Movie Review: Manjummel Boys – A Riveting Survival Thriller

Film: Manjummel Boys

Release Date: April 06, 2024

Mirchi9 Rating: 3.25/5

Cast: Shoubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathy, and more

Director: Chidambaram

Producers: Babu Shahir, Soubin Shahir, Shawn Antony

Music: Sushin Shyam

Cinematography: Shyju Khalidh

Editing: Vivek Harshan

Overview:
The Telugu rendition of the Malayalam hit, “Manjummel Boys,” directed by Chidambaram, is a captivating survival thriller.

Plot Summary:
Set in 2006, a group of friends from Manjummel embarks on a trip to Kodaikanal. Amidst this journey, an unforeseen incident occurs in Guna Cave, leaving one of them trapped in the perilous Devil’s Kitchen. Witness how the Manjummel Boys navigate through this ordeal to save their friend.

Highlights:

– Director Chidambaram adeptly portrays real-life scenarios, focusing on the resilience of human emotions, particularly friendship.
– The film seamlessly weaves childhood memories with the main narrative, enhancing the audience’s connection with the characters.
– Commendable production design and visuals intensify the rescue operation sequences, complemented by a captivating background score.
– The post-trauma experiences of the characters add depth to the storyline, enhancing its emotional appeal.

Drawbacks:

– The initial sequences lack engagement, with pacing issues in the first half, particularly in the first 40 minutes.
– While the storyline is straightforward, certain scenes may appear stretched, impacting the overall experience.

Technical Aspects:
Ajayan Chalissery’s production design, Shijin Hutton and Abhishek Nair’s sound design, along with Shyju Khalid’s cinematography, breathe life into the narrative. However, the editing could have been more refined, especially in the initial hour.

Verdict:
“Manjummel Boys” is a compelling survival thriller, offering a roller-coaster of emotions. While the second half is gripping, the film falls short in pacing during the initial stages. Nonetheless, it warrants a theatrical experience. Recommended.

Mirchi9 Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by Mirchi9 Team