Malayalam actor Chandu Salimkumar has reacted to Manjummel Boys not receiving any honours at the 72nd National Film Awards, admitting that the entire team was disappointed by the outcome. The survival thriller, which emerged as one of the biggest Malayalam blockbusters of 2024 and earned widespread critical acclaim, failed to secure a single award despite high expectations.
Chandu Salimkumar takes a dig at National Awards
Speaking about the results, Chandu said the team had genuinely believed the film would be recognised at the prestigious awards. “We were all disappointed. We definitely expected Manjummel Boys to win at least one National Award,” he said, reflecting on the mood among the cast and crew after the winners were announced.
The actor, however, maintained that awards are only one form of recognition and do not diminish the impact the film created among audiences. He pointed out that the overwhelming love the movie received from viewers across India remains its biggest achievement.
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“People embraced the film beyond language barriers. That kind of acceptance is something no award can replace,” Chandu said, adding that the team’s efforts had already been rewarded through the audience’s appreciation.
All about Manjummel Boys
Directed by Chidambaram, Manjummel Boys is based on a real-life incident involving a group of friends from Kerala who travel to Kodaikanal, where one of them accidentally falls into the dangerous Guna Caves. The gripping survival drama received praise for its emotional storytelling, performances and technical brilliance, eventually becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
The actor also acknowledged the quality of the films that were honoured at this year’s National Film Awards, saying he respected the jury’s decision despite the disappointment. According to Chandu, every award selection is subjective, and not every deserving film can find a place on the winners’ list.
“We respect the jury’s verdict. These decisions are never easy because there are so many good films every year,” he said.
Following the announcement of the awards, several fans took to social media to express surprise over Manjummel Boys being overlooked. Many users argued that the film deserved recognition for its direction, screenplay, performances and technical departments, while others described it as one of the defining Malayalam films of the year.
Despite missing out on National Awards, Manjummel Boys continues to enjoy immense popularity and is widely regarded as one of the most successful Malayalam films in recent years. Its commercial success, critical acclaim and strong emotional connect with audiences have cemented its place as a landmark film in Malayalam cinema.
Chandu concluded by saying that while the team had hoped for National Award recognition, they remain grateful for the love the film has received from audiences across the country. For the actor, that appreciation continues to be the greatest reward, even if the prestigious honours did not come their way this time.
