The Malayalam film Manjummel Boys has had such an impact on audiences in Tamil Nadu since its release on Feb 22 that it has caught the attention of Indian Premier League champions Chennai Super Kings.
The hugely popular cricket franchise, which has fans all over the country, has chosen to honour the film by playing on the title and releasing a poster called “Manjal Boys” – which refers to its team colour yellow.
Inspired by a real-life incident involving youngsters from Kerala navigating the treacherous Guna caves in Kodaikanal, the film has captivated audiences with its thrilling survival narrative.
In a remarkable feat, it has amassed more than Rs100 crores ($16 million) in just 12 days, solidifying its status as a blockbuster.
Manjummel Boys is also the first Malayalam film that has got more than 1,200 screenings in a day across theatres in India.
A big reason why the film, directed by Chidambaram, is performing well across India is the melodic refrain and clever cinematic technique it has adopted: The movie has used the song “Kanmani anbodu kadhalan” from the 1991 Kamal Haasan film Gunaa as a key narrative device.
Sung by Kamal Haasan and S. Janaki, with legendary musical director Ilayaraaja at the helm, the song finds a perfect place in this Sushin Shyam musical, woven seamlessly from the title card to the climax. The Guna cave is the iconic location where “Kanmani anbodu kadahalan” was picturised.
And now, the Tamil audience is clamouring for a re-release of Gunaa in theatres, showing that nostalgia is powerful indeed.
Trade analyst Ramesh Bala said: “Gunaa was released in 1991 and was considered ahead of its time. Today’s youth – many of whom weren’t born or were too young to even see the film – are celebrating Manjummel Boys’ tribute to the film and want to see the original.
“Now, with youth in Tamil Nadu more aware of world cinema, they can appreciate Gunaa better.”
The demand for the re-release of Gunaa, directed by Santhana Bharathi, one of Kamal’s closest friends, is growing louder and louder on social media.
After all, if there was no Kamal, there would be no Gunaa, and if there was no Gunaa, there would no Guna caves. And if there was no Guna caves, there would no Manjummel Boys.
Indo-Asian News Service
