The Malayalam film industry is currently buzzing with the success of the recently released film Manjummel Boys, which has been receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success. Directed by Chidambaram, this survival thriller has managed to grab audiences’ attention and break records at the box office, reaching the remarkable milestone of Rs 100 crore in just 12 days. Starring a talented ensemble cast including Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi S Poduval, Lal Jr and Deepak Parambol, the film has struck a chord with viewers for its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
Amid the celebrations of its success, the film has also found itself embroiled in controversy due to scathing criticism from Tamil writer and critic B. Jeyamohan. In a blog post, Jeyamohan didn’t hold back as he expressed his discontent not only with the film but also with certain aspects of Malayalam cinema and Malayalee tourists.
While Jeyamohan initially disclaimed reviewing films due to his involvement in the industry, he launched into a tirade against Manjummel Boys and its portrayal of Malayalee tourists in Tamil Nadu. He expressed irritation at what he perceived as the reckless behaviour depicted in the film, with characters engaging in drinking and disregarding rules during their road trip. This depiction, according to Jeyamohan, reflected negatively on Malayalee tourists, whom he accused of behaving similarly in real life.
His criticism didn’t stop there. Jeyamohan went on to make derogatory remarks about Malayalees, labelling them as ‘porikkis,’ or loafers and condemning the portrayal of happiness in Malayalam cinema as synonymous with alcohol consumption and rowdy behaviour.
The backlash from Jeyamohan’s comments has ignited a heated debate within the industry and among fans. While some have defended the film and Malayalam cinema as a whole, others have echoed Jeyamohan’s sentiments, calling for more responsible storytelling and representation in films.
Despite the controversy, Manjummel Boys continues to draw audiences to theatres, proving to be a commercial juggernaut. However, Jeyamohan’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of nuanced portrayals and the impact of cinema on societal perceptions and values. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how this controversy will shape future discussions within the industry.
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