Manjummel Boys: A Tale of Friendship and Bravery at 55th International Film Festival of India

‘Manjummel Boys’: A True Story of Friendship and Bravery Takes Centre Stage at 55th IFFI

Swati Bhat

The Malayalam rescue drama 'Manjummel Boys' captivated audiences as it was featured in the Indian Panorama section of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). During Day 6 of the event, the film’s director, Shri Chidambaram, addressed the media at a press conference held at the PIB Media Centre in Goa.

The film is inspired by a real-life incident involving a group of 11 young men from Manjummel, a village near Kochi, Kerala. The team visited the Guna Caves in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, where they encountered a life-threatening situation. One member fell into a deep pit within the cave, and despite efforts from local authorities, it was Siju David, a fellow team member, who bravely rescued his friend, undertaking a daring mission to save him. The incident, marked by friendship and selflessness, highlights the courage of these young men.

Chidambaram shared that the story was well-known, but previous attempts to make a film about it were unsuccessful due to the industry's reluctance. However, with the rise of OTT platforms, such stories now have more opportunities to be told. He also spoke about the challenges of recreating the Guna Cave in a Kochi warehouse, wishing he could convey its scent on screen, emphasizing the cave as the true protagonist of the film.

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At 55th International Film Festival of India, Bharat Bala Shares Interest to Make 'Vande Mataram' Appeal to 90s Generation

Shri Bala Unveils 'Virtual Bharat': A Ground-breaking Project to Chronicle India Through 1000 Unique Stories from Every Corner of the Nation

Swati Bhat

At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), esteemed filmmaker Shri Bharat Bala unveiled his ambitious new initiative, Virtual Bharat. This project seeks to document the diverse stories of India through 1,000 unique narratives sourced from various regions across the country. It aims to delve into the extensive cultural, social, and historical landscape of India, providing audiences with an unparalleled insight into the nation's rich tapestry.

Shri Bala articulated his vision for Virtual Bharat as a platform for unearthing untold stories, enabling regional voices to be acknowledged and celebrated on a global stage. The project will encompass a wide array of narratives, showcasing India’s diversity and distinctiveness, with the goal of bridging geographical and cultural gaps.

Furthermore, Shri Bala discussed the transformative potential of crowdfunding in the filmmaking industry. He highlighted how crowdfunding could empower the public to determine the stories they wish to see, as opposed to the traditional model where producers and directors hold the decision-making power. This approach, he contends, will democratize storytelling, aligning films more closely with the audience's preferences and interests, thus reshaping the future of cinema.

Virtual Bharat promises to be a ground-breaking project, merging storytelling with innovative funding strategies to deliver a truly inclusive cinematic experience.

Virtual Bharat

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Amish Tripathi at 55th International Film Festival of India: The Role of Cinema in Reviving Traditional Stories Amidst Declining Oral Narratives

Amish Tripathi, the renowned author of 'The Shiva Trilogy' and 'Ram Chandra Series,' asserted that films have been reflecting the dynamic realities of society for many decades.

Pritish Bagdi

Amish Tripathi has made insightful observations regarding the role of cinema in reflecting societal realities. He noted that for many decades, films have served as a mirror to the complexities and nuances of society, capturing the essence of human experiences and the cultural tapestry that shapes our lives. According to him, the effectiveness of storytelling is significantly enhanced when the storyteller is attuned and responsive to the cultural and social dynamics surrounding them. This deep connection to the environment allows for the creation of more authentic and relatable narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Mr. Tripathi further elaborated on his thoughts by highlighting a notable disparity in storytelling approaches between the Hindi film industry and regional cinema. He emphasized that the Hindi film industry has often fallen short in fully leveraging the rich and diverse narratives offered by our ancient literature. This literature is filled with timeless tales, moral dilemmas, and profound philosophies that could enrich cinematic storytelling. In contrast, he observed that regional cinema appears to be in a more advantageous position, as it has been more adept at tapping into these varied stories, drawing from local folklore, traditions, and historical events to create compelling films that resonate with their audiences. Such an approach not only glorify cultural heritage but also fosters a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs intrinsic to different communities.

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