Chidambaram’s sophomore film, Manjummel Boys, is a meticulously crafted survival thriller that keeps the audience invested in the story from start to finish. Inspired by a real-life incident, the film follows a group of eleven friends who head to Kodaikanal for a trip, only to encounter unexpected challenges.
The film’s strength lies in the well-written characters, each with their own standout traits that make them memorable. As the story unfolds, the audience becomes emotionally connected to the bond shared by these friends, which becomes crucial in the latter half of the film.
Chidambaram deftly weaves together various elements, such as a character’s habit of screaming loudly and a tug-of-war competition, into the narrative, providing satisfying payoffs when least expected. The director’s ability to balance tonal shifts is evident, as seen in his debut film, Jan-E-Man.
The survival thriller aspect of the film evokes memories of Bharathan’s Malootty, but Chidambaram takes a different path by closely tying the events to the friendship of the characters. Flashbacks to their childhood and shared experiences inform the present-day crisis, adding depth to the story.
Ajayan Chalissery’s production design, Shyju Khalid’s visuals, and Sushin Shyam’s immersive background score create a compelling atmosphere, making the audience feel like they are right there with the characters. A standout moment in the film is a sequence that pays tribute to Ilayaraja’s classic song ‘Kanmani Anbodu Kathalan’ from Gunaa, which is elegantly executed.
The casting in Manjummel Boys is spot-on, with the actors delivering exactly what the story requires. The references to the real-life event in the epilogue, accompanied by snapshots of the people involved, further enhance the impact of the film.
Overall, Manjummel Boys showcases Chidambaram’s talent as a director and establishes him as a promising filmmaker in the industry. With its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and impressive technical aspects, this survival thriller is a must-watch.
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