‘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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