Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram‘s sophomore film, Manjummel Boys, is based on a true story. Even though true stories provide an essential template to weave the story around, they also restrict the filmmaker from broadening his creativity. In Manjummel Boys, however, Chidambaram found a poignant plot and marvellously blends it with the cinematic sensibilities of the audience.

From its ordinary cookie-cutter introduction scenes, this film quickly transforms into a gripping emotional drama in no time. The film revolves around the members of a local club in Manjummel in Kochi. Located in the shadow of Ernakulam’s industrial belt, Manjummel is a quaint town. Its skyline is dotted with the smokestacks billowing black smoke. Manjummel Boys – ten ordinary, easy-going boys – are in their early twenties. They all work in and around Manjummel’s burgeoning small factories. They drink without care, dance at uninvited local weddings, and believe, like every other boy gang in the history of civilization,...