In a reminiscent turn, the recently released survival thriller film ‘Manjummel Boys’ is causing quite a stir at the box office. This success prompts a reflection on a bygone era when Malayalam superstar Mohanlal delved into the survival thriller genre with ‘Neerali.’ Unfortunately, ‘Neerali’ failed to make a mark at the box office, contrasting sharply with the current triumph of ‘Manjummel Boys.’
Directed by Ajay Varma, ‘Neerali’ graced the screens on July 13, 2018, with Mohanlal essaying the role of Sunny. The film unfolds the gripping tale of Sunny’s life hanging in the balance as his car skids off the road, teetering on the edge of a cliff while he races to reach his wife in labor. Despite the film’s refreshing plot, the execution fell short of captivating the audience, and Mohanlal’s performance in the survival thriller was deemed underwhelming.
In contrast, ‘Manjummel Boys’ is basking in positive reviews and success, presenting a stark difference from Mohanlal’s earlier foray into the survival thriller genre.
It’s noteworthy that Malayalam cinema boasts another triumphant survival drama titled ‘Malootty,’ which graced screens in 1990. Featuring Baby Shamlee, Jayaram, Urvashi, and others in lead roles, the movie revolves around five-year-old Malooty, who tumbles into a borewell while playing with her dog during a visit to her grandparents’ home.
