Manjummel Boys Telugu Review: Malayalam Blockbuster Makes Its Way Into Telugu… A Hit Here Too?

Cast: Soubin Shahir, Ganapathi, Khalid Rahman, Sreenath Bhasi, George Maryan, Lal Jr, and others

Director: Chidambaram

Music: Sushin Shyam

Cinematography: Shaiju Khalid

Production House: Mythri Movie Makers (Telugu Dubbing)

Release Date: 06-04-2024

Recently released in Malayalam and creating a sensation, the film ‘Manjummel Boys‘ arrives in Telugu with the same name. Produced on a modest budget of Rs. 20 crores, this survival thriller astonishingly garnered over Rs. 200 crores, becoming an industry hit. Now, brought to the Telugu audience by the renowned production house Mythri Movie Makers, does the film captivate Telugu viewers as well? Will it achieve massive collections here too? Let’s delve into the plot of the film.

What’s the Story?

Hailing from Kochi, Kerala, Kuttan (Soubin Shahir), Subhash (Sreenath Bhasi), and their friends, known collectively as Manjummel Boys, embark on a trip to Kodaikanal to visit the Gun Caves. While enjoying their time, Subhash accidentally falls into the dangerously deep Devil’s Kitchen cave, over 150 feet below. What happens next? How did his friends attempt to rescue Subhash? Why did the police turn against them? Why did Kuttan enter the cave alone to save Subhash? Did both of them survive? That forms the story.

Performances

As Kuttan, Soubin Shahir along with the rest of the friend group delivered natural performances. They convincingly portrayed both joyous and tense moments, making the audience feel as if they were watching a real group of friends. The expressions of Shahir and Subhash while stuck in the cave add a layer of realism, making viewers wonder if it’s all actually happening. Every actor fulfilled their role effectively.

Direction

Based on a real incident that occurred in Gun Caves in 2006, director Chidambaram crafted this film to engage audiences thoroughly. The narrative keeps viewers feeling as though they’re trapped within the cave alongside the characters, without ever letting the suspense drop. Even before the main plot unfolds, the director ensures that the antics of the Manjummel gang keep the audience entertained. The story becomes gripping once Subhash falls into the cave, and the episode of Kuttan’s descent into the cave to save Subhash is portrayed engagingly. A twist when Kuttan reaches Subhash keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, though some scenes may feel dragged. The director concluded the film with an impactful ending.

Technically

On the technical front, cinematographer Shaiju Khalid deserves special mention after the director and cast for his exceptional work. He magnificently captured the cave setup, making the audience feel the claustrophobic cave atmosphere through his lens. The background score elevated the emotional scenes significantly, adding depth to the film. Production values were apt for the film’s scale.