By Aditi Rathi
Over the last few years, Malayalam cinema has seen a number of films based on real-life incidents. Amongst them, the survival genre has grabbed the maximum eyeballs. Where the recently released Manjummel Boys thoroughly impressed cinephiles with its emotional plotline, Tovino Thomas’ 2018 left everyone in tears. Here is a list of Malayalam survival thrillers that left a lasting impression on viewers.
Released on February 22, 2024, Manjummel Boys took the internet by storm for its narration of a horrific real-life incident that took place in 2006. According to OTTplay, the film follows the story of a group of friends from a small town called Manjummel who visited the Guna Caves of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. During their trip, one of the boys fell 60 feet down the caves and got stuck.
The group made several attempts to call the authorities to call for aid but failed. In a last-ditch effort, one of the boys tied himself and went down the cave to rescue his friend. Ultimately, the fire authorities came to their rescue after a five-hour-long effort. Manjummel Boys is helmed by Chidambaram of Jan.E.Man fame and bankrolled by Parava Films.
The survival thriller stars Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Ganapathi, Deepak Parambol, and Khalid Rahman in pivotal roles. Manjummel Boys received praise from the audience as well as critical acclaim after its release. The film also performed very well at the box office during its theatrical run.
In 2018, Kerala faced one of the worst floods in history. The movie follows the story of people from all phases of life facing a hazardous situation. It also highlights the courageous acts of several people who risked their lives to save others. Starring Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Narain, and Lal, the film was directed by Anthony Joseph. 2018 is currently streaming on Sony LIV.
The 2023 film also became India’s official entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category at Oscars 2024. However, it was out of the race after the Film Academy announced the final nominees.
Malayalam survival thriller Malayankunju was released in 2022. The film is based on the story of a landslide disaster that took place in high-range areas in Kerala. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the state as many people lost their lives. In the film, Fahadh Faasil plays the role of a service mechanic who repairs electronics from his home. After the disaster strikes, he finds himself under the debris from the landslide. As he fights for his life, he hears the cries of his neighbor’s newborn daughter and manages to save her. Unfortunately, no one else survives, and they are the only two people left alive in the tragedy.
Helmed by Sajimon Prabhakar, Malayankunju is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The 1990 Malayalam film Malootty was based on a real-life incident that took place in Italy. The film follows the story of an 18-hours-long rescue mission of a child who fell into an abandoned well. Malootty stars Jayaram, Urvashi, and Shamlee and is directed by Bharathan. After its release, the film became one of the most successful Malayalam survival thrillers.
The 2019 Malayalam survival thriller Helen was based on the real-life story of a nurse with the same name. A part-time employee at the Chicken Hub tragedy stuck when her manager accidentally locked her inside the freezer one day. Anna Ben headlined the movie, while Mathukutty Xavier directed it.
Evidently, the Malayalam survival thriller has become a genre that is widely praised by the audience.
Always lookin' for what's cookin', Aditi is a fan of American sitcoms and Indian cinema. The combination is as quirky as she is. Apart from writing all day, you can catch her playing with her street dogs, painting, or cooking.
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