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• ഇത് ലോക്കലല്ല, വെസ്റ്റേണുമാണ്, ത്രസിപ്പിക്കുന്ന അഞ്ചക്കള്ളകോക്കാൻ, റിവ്യു

ലുക്‍മാന്റെ അഞ്ചക്കള്ളകോക്കാന്റെ റിവ്യു വായിക്കാം.

• ചിരിപ്പിക്കുന്ന കള്ളൻമാര്‍, ധാരാവി ദിനേശന്റെ കഥയുമായി മനസാ വാചാ, കളം നിറഞ്ഞ് ദിലീഷ് പോത്തൻ- റിവ്യു

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• പക്കാ കോമഡി-ഫാമിലി എന്റർടൈനര്‍‌; 'ജെറി'റിവ്യൂ

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'നിശാഗന്ധി നിശബ്ദമായ രാത്രി..'; അരനൂറ്റാണ്ടിനിപ്പുറവും ഭയപ്പെടുത്തുന്നു ദി എക്‌സോർസിസ്റ്റ്

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പ്രേമ കളി, കാര്യമാകുന്ന സമയം...: രസം പിടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ചിരിപ്പടം: മഹാറാണി റിവ്യൂ

കൈയ്യടിക്കേണ്ട കാതല്‍: വീണ്ടും 'ആക്ടര്‍ മമ്മൂട്ടി ആന്‍റ് കമ്പനി' ഞെട്ടിക്കുന്നു: ജിയോ ബേബി ചിത്രം റിവ്യൂ

ഷൈജു ദാമോദരനെയും ഞെട്ടിക്കുന്ന കല്യാണി; 'ശേഷം മൈക്കില്‍ ഫാത്തിമ' റിവ്യൂ

മാസാണ് ബാന്ദ്ര, വൈകാരികവും- റിവ്യു

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Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Manannar 100 75 days ago

very bad casting , total floop movie .

Dr R Sriram PhD 1155 82 days ago

An acclaimed Malayalam director birningb out an ordinary pot bolier entertainer just to hype the heroistic image of emerging Malayalam actor joju geroge. Nothing new in story or screenplay..completely predictbale and twisting with some emotional scenes to bring joju george acting skills.. Kalyani is shown in different angle which as refreshing.. otherwise just a passing watch and watch it with no expectations

Srinivas Ivs 71760 105 days ago

Pyaruttt 121 days ago

Really good movie. Great acting

Mebin Abraham 4881 124 days ago

Don't like intro, but movie flow nicely, kalyani doesn't suit for a kick boxer, and should have avoided fighting scenes on rings.. screenplay is avg... acc to me an avg..

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• Home » Movies » Manjummel Boys Movie Review

Manjummel Boys review: A riveting survival thriller that pays heartfelt tribute to Kamal Haasan’s ‘Guna’

Writer-director Chidambaram deserves appreciation for weaving a heart-touching story from a real-life incident.

Published:Feb 22, 2024

'Manjummel Boys' is based on a real-life incident. (Supplied)

Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)

• Main Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Ganapati, Jean Paul, Deepak Parambol, and Chandu
• Director: Chidambaram
• Producer: Parava Films, Sree Gokulam Films
• Cinematography: Shyju Khalid

Yet another survival thriller has been released in Malayalam — Manjummel Boys . It is helmed by Chidambaram, who earlier directed the superhit movie Jan.E.Man (2021).

Manjummel Boys is based on a real-life incident. In 2006, a group of 10 youngsters went to Kodaikanal for a picnic and got stuck in the restricted Guna Caves.

The film narrates their harrowing experience.

Last year, 2018: Everyone is a Hero reminded us of the resilience of Keralites during the 2018 floods. It was a blockbuster hit that entered the ₹100-crore club .

This apart, Malayalam cinema witnessed several survival thrillers, including Malootty (1990), Take Off (2017), Virus (2018), Helen (2019) and Malayankunju (2022). They all left a mark on the audience.

Now, let us see how Manjummel Boys fares:

Also Read: Malayalam movie ‘Premalu’ hits jackpot, collects ₹50 crore

‘Manjummel Boys’ is directed by Chidambaram. (Supplied)

Ten childhood friends from Manjummel in Kochi visit Kodaikanal. One of them gets trapped in the Guna Caves, which is a restricted location.

Guna Caves is a famous sightseeing place in Kodaikanal, especially for its three pillar-type rocks. Reports say that about 13 adults died while trying to enter the Guna Caves.

The caves are originally called Devil’s Kitchen. However, they became popular as Guna Caves after the Tamil movie Guna (1991), featuring Kamal Haasan, was shot at the location.

Many tourists started visiting these caves only after its name was changed to Guna Caves.

In Manjummel Boys , the youngsters decide to enter the caves. However, Kuttan (Soubin Shahir), a senior in the group, warns them against it. But the others pay no heed to his warning and enter the caves.

Meanwhile, Subhash (Sreenath Bhai) accidentally slips into a deep pit in the caves, following which the trip turns into a nightmare for the group of friends.

The police and locals initially refuse to help the youngsters but change their minds.

What happens to Subhash and his friends is the crux of the film.

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Manjummel Boys is a tale of friendship. All the friends stay together to rescue Subhash, who gets trapped in the pit.

The director wisely connects Subhash’s peculiar character in his childhood with the present-day tragedy.

The childhood sequences make the audience nostalgic.

The rescue mission, which goes on for over 30 minutes at the end, gives a nail-biting experience to the audience.

The intense performances by Soubin Shahir and other actors complement the pre-climax portion.

Technical aspects

‘Manjummel Boys’ is shot in Kodaikanal. (Supplied)

The art department plays an important role in the film.

Ajayan Chalissery, the project designer of the movie, has done a brilliant job at recreating the Guna Caves.

The scenes inside the caves and the duplicate tree in the scene where the friends take a picture are some of the highlights.

The rescue mission, the fire engine, the way ropes are tied, and the rain inside the cave are all too good to watch.

Sushin Syam’s music adds charm to the movie. In a few scenes, the background score makes us believe we are watching a horror film.

All the songs, especially by rapper Vedan, have come out well.

Shyju Khalid’s cinematography remains top-notch, with the Guna Caves and Kodaikanal getting equal importance.

The aerial shots featuring the journey in a Toyota Qualis are breathtakingly beautiful.

The frames in Kochi, Pazhani, and Madhura add a new dimension to the cinematic elements.

Also Read: ‘Aadujeevitham’ release preponed, to hit screens on 28 March

A tribute to guna.

‘Manjummel Boys’ is a survival thriller. (Supplied)

Manjummel Boys pays a heartfelt tribute to Kamal Haasan’s Guna .

At the beginning, a cartoon representation of Kamal Haasan and Roshini is played along with the popular song “ Kanmani Anbodu Kaathalan ” in the background.

Subhash and Krishna Kumar (Ganapati) sing the song in the movie as they enter the caves.

Again, the original song is played in the background during the final act of the rescue mission.

Also, a few dialogues in the film pay tribute to Guna .

Performances

Manjummel Boys has scintillating performances by all the lead actors.

The bond between Kuttan and Subash is portrayed well, complemented by good performances by Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi.

Dickson (Balu Varghese) and Siju (Jean Paul) are good.

Chanthu, the son of actor Salim Kumar, is impressive in the character of Abhilash, an eccentric person.

Deepak Parambol, as Sudhees, plays a pivotal role.

Director Khalid Rahman’s Prasad is decent.

Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, and other actors do their part well.

Manjummel Boys is one of the best survival thrillers and friendship tales in Malayalam.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

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Home » Reviews » Malayalam Movie Reviews

Review Of ‘Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life’ – Prithviraj Deserves National Award For His Performance

The goat life offers a captivating cinematic experience, led by prithviraj sukumaran's stellar performance and blessy's skillful direction..

Star Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Amala Paul, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Talib Al Balushi, Rik Aby, Shobha Mohan

Director: Blessy

Writers: Blessy, Benyamin

What’s Good: ‘Aadujeevitham -The Goat Life’ has some serious highlights. First up, Prithviraj Sukumaran kills it as Najeeb Muhammad, nailing the character’s emotional rollercoaster and authoritarian resilience. The cinematography brings the brutal desert terrain and Najeeb’s struggles to life, pulling the audience into his shoes. Plus, the storyline is gripping, and the screenplay is tight, keeping you hooked for the whole three-hour ride. Bottom line: “The Goat Life” delivers a cinematic experience you don’t want to miss.

What’s Bad: While “Aadujeevitham The Goat Life” has many positive aspects, there are also some potential drawbacks. One issue is the exclusion of certain elements from the original novel, which may impact the emotional resonance for viewers, especially those familiar with the book. Additionally, the limited portrayal of Najeeb’s family, particularly his wife Sainu, in only two flashback scenes might disappoint some audience members expecting more depth in their relationship. Furthermore, the feeling of incompleteness at the end, especially regarding Najeeb’s missed reunion with his family, may leave some viewers unsatisfied. Despite these potential drawbacks, the exceptional acting, captivating cinematography, and gripping storyline make ‘The Goat Life’ a worthwhile cinematic experience.

Loo Break: Taking a break during the film is not recommended. You should wait for the interval, but apart from that, it’s best to avoid interruptions.

Watch or Not?: If you enjoy films with compelling storytelling, exceptional acting, and immersive cinematography, then ‘The Goat Life’ could be worth watching despite some potential drawbacks, such as the feeling of incompleteness at the end. However, if you prefer shorter films or are not interested in the subject matter, you should skip it.

Language: Malayalam (original), Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 2h 52m

‘The Goat Life’ tracks the odyssey of Najeeb Muhammad, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran , as he becomes stranded in the lonely deserts of Masara, Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by dunes and accompanied only by goats and camels, Najeeb suffers harsh oppression as a slave in a foreign land where he is unfamiliar with the language, under the ruthless control of his enslavers.

The film explores Najeeb’s struggles to survive in the harsh desert environment, depicting his gradual transformation from a clean-shaven, healthy man to a frail, dreadlocked figure. facing extreme challenges such as limited food and water.

The Goat Life Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script effectively portrays the evolution of Najeeb Muhammad’s character, showcasing his transformation from a hopeful immigrant to a resilient survivor. The gradual change in Najeeb’s appearance and demeanor reflects his emotional and physical journey throughout the film. Despite some limitations in portraying Najeeb’s family relationships, particularly with his wife Sainu, the script evokes empathy and emotional resonance with the audience. Najeeb’s longing for reunion with his loved ones adds depth to his character and drives the narrative forward. The script explores resilience, survival, and the human connection to nature. Through Najeeb’s bond with the goats and his struggle to find sanctuary in the desert, the script delves into the complexities of human nature and the innate drive to persevere against all odds. Despite the three-hour runtime, the script maintains a steady pace, balancing moments of tension and introspection with character development scenes and plot progression. Including flashback sequences and interpersonal dynamics adds depth to the narrative without detracting from the overall momentum of the story. The dialogue in the script is poignant and evocative, capturing the essence of Najeeb’s inner turmoil and the harsh realities of his environment. The interactions between characters, particularly Najeeb and Ibrahim, are authentic and compelling, enhancing the emotional impact of their journey.

The Goat Life Movie Review: Star Performance

Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers an outstanding portrayal of Najeeb Muhammad in “The Goat Life,” capturing the central character’s emotional complexity and physical transformation. His performance skillfully portrays Najeeb’s resilience, vulnerability, and unwavering determination amidst the harsh desert environment. From initial hope to eventual despair and renewed hope, Prithviraj’s nuanced acting resonates authentically, anchoring the film’s emotional depth and engaging viewers in Najeeb’s compelling journey. Furthermore, Prithviraj’s remarkable body transformation adds another layer of authenticity to his portrayal, showcasing his dedication to the role and deserving recognition, possibly even a national award.

In the role of Sainu, Najeeb’s wife, Amala Paul, delivers a poignant portrayal despite her limited screen time. Her portrayal in the two flashback scenes and a song effectively establishes her character and highlights the emotional bond between Sainu and Najeeb, adding depth to their relationship.

Hollywood actor Jimmy Jean Louis brings depth and charisma to the character of Ibrahim Qadri, Najeeb’s fellow captive in the desert. His performance adds an intriguing dynamic to the narrative and enhances the chemistry between the characters.

The Goat Life Movie Review: Direction, Music

In ‘The Goat Life,’ director Blessy demonstrates a keen eye for storytelling and a solid ability to immerse the audience in Najeeb Muhammad’s world. Blessy’s direction effectively captures the harsh beauty of the desert landscape and the emotional depth of Najeeb’s journey. The film’s pacing is well-executed, allowing for moments of tension, introspection, and character development to unfold organically.

Blessy’s direction also shines in balancing moments of inner turmoil between characters with the grandeur of the desert setting, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. His attention to detail and ability to evoke genuine emotions from both the actors and the audience contribute to the film’s overall success. The transformation between the vast emptiness of the desert and the lush greenery of the rivers in Kerala was terrific. It effectively highlights the contrast between the different worlds portrayed in the film.

Regarding the music, the film’s soundtrack plays a crucial role in enhancing the mood and atmosphere of ‘The Goat Life’. Composed by A. R. Rahman, the music complements the narrative perfectly, heightening the emotional impact of critical moments and immersing viewers in the film world. Whether capturing the desert’s loneliness or the human spirit’s resilience, the music in ‘The Goat Life’ adds another layer of depth to the storytelling and contributes to the overall cinematic experience. The song “Omane,” featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Amala Paul, was visually stunning. The transition from the desert to the backwaters of Kerala was remarkable, with spectacular underwater shots enhancing the emotional resonance between the two main leads.

The Goat Life Movie Review: The Last Word

In conclusion, ‘The Goat Life’ offers a captivating cinematic experience, led by Prithviraj Sukumaran’s stellar performance and Blessy’s skillful direction. While the film may have some limitations, such as the exclusion of certain elements from the original novel and the feeling of incompleteness in certain aspects of the plot, its emotional depth, compelling storyline, and exceptional acting make it a must-watch for audiences. From the desert landscape’s harsh beauty to the human spirit’s resilience, ‘The Goat Life’ is a poignant exploration of survival, hope, and the enduring power of human connection.

The Goat Life Trailer

The Goat Life released on 28 March, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching The Goat Life.

Must Read: Chamkila Trailer Review: Diljit Dosanjh Brings An Elvis Magic To The Untold Story, As Imitaiz Ali Spins His Sufi Charm

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5 Best Malayalam Movies to Watch in 2024

Get ready, Malayalam movie buffs, because 2024 promises to be a thrilling year for cinema! From historical epics to heartwarming dramas, this year's lineup boasts something for everyone. So, sit tight, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be transported into the most anticipated Malayalam movies of 2024

Best malayalam movies to watch in 2024.

• Manjummel Boys

“ Manjummel Boys ” is a highly appreciated survival thriller based on a true incident that took place in 2006. If you want to know more about these movies in this list then you can visit TamilYogi , a movie review and details site. The story revolves around a group of friends from a small town near Kochi called Manjummel. What starts as a fun vacation to Kodaikanal takes a perilous turn when one of their friends falls into the mysterious Guna Caves, a notoriously deep pit with a history of fatalities.

Refusing to give up hope, the remaining friends embark on a daring rescue mission, venturing deep into the treacherous caves. This adventure-thriller takes us on an adrenaline-fueled journey as they confront the unknown and face their deepest fears. Exploring the thrilling exploration of friendship, courage, and the will to survive against all odds, director Chidambaram masterfully weaves suspense, friendship, and courage into a gripping narrative.

Whereas filmed across breathtaking locations in Kodaikanal, Kochi, and Perumbavoor, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, and Lal Jr., amongst others. So, if you are someone who loves survival thrillers, Manjummel Boys will surely keep you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful plot.

• Malaikottai Vaaliban

The enigmatic Lijo Jose Pellissery is back with " Malaikottai Vaaliban " a fantasy action drama. “Malaikottai Vaaliban” follows the journey of an undefeated warrior, transcending time and geography. His battles against opponents take on mythical proportions, and the film blends fantasy and drama seamlessly.

The narrative of the film unfolds with the arrival of Vaaliban, the wrestler/warrior, accompanied by his master and younger brother, as they journey through a desert landscape reminiscent of ancient times. Despite the antiquated setting, the film delves into themes of human emotions and struggles that transcend time, making it feel relevant to contemporary audiences.

The fight sequences in the film possess a mesmerizing quality, almost as if they take place in a realm separate from reality, adding to the film's allure. Furthermore, the vibrant and extravagant festival scenes depicted in the movie contribute to its otherworldly atmosphere, immersing viewers in a colorful and captivating spectacle.

Overall, director Lijo Jose Pellissery crafts a visually stunning narrative that explores heroism, destiny, and the enigmatic forces that shape our lives. So, if you are looking to dive into a world where warriors defy limits and legends come alive, watch Malaikottai Vaaliban right now. It is available on multiple online platforms that allow you to binge-watch this and many more.

“ Premalu ” is a charming Malayalam romantic movie comedy directed by Girish A.D. that weaves together love, humor, and endearing characters, making it a joyous watch for audiences. The film's story revolves around Sachin, an engineering graduate who aspires to relocate to the UK. His family is in a bakery business, but he’s bored with that, and as a pursuit to escape from his hometown, he relocated to Hyderabad at the suggestion of his friend.

Meanwhile, Reenu, a newcomer in the tech industry, starts her first job in the same city. When Sachin and Reenu cross paths at a wedding, sparks fly, but Reenu’s firm ideals about life and love create complications. To add to the mix, Reenu’s work “bestie,” Aadhi, secretly harbors feelings for her.

The film follows Sachin’s journey as he navigates romance, misunderstandings, and unexpected twists. In the film, Naslen and Mamitha Baiju are as adorable as Sachin and Reenu, and their chemistry lights up the screen. Whereas, Girish AD effectively employs situational humor, and Hyderabad provides a refreshing backdrop, steering clear of the usual Bengalurucentric narratives.

Overall, Premalu is a delightful blend of laughter, romance, and relatability. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply seeking a feel-good movie, this one is worth your time.

Gear up for a visual extravaganza with " Bramayugam " a historical epic directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The story of Bramayugam takes place in the 18th century in South Malabar. Devan, who escapes from being enslaved, finds himself near a river where he sees an old palace. Seeking shelter, he enters the palace and meets Potty and his cook, who live there. Potty, upon learning that Devan is a singer, welcomes him and offers him food. Soon, Devan realizes that the mansion holds secrets and is home to a demon.

He also realizes that Potty has trapped him there, making it impossible for him to leave. But what makes the movie stand out is that it's entirely in monochrome, and this choice adds to the intense atmosphere, immersing the audience in a play of light and darkness that grips all their senses. The absence of color intensifies the feeling of suffocation and horror, drawing viewers' attention without distraction.

Overall, Bramayugam is a triumph of cinema, excelling in every aspect. Its innovative visual style, talented cast, and gripping story make it unforgettable. With Rahul Sadasivan at the helm, "Bramayugam" is guaranteed to be a must-watch for fans of offbeat Malayalam cinema.

• Abraham Ozler

" Abraham Ozler " directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas and starring Jayaram as the main character, is a crime thriller movie that fits well into its genre. The story revolves around Assistant Commissioner Abraham Ozler, played by Jayaram, who is deeply affected by a personal tragedy from his past. Due to a serious mistake, Ozler loses his wife and daughter, which causes him to struggle with depression and sleeplessness.

Amidst his own struggles, Ozler comes across a case where a young man is brutally murdered, leaving behind few clues except for a greeting card with words in Malayalam. As Ozler and his team investigate further, they notice a pattern emerging as more people become victims of similar crimes, suggesting a common culprit. Despite facing obstacles, they work to uncover the truth and gradually piece together the puzzle, leading to surprising revelations.

Overall, director Midhun Manuel Thomas has crafted a crime drama thriller that's a bit unique and keeps you guessing until the end. In the film, Jayaram’s portrayal of Ozler is layered and compelling, and the film overall balances suspense, emotion, and action, making it a must-watch for movie enthusiasts. So, if you’ve missed watching this movie in the theater, don’t worry; you can still stream it.

There you have it folks; the best Malayalam movies to watch in 2024 to get a taste of the incredible cinematic experience. From heartwarming tales to action-packed adventures and exciting rom-coms, this year's lineup promises something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Stream these movies now and enjoy your cinematic journey through the vibrant world of Malayalam cinema

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Manjummel Boys Telugu X Review: Malayalam's Highest- Grossing Survival Thriller Hits Screens Amid Expectations

Manjummel Boys Telugu X Review: The highest-grossing Malayalam film to date, Manjummel Boys, written and directed by Chidambaram featuring a bunch of young and upcoming actors is a phenomenon. It is an adventure thriller based on a real-life incident.

After the humongous response, the movie garnered in the regional language, Tollywood's bigshot producers Mythri Movie Makers banner bought the dubbing right to this Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Deepak Parambol's youthful film.

Manjummel Boys' Telugu version hit the screens on April 6 across the two Telugu-speaking states to a decent buzz. The hype for the film soared after the team organized a pre-release event in Hyderabad to promote this already successful blockbuster.

Manjummel Boys Synopsis

A group of friends from Manjummel embark on a trip to Kodaikanal, which is supposed to be memorable in their lives. It gets memorable indeed but not in a way that it brings happy memories. The group of friends decide to rescue their friend who gets lost in the Guna Caves.

Manjummel Boys X Review

Enthusiastic and young film buffs of Tollywood who know Manjummel Boys' success have been waiting for this day to book their tickets and enjoy the movie in Telugu audio. Those who have gone to the theatres to watch the early morning shows have taken to their social media handles to share their movie-watching experience with the rest. They gave out mini-reviews of sorts to the others who were interested in watching Manjummel Boys. Check out the tweets below.

Watched #ManjummelBoys Telugu A true friendship can survive in any kind of scenario in being together BGM plays a key role and strong emotions between true friendships. #ManjummelBoysReview @MythriOfficial @SukumarWritings @Primeshowtweets #Emotion #FriendshipJourney pic.twitter.com/gkYT7KET4n — Rajesh Kumar Reddy E V (@rajeshreddyega) April 5, 2024

Excellent Openings and Blockbuster Talk #ManjummelBoys 🪅🎊⚡✨ pic.twitter.com/6DWkXg8ajt — Hanu (@HanuNews) April 6, 2024

Manjummel Boys Cast

The movie stars Soubin Shahir as Kuttan, Sreenath Bhasi as Subhash, Balu Varghese as Sixen, Ganapathi S.Poduval as Krishnakumar, Lal Jr. as Sibu, Deepak Parambol as Sudhi, Abhiram Radhakrishnan as Anil, Arun Kurian as Sujith, Khalid Rahman as Prasad, Chandu Salimkumar as Abhilash, Vishnu Reghu as Shebin, and Kathiresan as a cop, among others who played key roles.

Manjummel Boys Crew

The movie was written and directed by Chidambaram S Poduval. Babu Shahir and Soubin Shahir funded the Manjummel Boys movie under the Parava Films banner. Shyju Khalid worked as the cinematographer and Vivek Harshan did the film's editing. Sushin Shyam composed the survival thriller's entire music and background score.

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Five International Movies to Stream Now

This month’s picks include a twisty Argentine thriller, a gutting Syrian documentary, a movie about a queer club in China and more.

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By Devika Girish

‘Rest in Peace’

Stream it on Netflix.

The sleek suspense of a mob thriller and the big, dramatic swings of a telenovela combine to produce something truly unpredictable in “Rest in Peace,” by the Argentine director Sebastián Borensztein. We first meet Sergio (Joaquín Furriel), a handsome business owner and beloved husband and father, as he’s tearing up at his daughter’s lavish bat mitzvah; in moments, the mood shifts, when he spots a menacing stranger eyeing him from a corner and faints. As his wife, Estela (Griselda Siciliani), soon discovers, Sergio is drowning in debt and facing threats from a mysterious, ruthless lender. Their picture-perfect existence is on the verge of shattering — and then it does, albeit not how either of them (or the viewer) might have expected.

A tragic accident offers Sergio a way out of his predicament, though at the cost of his life with his family. The twists of the film are best left unspoiled, because Borensztein and his fine cast (Siciliani is majestic, in particular) achieve an impressive series of tonal tilts in the course of a narrative that eventually spans decades. Just when you think a cat-and-mouse game is about to begin, the film douses you in endearing romantic and familial drama; just as surprisingly, danger creeps back into the narrative. The result is a movie whose genre pleasures are undergirded by genuine emotional heft.

‘Little Palestine: Diary of a Siege’

Stream it on Ovid.

Between 2013 and 2015, in the midst of the Syrian Civil War, the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus — known colloquially as “Little Palestine” — was placed under siege. Citizens were barred from entering or exiting the area, and eventually, food and water were restricted, leading to widespread starvation . Amid all this horror, Abdallah Al-Khatib, a Yarmouk resident in his 20s, picked up a video camera and started recording what he saw around him: the tremendous suffering, but also the resilience of resistance.

Edited over several years, “Little Palestine, Diary of a Siege,” which premiered at festivals in 2021 and now arrives on streaming, is a dispatch from the past with uncanny echoes of the present . Al-Khatib’s camera captures his community as they sing, paint, chant, rally, scrounge for food and try to take care of one another. His interactions with the older generation — Palestinians who have endured many displacements over decades — are poignant, underscoring the oppressive cycles of history. But it’s his conversations with the children of Yarmouk, aged far beyond their years but still not rid of hope, that have stayed with me. In one shot, a crowd of schoolboys share their dreams with the camera. Their beaming, excited smiles belie the tragedy of their words. “I dream of my brother coming back to life,” says one. “I dream of eating sugar,” says another.

‘The Last Year of Darkness’

Stream it on Mubi.

This portrait of Funky Town, an underground nightclub in Chengdu, China is a hypnotic, mutating beast; it goes seamlessly from night to day, techno to the noise of traffic, nonfiction to gently staged drama. To capture the cultural place of this beloved institution — a bastion for free expression and desire that is soon to be shut down because of a subway expansion — the director, Ben Mullinkosson, follows a few of its regulars in and out of the club: a young drag queen, a woman struggling with mental health issues, a Russian expatriate exploring his sexuality, an exuberantly gay DJ. Instead of traditional interviews and documentary scenes, the movie finds intimate moments within layered, often ironic, compositions. In one shot, two people have a deep conversation in the background while a woman vomits into a cup in the foreground; in another, a high-angle shot of a crowd on a street makes the scene look like a kind of pointillist painting. Formally and emotionally expansive, “The Last Year of Darkness” is a stirring evocation of the beauty and ephemerality of being young.

‘Merry Christmas’

Two strangers cross paths on Christmas Eve in Mumbai. He’s just returned from a trip; she’s out in the city with her young daughter, having been abandoned by her philandering husband. A chance meeting at a restaurant leads to another encounter at a movie theater, and then a walk through the city and a drink and a dance back home. Sriram Raghavan’s movie takes its time with its setup, indulging in each scene and exchange with patience and exquisite detail, never showing all of its cards.

From the very first minute to the very last, “Merry Christmas” keeps you guessing — about the motives of the characters, their fates and the type of movie this is. Rom-com? Crime thriller? Black comedy? It’s a little bit of everything, and it’s executed with impeccable yet restrained style, much like Raghavan’s prior outing, “ Andhadhun .” The stars, Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, are at once mysterious and winningly sincere, and the film’s storybook-like rendering of a Mumbai decked out for Christmas is delightful.

Rent it on Amazon.

There’s a moment in Kamila Andini’s sensitive coming-of-age drama that will feel familiar to many women, whether or not they grew up in the rural Indonesian town where the film is set. In a grassy field, a group of high-school girls whisper about sex and desire. It’s the question of pleasuring oneself that both excites and scares them the most. Can women even do it? How does it work? They ask each other.

“Yuni” is about women’s oppression — about the social forces that constrain girls from pursuing their dreams — but its strength lies in its focus on women’s pleasure. The movie’s protagonist, the high-school senior Yuni (Arawinda Kirana), faces some tough dilemmas. She wants to go to college, but her family is already entertaining potential marriage for her. She is eager to explore her body on her own terms, but her school has instituted mandatory virginity tests for the girls in a twisted response to a case of rape.

Things are bleak, and Andini’s sobering film offers no miracle escapes, but it makes it a point to show us the defiance of Yuni and her classmates, their small yet powerful negotiations in this constricted world. Shot with tactile sensuality, as if in formal protest of the systems the movie critiques, the best scenes in “Yuni” are its moments of intimacy between women — dancing, gossiping or dreaming together, helping each other survive an unforgiving world.

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Io Capitano review – Matteo Garrone’s wrenching migrant drama is unexpectedly beautiful

Seydou Sarr is wonderful as a 16-year-old Senegalese migrant who maintains his empathy and selflessness through a hellish journey to Europe

H ope and fantasy coexist so closely in Io Capitano , Matteo Garrone’s wrenching Oscar-nominated account of the journey of two teenage Senegalese migrants towards a new life in Europe, that you start to wonder if the film is arguing that hope is a fantasy. Whether the better future that tempts 16-year-old Seydou (Seydou Sarr) and his cousin Moussa (Moustapha Fall) on to the perilous trip across the Sahara and the Mediterranean is no more substantial than the mirage of a floating woman that Seydou hallucinates in the desert. But in fact this is a film that, for all its brutal horrors, keeps a kernel of hope and faith in the inherent decency of humankind (or some of it at least).

Central to the spirit of the film is Seydou, a gangly string bean with a smile that warms the screen; a teenager who is still enough of a child to believe that manhood means never being afraid. It’s a gorgeous, sensitive performance from Sarr. Seydou has a purity and innocence as a character, not because of his rose-tinted naivety, but because throughout the journey, and even as his illusions are systematically shattered, he never loses his selflessness and empathy for the others who share his plight. But if Seydou represents all that is good in humanity, there is no shortage of representatives of the darker side of man – at one point Seydou finds himself separated from his cousin and locked in a Libyan prison run by criminals as a torture facility and extortion factory. But Garrone ( Gomorrah , Dogman ) balances the extreme ugliness of this chapter of the story against cinematography that finds unexpected beauty throughout.

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'Bramayugam': Mammootty's tour de force anchors this gripping monochrome horror | Movie Review

Mammootty has once again reinvented himself in Rahul Sadasivan's 'Bramayugam'. No accolades can adequately capture the megastar's dedication to pushing his boundaries and embracing excellent roles. Mammootty takes on the role of Kodumon Potti, a weathered tantrik whose age masks the potent magic simmering within.

Filmed entirely in black and white, the movie creates a suspenseful atmosphere with shadows dancing in every frame.

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The haunting beauty of the monochrome format amplifies the shadows, playing tricks on your mind as something unseen seems to writhe in every corner. The tension crackles, drawing you deeper into the story, refusing to let your eyes stray even for a fleeting moment. You'll find yourself glued to the screen, waiting for the next twist or turn, unsure of what's coming next. The film seamlessly merges horror, thriller, and folktale elements, with horror subtly woven into the shadows and sounds. Rather than relying on jump scares, the movie crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere, gradually building a sense of terror.

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Arjun Ashokan plays a ' paanan ' who, seeking safety, stumbles upon a Mana (traditional Brahmin household) where he meets Kodumon Potti and his house help, played by Sidharth Bharathan. As the story progresses, Arjun's character realizes that the situation is far from ordinary, leading to unexpected twists.

For those familiar with the movie 'Kumari', starring Aishwarya Lekshmi, the ambience of 'Bramayugam' may feel similar, despite entirely different plots. 'Bramayugam' follows a typical storyline reminiscent of old folktales, evoking a sense of curiosity and wonder. In the first half, the mysterious events inside the Mana keep audiences guessing, while the second half reveals the true mystery of the story.

However, the issue arises with the movie's ending, which seems somewhat clichéd and predictable. Towards the end, it seems like a struggle to neatly tie up loose ends, leaving a bit of dissatisfaction.

The Mana adds another layer of intrigue to the movie. Unlike what one might envision, it's overrun with wild grass and appears neglected. Exploring this aspect further could have enhanced the mystery, but unfortunately, it feels somewhat overlooked in the film.

Performance-wise, Mammootty dominates the screen, injecting the story with his trademark intensity and depth. His ability to effortlessly navigate characters with negative shades shines once again, making him the movie's undeniable driving force. Arjun Ashokan's performance hits you right in the feels – his helplessness and fear are palpable. Sidharth Bharathan, in contrast, exudes composure and delivers an equally impressive performance.

Director Rahul Sadasivan deserves credit for eliciting such powerful performances, allowing each actor to fully realize their potential. The background score is also undeniably effective.

Some loose ends and unanswered questions, especially surrounding Amalda Liz's character, might leave viewers feeling slightly frustrated. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of thrilling stories with a touch of horror and folklore, this movie is an absolute must-see.

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Netflix’s most addictive movie of 2024 is now streaming. Here’s why you need to watch it

Thrillers come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the psychological or serial killer thriller, which was popularized in the ’90s by The Silence of the Lambs and Se7en . There’s the erotic thriller, which had its heyday in the late ’80s and early ’90s with such hits as Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct . And then there’s the action thriller, which is probably the most popular offshoot of the genre right now, with the Taken series and Salt as prime examples.

The story everyone is after

A tense standoff, a killer cast, more than just an effective thriller.

Recently, there’s been a revival of a subgenre that’s been dormant since the 1970s: the journalism thriller. From Nightcrawler with Jake Gyllenhaal to the Oscar-winning Spotlight to 2022’s She Said, this type of thriller usually centers around journalists pursuing a controversial and sometimes dangerous story. One of the best journalism thrillers has just been released by Netflix : Scoop . In chronicling how the BBC managed to snag the scoop of the decade by interviewing Prince Andrew about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the movie manages to be suspenseful, informative, and one of 2024’s most purely entertaining films.

If your memory is foggy, or if you don’t follow royal scandals or the news on a regular basis, here’s the real-life event that Scoop depicts. In late 2019, Prince Andrew was interviewed by British journalist Emily Maitlis about his decades-long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a rich American financier who had been convicted of being a sex offender and, that August, had died under mysterious circumstances while in prison.

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The interview was aired on the BBC program Newsnight on November 19 and immediately received worldwide attention for Andrew’s odd explanations for his behavior and unwillingness to show any sympathy toward Epstein’s victims. For example, in response to an allegation that he sweated on an underage girl at a dance club, he asserted that he doesn’t sweat, ever , so that couldn’t possibly be true.

The consequences of the interview were devastating for Prince Andrew. After it aired, he was stripped of his royal titles and receded from public view. The royal establishment took yet another public beating, with some wondering why taxpayer money was funding a member who seemingly partook in illegal activities with Epstein and yet didn’t experience any legal ramifications. Almost everyone, both in the U.K. and across the world, asked the same question: why on Earth would someone as private and protected as Prince Andrew agree to such an interview in the first place?

Scoop is a two-hour-long answer to that question. It starts in 2010 in New York City, when an enterprising paparazzo photographs Andrew and Epstein together walking in Central Park, establishing a clear and public link between the two men. That picture is remembered by Sam McAlister (Billie Piper), a talent booker for the BBC, who smells a story developing with Epstein’s ongoing trial, subsequent conviction, and eventual death, which puts pressure on Andrew to address his controversial association with the sex offender.

Scoop presents two sides of the story: the BBC journalists, represented by McAlister, Maitlis (Gillian Anderson), and editor Esme Wren (Romola Garai); and the Royal Family, who, aside from Andrew (Rufus Sewell), is almost entirely run by Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes), who is torn between duty and a gradual realization her boss is a sleazebag.

As we see the two sides circle each other warily, the movie’s director, Philip Martin, never lets up on the tension felt both within the opposing ranks as well as when they intermittently meet to decide on if, when, and how the interview will take place. It’s genuinely thrilling to see McAlister chase her story and for the other journalists to pick up the baton after her part is largely finished. As the interview is set up, Maitlis wryly observes that it feels like she’s going to a gunfight in an old Western movie. And that’s what the interview comes down to: two people facing each other, one armed with facts and the other with a ludicrous defense and a complete lack of awareness that he’s done anything wrong.

This kind of thriller doesn’t work if you don’t have a great cast, which is why Scoop is so effective. Anderson continues to add to her already impressive resume as Maitlis, who has to navigate the fine line between respecting the institution she’s investigating and getting answers to questions everyone in the nation has been asking for years. When Andrew casually wonders why everyone is so interested in his relationship with Epstein when he’s far better friends with Jimmy Savile (a DJ who was also a sex offender), Anderson gives an incredulous look to her producer that’s at once very funny and incredibly revealing. She can’t believe this guy is so delusional about the serious situation he’s in, and she uses that knowledge in her interview to let Andrew symbolically hang himself with his own rope.

It’s Piper, though, who impresses the most as McAlister. Armed with leopard print boots, bottle blonde curls, and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude, she sticks out among her conservative BBC peers, but it’s precisely her outsider status and her willingness to chase after a story when no one else dares to pursue it that makes her such a great character to follow. She’s the only one that Scoop allows us to see at home, where she confides to her mother about wanting to be seen as important and tries to guide her teenage son through the first pangs of romance.

Piper is probably best known in the U.S. for her work as the companion Rose Tyler on Doctor Who , but she’s quietly put together an impressive CV with standout performances in The Secret Diary of a Call Girl , Collateral , and I Hate Suzie . In Scoop , she leads an ensemble with an authority and brassiness that only a star could deliver. Scoop is revelatory in many ways, but perhaps its biggest shock to most audiences is just how good Piper is and how good she’s always been.

Like all good thrillers, Scoop is more than its subject matter. While it faithfully and expertly re-enacts the lead-up to, and quick production of, the interview with Prince Andrew, it also poses intriguing arguments about the state of journalism and the culpability of public figures to own up to their past sins. Everyone knows and respects the BBC, but that doesn’t make it profitable or competitive with other news outlets and social media, and it’s this conundrum — the need for relevance while still preserving a brand of integrity — that drives many of Scoop ‘s characters.

In addition, Scoop is in many ways a sister to Steven Spielberg ‘s The Post and She Said , to other movies about the need for journalism to hold public figures like Richard Nixon, Harvey Weinstein, and yes, the Royal Family, accountable for their actions. It’s not wrong to categorize Scoop as a thriller — its slick direction and propulsive score by Anne Nikitin and Hannah Peel more than supports that justification — but it’s also a great movie about the value and necessity of a free press in the 21st century. Who knew a dramatic retelling of a five-year-old interview could be so thrilling to watch and so rich to think about?

Watch Scoop  on Netflix now.

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Another weekend, another case of discovering that there are more great shows on Netflix than you could ever hope to watch. Not only are there too many great shows, but all of those great shows leave you with too many options, and you may wind up spending several hours just scrolling through the service instead of actually picking something to watch.

Thankfully, we've got you covered. We've gone through the annals of Netflix's history as a streamer and pulled out three great shows that flew way under the radar when they were first released. If you're looking for something great to watch on Netflix this weekend, look no further. These are three underrated Netflix shows you should definitely check out this weekend: Unbelievable (2019) Unbelievable | Official Trailer | Netflix

April is here, and with it, an existential question lingers: What are you going to do with yourself? If gaming is your thing, Dragon's Dogma 2 seems to be a good option for fans of the RPG genre. Or maybe you want to see two monsters destroy entire cities like in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire?

If staying at home is more your vibe, there's always streaming. Hulu has some of the best films around, and the following three movies are worth a watch this weekend. One is a tense 2010s thriller, another is a teen tom-com from the '90s, and the final recommended movie is a cheesy yet fun horror movie. The Dinner (2017)

April is here, and Netflix is still going strong in 2024. Blockbuster shows like The Gentlemen and original movies like Damsel made the streamer dominant in March, and this month will continue that streak with the debut of the thriller series Ripley and the investigative drama Scoop.

If you're looking for older movies that are just as good if not better, this list is for you. Digital Trends has compiled a selection of three underrated movies on Netflix that are worth watching this weekend. One's a black comedy from 2023, another is a killer 1980s thriller, and the last one is a charming rom-com.