Tahmin Alam Sabid

Manjummel Boys unquestionably stands as a center of attraction among audiences this year. The Malayalam Language blockbuster is one of the best survival thriller films that I watched till today. Words definitely fail to outmatch the plethora of emotions that I felt while watching this cinematic masterpiece. It is unbelievable how a film of only 20 crore budget turned out to be the highest grossing film of 2024, attaining 242 crore and becoming a commercial success. Manjummel Boys follows a group of friends from the town Manjummel and their perilous rescue mission to save one of their friends who fall to a 900 ft deep crevice in the deadly Guna Cave of Kodaikanal. The film honors the theme of heroism, friendship, resilience, faith and the mystery of Guna cave to say the least. To think, it is based on a true story sends shivers down my spine. The film is directed in such a way that the audience will be taken to a gripping rollercoaster journey from where they would not be able to return until the completion of the film’s intense and touching conclusion. It is safe to state that the first half of the film is slow paced, but the remaining 30 minutes will definitely take the audience on the edge of their seat, bite their nails in tension and long for what is coming next. The story-telling and direction of the film is impeccable, fresh and adds lairs to the narrative. The cinematography, the foreshadowing of tug of war, high and low angle shots of the Guna Cave is not only jaw-dropping but also possesses the means to portal the audience instantly to the location. The audiences are bound to shriek in horror when the camera displays the pit aka ‘The Devil’s Kitchen.’ and thank the Almighty that a catastrophe of such a scale didn’t occur with them. The credits should be given to Chidambaram, for his wonderful direction. Aside, the on-screen chemistry of the characters brings the movie to life. The song ‘Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan’ heightens the emotions twice it already is. I am grateful to have watched such a magnificent film and it will be etched into my memory. I punched my arms in the air in excitement, jumped, cheered and realized how vast the universe is. I invite the audiences to spare some time and watch the film in theaters, it would be more fun that way.