Manjummel Boys

Manjummel Boys isn't your average friendship flick packed like a survival film. If you are looking for a crisp survival film, this is it. It's an absolute marvel of visuals, absolutely good writing, characterisation, editing, acting and all the thrills. From successfully establishing the setting, which is almost decades back, to the authenticity with which the characters and their reactions to the situations are portrayed and the way the story flows seamlessly, writer and director Chidambaram has done a phenomenal job.



It's very easy for characters to get lost in the midst of everything when you have an ensemble, but it's written and edited in such a way that no one is forgotten, everyone and their emotions are right there for everyone to see, even with a lack of dialogues.



The one and only minor gripe with the film was that the rescue sequence wasn't long enough and the first few minutes were a little off. The film picks up when their journey to Kodaikanal begins. The rescue sequence could have looked boring or even made the audience's skin crawl in fear, but Chidambaram and cinematographer Shyju Khalid have made sure that the viewer isn't suffocated or bored but still gets to experience the thrill of those moments. Without over dramatisation, the narrow spaces, the level of danger and the effort that it will take for a successful rescue are all conveyed well.



There were some exceptional acting and script moments too. The first came unexpectedly. Everyone was looking for the moment the incident would occur but when it did, the characters and the audience equally did a double take. The reaction from the characters, in particular, Deepak Parambol and Soubin, and later Deepak's reaction to the whole situation, were executed so well. Chandu Salimkumar's reaction again, was portrayed well and no one in the cast under performed and what makes the film's main cast so special is that they were all in their element. The seemingly inconsequential scene where Sreenath lifts his leg and looks down at the cave later serves as a very interesting parallel. In fact, the fall, the waking up and Sreenath's initial reaction to Soubin touching him are all goosebump moments of excellence.



The second half begins with a transition. It's more of a metaphor for what actually happened in Guna Caves and the neat execution in a location like that using the child artistes was a clever addition which makes one relate more to the characters and their mental state. It's seamless. There are no over the top moments and the way the rescue happens, the reaction of people around them and later the return and how the truth of the incident comes to light in Manjummel are all done with groundedness. Vivek Harshan's editing work during the rescue sequences deserves special kudos. The background score contributed to some scenes without making it too dramatic. There is a repeat watch value to this film and it is a great addition to the survival films genre in the Malayalam industry.