"Manjummel Boys," a Malayalam survival thriller directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval, has become a box office phenomenon and is now making waves on OTT platforms. The film, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, initially hit theaters on February 22, 2024, and has garnered immense praise from audiences and critics alike. Following its theatrical success, "Manjummel Boys" became available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar starting May 5, 2024, in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
The film's plot revolves around a group of friends from Manjummel, a small town near Kochi, Kerala, who embark on a vacation to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Their adventure takes a dark turn when one of them, Subhash, accidentally falls into a deep pit in the Guna Caves, a location known for its dangerous terrain and inspired by the 1991 Kamal Haasan film "Gunaa". The story then follows the group's desperate and daring attempts to rescue Subhash, defying the odds and risking their own lives in the process.
"Manjummel Boys" has been lauded for its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and technical brilliance. The film's success is attributed to several factors, including its universal theme of friendship, its realistic portrayal of the events, and its seamless blend of thrilling and emotional elements. Director Chidambaram's skillful narration and screenplay, coupled with Shyju Khalid's cinematography and Sushin Shyam's background score, create a captivating cinematic experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances of the cast, including Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, and Ganapathi, have also been widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.
The film's box office success is a testament to its widespread appeal. "Manjummel Boys" grossed over ₹200 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, until it was surpassed by "L2: Empuraan" (2025). According to reports, the film's worldwide gross collection reached a staggering ₹235.56 crore, with significant contributions from Kerala, the rest of India, and overseas markets. Made on a budget of ₹20 crore, the film has delivered an estimated 300% profit at the box office. The film's success in Tamil Nadu is particularly noteworthy, with the film garnering ₹1 crore at the box office in the first weekend and eventually becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film in the state. This success has been attributed to the film's setting in Tamil Nadu, its references to Tamil cinema, and its emotional connection with the audience.
Chidambaram S. Poduval, the director and writer of "Manjummel Boys," has gained widespread recognition for his work. Born on June 29, 1987, in Kannur, Kerala, he comes from a family with ties to the film industry. He gained experience in filmmaking through documentaries, media projects, and commercial cinema, and made his debut with "Jan-E-Man" (2021). Chidambaram's ability to craft compelling narratives and evoke strong emotions has resonated with audiences, making him a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema.
"Manjummel Boys" is more than just a survival thriller; it is a celebration of friendship, courage, and the human spirit. Its box office success and popularity on OTT platforms demonstrate its universal appeal and its ability to connect with audiences across different languages and cultures. The film's impact extends beyond its commercial success, as it has also sparked conversations about the importance of empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection.
