Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram S Poduval has struck gold once again with Manjummel Boys, his second film which has taken the world by storm. The idea for this hit movie came to him during a narration, in true mysterious fashion. His friend and producer Shawn Antony had shared an innocent story about a group of boys on a trip to Kodaikanal. While exploring the Guna Caves, one of them fell through a hole and was left stranded 120 feet below. Despite the rescue officials refusing to help, one of the other boys bravely climbed down a rope to save his friend. The incident stayed with Chidambaram, leading him to revisit it after 16 years when he met the boys in Kochi. As he heard their first-hand account, he knew it was perfect material for a film. And he was right – Manjummel Boys has raked in an astounding Rs 226 crore worldwide. “Every village has its share of mischievous troublemakers who find themselves in sticky situations. It’s a survival thriller that showcases the triumph of the underdog against all odds. And visual storytelling makes language barriers irrelevant,” says the director confidently about his universal theme.
However, it was easier said than done. In order to resonate with audiences beyond regional boundaries, extensive research was conducted to recreate the sequence of events, treacherous terrain, and overall danger. This included a visit to the Guna caves, which proved to be a harrowing experience. Forest guards gave him a lemon to “ward off negative energy” and he vividly recalls the smell of monkeys, dead bats, decomposing plants, methane gas, wet earth, as well as plastic waste and food left behind by tourists. The location also held a psychological effect due to its infamous nickname “Suicide Point” and past incidences of murder. Despite the difficulties faced during this visit, it greatly aided Chidambaram in visualizing the dangers that the Manjummel boys had encountered and helped shape the script for his film. However, due to the unsuitability for filming at the actual cave location, they recreated it from scratch at a warehouse 38 kilometers away. This was no easy feat and required careful planning from set designer Ajayan Chalissery who used metal and fibre materials to construct a 40-foot high structure with added visual effects for further height portrayal.
The authenticity of their recreation was confirmed by two senior technicians who, having no knowledge of the purpose of the set, commented on its striking resemblance to the Guna caves. Upon further inquiry, Chidambaram discovered that these men were part of the crew for Kamal Haasan’s 1991 film Gunaa, which was filmed in the same location. A second stamp of approval came from Haasan himself when he arranged a special screening of Gunaa, featuring a song sung by the actor, at the Tagore Film Centre in Adyar. Chidambaram attended the screening with his team from Manjummel Boys alongside Haasan and Santhana Bharathi, director of Gunaa. Though only his second film after Jan. E. Man, Manjummel Boys has been a huge success for Chidambaram and he confesses to feeling overwhelmed by its reception. However, he maintains a positive attitude towards his next project and approaches each film with the same passion as his first one. The survival thriller Manjummel Boys took the Mollywood industry by storm with an astonishing box office gross of over Rs. 230 crores worldwide. It also became the highest-grossing Malayalam film in Tamil Nadu.
This weekend, get ready for the highly anticipated release of “Shaitaan To Manjummel Boys”, a thrilling and captivating new show. Join a group of friends as they become entangled in a series of enigmatic events that threaten to unravel their lives. With an exceptional cast and an intense storyline, this is a must-see show. Looking for something lighter? Then don’t miss “Manjummel Boys”, a comedy that follows a group of friends navigating life in a small town. Filled with clever banter and endearing characters, you’ll be laughing non-stop throughout the entire show. For those who prefer a more serious tone, “Shaitaan” is a must-watch. In this intense drama, a group of people find themselves caught up in a web of betrayal and deceit. In addition to the captivating storyline and powerful performances, this show is sure to leave you breathless.Along with these highly anticipated new releases, there are also ample alternatives for your viewing pleasure this weekend. Whether you crave a tender love story, an adrenaline-pumping action flick, or a mind-stimulating documentary, OTT platforms have it all. So gather your snacks, cozy up on the sofa, and prepare for a weekend of endless entertainment. With such a diverse selection of shows and films to pick from, rest assured that you will discover something to captivate you until the very end. Enjoy!
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