Renowned director Chidambaram, celebrated for his work in ‘Jan.E.Man,’ is set to enthrall audiences with his upcoming cinematic venture, ‘Manjummel Boys.’ This compelling narrative draws inspiration from a real-life rescue operation and features a stellar cast including Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, and more. Chidambaram explores the gripping tale of a youth trapped in the Guna Caves, famously known as the Devil’s Kitchen, situated in Kodaikanal.
The Guna Caves, dating back to 1821 and initially discovered by British officer B.S. Ward, faded into obscurity until their rediscovery in the 1990s, showcasing their natural beauty.
Named after the 1992 film ‘Guna,’ shot within its depths, the caves were originally known as the Devil’s Kitchen. Legend ties the caves to Hindu mythology, suggesting they were the cooking grounds of the Pandavas, earning the moniker ‘kitchen.’ The origin of the term ‘Devil’ remains shrouded in mystery, with speculations linking it to the bats inhabiting the caves.
Despite their picturesque allure, the Guna Caves pose significant dangers. Nestled at an altitude of 2230 meters and surrounded by Shola trees and grass, the caves are flanked by three massive pillar rocks. Accessing the caves requires daring individuals to cling to two rocks and descend into the steep rock formed by the third rock. The fine line between adventure and danger is hidden in these treacherous yet enchanting caverns.
Simultaneously, ‘Manjummel Boys,’ filmed across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, promises an intense cinematic journey. The film’s production has garnered attention since the revelation of its title. With Vikram Dahiya as the action choreographer, Sushin Shyam handling the musical composition, and sound design by Shijin Hattan and Abhishek Nair, the movie pledges to be a compelling blend of real-life drama.