decision to pay tribute to the real-life Manjummel Boys shines through in the film. While the detailed introduction of each character may have resonated with Malayalam viewers, it did slow down the narrative considerably. However, he successfully evoked nostalgia among the audience with the inclusion of the superhit song 'Priyatama' from Kamal Haasan's "Gunaa."

The Kodaikanal trip scenes, though initially routine, pick up towards the end of the first half. The interval sequence, while decent, could have been more gripping. The second half delves into human emotions and the bond between friends in a natural and realistic manner. The portrayal of the response of the cops and locals is subdued yet effective. The rescue operation is depicted well, although some moments may seem illogical. Chidambaram's blending of childhood flashbacks and current events is appealing, and the dialogues feel natural.

The background music by Shusin Shyam elevates the scenes, making a significant impact with its emotional depth. Shyju Khalid's cinematography breathes life into the film, capturing the essence of the narrative beautifully. While Vivek Harshan's editing is good, the slow pace of the initial scenes could have been improved. Overall, the production values are commendable, adding to the film's overall appeal.

Verdict:

Manjummel Boys pays a heartfelt tribute to the real-life Manjummel Boys, with director Chidambaram casting them in a special appearance during the climax, much to the delight of the audience. Chidambaram's ability to extract the best from the cast and crew shines through, and despite a few shortcomings, the survival thriller is bound to captivate viewers, keeping them glued to the screen.