The hit Malayalam film Manjummel Boys is receiving international acclaim as it heads to Russia for its first KinoBravo Film Festival. This groundbreaking movie, directed by Chidambaram, holds the prestigious title of being the first Malayalam film to have collected ₹200 crore at the box office. Its inclusion at KinoBravo marks yet another milestone for the blockbuster, lifting the prestige of Indian cinema on the global stage.
KinoBravo, Russia’s much-anticipated film festival, kicks off today, September 28, and will run until October 4. Alongside Manjummel Boys, the festival will also feature two other notable Indian films: Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner All We Imagine As Light and SS Rajamouli’s RRR. While Manjummel Boys will be presented in the “Out of Competition: Festival Hits” category, RRR finds its spot in the “Out of Competition: Blockbuster Hits” category.
In what promises to be a landmark event for the film, Manjummel Boys will grace the festival with a red carpet premiere on September 30, followed by a public screening on October 1. The film, which is rooted in a real-life narrative, stars a versatile cast including Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Deepak Parambol, Jean Paul Lal, Ganapathi, Balu Varghese, George Maryan, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, and Khalid Rahman, among others.
The KinoBravo Film Festival has a diverse main selection featuring 12 films this year. It will showcase a total of 25 movies from various countries, including Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, UAE, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Serbia, Egypt, Iran, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. Each film will be presented in person by its creators, ensuring a vibrant exchange of ideas and cultures.
Beyond the screenings, the festival is packed with enriching activities such as workshops led by acclaimed actors and film directors, retrospectives of Russian and international cinema, and concerts by notable Russian musicians. The business side of the festival includes an extensive program of panel sessions, roundtables, master classes, and presentations by major studios and international film projects. This is an excellent opportunity for filmmakers to engage with industry peers and explore potential collaborations.
Manjummel Boys’ rise to fame has been nothing short of spectacular. The film broke previous records held by Jude Anthany Joseph’s flood saga 2018, which had amassed over ₹150 crore at the box office.
. Directed by Chidambaram, Manjummel Boys has struck a chord with both critics and audiences alike, delivering a captivating storyline, stellar performances, and gripping direction.
The movie tells the compelling story of friendship, dreams, and the complexities of life in a small town. Its characters are relatable and their journeys resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds, which likely contributed to the film’s spectacular box office success and its subsequent international recognition.
The excitement surrounding Manjummel Boys’ KinoBravo participation is palpable. Social media is abuzz with fans expressing their pride and anticipation. Many industry insiders believe that its selection for KinoBravo could pave the way for more Malayalam films to gain international exposure and recognition.
The inclusion of Manjummel Boys at KinoBravo is also a testament to the growing global influence of Indian cinema. Indian films have been increasingly making their mark at international festivals, with recent successes at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin film festivals. This trend emphasizes the global appeal and rising standards of Indian filmmakers and the stories they bring to life.
Chidambaram, the director, expressed his delight at the film’s selection for KinoBravo. “It’s an honor for Manjummel Boys to be included in such a prestigious film festival. I’m thrilled that our film will be viewed by an international audience and I hope it paves the way for more recognition of Malayalam cinema on the world stage,” he commented.
As the festival progresses, all eyes will be on Manjummel Boys and its cast and crew. The film’s international premiere at KinoBravo stands as a significant achievement and a hopeful beacon for future Malayalam cinema. From September 28 to October 4, KinoBravo will not only be a celebration of global cinema but also a testament to the unifying power of film, bringing together cultures and stories from around the world.
