Manjummel Boys Telugu Movie Review
Movie: Manjummel Boys
Release Date: April 06, 2024
Times of Tollywood Rating: 3.25/5
Cast: Shoubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathy, and others
Director: Chidambaram
Producers: Babu Shahir, Soubin Shahir, Shawn Antony
Music Director: Sushin Shyam
Cinematographer: Shyju Khalidh
Editor: Vivek Harshan
The Telugu adaptation of the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys has now graced the screens. Directed by Chidambaram, this survival thriller promises an intriguing experience. Let’s dive into the review to see how it fares.
Plot:
Set in 2006, a group of friends from Manjummel embark on a trip to Kodaikanal. Envious of their rival gang’s carefree lifestyle, they seek adventure and joy. Their journey takes a dangerous turn when one of them falls into the treacherous Devil’s Kitchen, a deep pit where no one has survived. The film narrates the harrowing tale of how the Manjummel Boys strive to rescue their friend from the perilous depths.
Pros:
Translating real-life events onto the silver screen is no easy feat. Director Chidambaram delivers a gripping narrative that delves deep into human emotions, with the bond of friendship taking center stage.
The tension mounts as the story unfolds, particularly during the rescue operation, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The connection between childhood memories and the main incident is skillfully interwoven, enhancing the audience’s emotional investment in Subhash’s character.
The production design team deserves applause for crafting realistic set pieces, especially the scenes inside the pit, which add to the film’s authenticity. Shusin Shyam’s captivating background score and Shyju Khalid’s stunning visuals heighten the suspense, while the placement of the classic track “Priyathama Neevachata Kusalama” enhances the cinematic experience.
The film’s exploration of post-traumatic experiences adds depth to the narrative, ensuring a more profound impact on the audience. The ensemble cast, including Shoubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Deepak Parambo, deliver commendable performances, further enriching the viewing experience.
Cons:
While the film gains momentum as it progresses, the initial sequences in the first half lack engagement, with slow pacing hindering the narrative’s flow. The world-building and character introductions could have been more effectively presented to captivate the audience from the start.
Though the initial moments have relevance to the climax, their execution falls short of expectations, giving the impression of unnecessary stretching. The simplicity of the storyline makes the plot somewhat predictable, impacting the overall viewing experience.
Technical Aspects:
The film excels in technical aspects, with impressive production design, sound design, background score, and cinematography enhancing the storytelling. Chidambaram’s direction effectively captures the essence of the incident, although the pacing could have been improved in the first hour.
Verdict:
Overall, Manjummel Boys delivers an enthralling survival thriller experience, rich in emotional depth. While the second half captivates with its intense rescue operation, the film’s technical finesse and strong performances elevate the viewing experience. Despite pacing issues in the initial sequences and predictability in the storyline, the film is a solid theatrical experience, recommended for those seeking gripping narratives.
Times of Tollywood Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by Times of Tollywood Team