Director of ‘Manjummel Boys’ Discusses Film's Intricate Characters and Feminist Themes
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Synopsis
Filmmaker Chidambaram discusses his film ‘Manjummel Boys’, focusing on its exploration of female strength and the intricate dynamics between male and female characters. The film is a survival thriller garnering critical acclaim and nominations at the Critics' Choice Awards.
Key Takeaways
- Chidambaram emphasizes women's power.
- The film portrays complex characters.
- Real-life inspiration drives the narrative.
- Received multiple nominations at the Critics' Choice Awards.
- Visually, the film employs striking symbolism.
Mumbai, March 18 (NationPress) Filmmaker Chidambaram, recognized for ‘Manjummel Boys’, has expressed that his film emphasizes the strength of women. The director remarked that the only rational characters in the film are women, while the male characters tend to be somewhat irrational.
‘Manjummel Boys’, which features authentic storytelling and a captivating visual approach, is a survival thriller inspired by actual events. The narrative delves into the friendships forged under challenging circumstances, receiving considerable praise for its genuineness and emotional depth.
The film has earned nominations in the Critics' Choice Awards 2025 across five significant categories, including Best Director, Best Writing, Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Discussing the film, Chidambaram stated, “I have encountered many boys like that in reality and aimed to represent that on screen. This enabled me to depict a profound character transformation—beginning with their obnoxious and loud behavior, but ultimately revealing their humanity when it matters most.”
He further characterized Manjummel Boys as a profoundly feminist film, saying, “The film concludes with a mother’s emotional journey. The only rational beings in the film are the women, while the men are somewhat deranged.”
Regarding the film’s visual narrative, he noted, “The red light symbolizes the Devil’s Kitchen, mirroring the flames on the cave walls. Regardless of the genre—be it sci-fi, action, or war—it ultimately boils down to a conflict of intellects. If you understand that concept, any story can be conveyed. I prefer to avoid excessive melodrama; I often eliminate certain scenes. However, I occasionally retain them based on audience resonance.”
The Critics' Choice Awards 2025 are organized by GroupM Motion Entertainment and the Film Critics Guild. The awards ceremony is set to take place on March 25.
