Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)
Saw this on JioHotstar. It's based on a real life incident at the Gunaa caves, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. The movie is a survival thriller.
The movie starts off with introducing the main characters at a wedding. They play tug-of-war after an argument with a rival group. And right at the start, some characteristics of each of them is established. Those come into play later in the movie.
The "boys" (actually grown men) belong to a club / group in Kochi, Kerala. They plan a trip to Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) via road, all crammed into one vehicle.
There's a lot of fun, leg pulling, etc. Just as they are about to leave Kodaikanal, one of the gang suggests a visit to the "Gunaa" caves, made famous by a Kamal Haasan movie by that name which was shot there.
There, the actual section where the songs in the movie were shot are restricted - barricaded and off-limits to visitors as it has become too dangerous. But in their enthusiasm to visit the actual site, they ignore the warnings and climb over the barricades to reach that spot.
They even write their group name "Manjummel Boys" with paint on a big rock to show that they were there.
The mood shifts from fun to extremely somber when one of them (Subhash) falls into a deep ravine, named "Devil's kitchen" by the locals. It is very narrow as well, and anyone falling so deep stands a minuscule probability of surviving. And then it starts raining, pouring slush and water into the cave / ravine.
Nobody gives the one who fell any chance of making it alive. Forest guard refuses to help. Locals tell them to forget their friend and leave. When they go to the police station, the police beat them up initially instead of helping.
One of the group, has a loud voice. He is pulled up many times for it. But now it comes in handy as he shouts down the cave, and is heard by Subhash.
In between the flashback to their childhood is used beautifully. It shows how they don't give up on each other - whether it is a game of hide and seek, or while swimming.
For getting help - they don't give up. And finally their efforts bear fruit. Police, fire department, and more importantly, long rope (120 ft).
But one more snag. Nobody is ready to go down the deep ravine. Everybody is scared for their own life.
Then one of the group, Siju aka "Kuttan", steps up. He agrees to go down and do this crazy task without any prior training. Siju is lowered down, and finds a very badly hurt Subhash. In between the rope runs out, and again there is drama before it is extended.
Finally Subhash is brought out. And they begin their journey home, where Subhas has to spend time in a hospital.
While Subhash recovers fully after a few months of nightmares, they keep this incident to themselves. But finally one of the tourists who witnessed the whole incident, talks about it to the press and finally the whole story comes out.
The director, Chidambaram, did a good job in keeping the tone shifting - funny one moment, deadly serious the next. The camera work is superb, led by cinematographer Shyju Khalid. It adds a new dimension to the movie.
The emotional bond between the group is captured very well. They have language issues - Keralites trying to communicate with the Tamilians - locals, forest officers, police, etc.
Subhash's mother blames Siju for his injuries, as she doesn't know the full story. She only sees that her son came back injured. But when she realizes Siju's bravery, the scene of her asking for his forgiveness will touch your heart.
It's available in a bunch of Indian languages, including Hindi. Definitely worth a watch.
