The Manjummel Boys' real story is one that has captured the curiosity of many. In 2006, ten friends from an arts club in Kochi embarked on an unforgettable trip to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, during the Onam vacation. What started as a fun-filled excursion quickly turned into a terrifying experience when one of their group members, Subhash, fell into the infamous Guna Caves. This is the gripping story of their struggle to save him and the heroism that followed.
The True Tale of the Manjummel Boys | Movie 2024 | Manjummel Boys Real Story: The 2006 Kodaikanal Rescue Incident
The Trip to Kodaikanal: An Adventure Begins
During their trip, the friends explored Kodaikanal. Before leaving, Sudhi, one of the group, mentioned the Guna Caves, famous as a filming location for the movie Gunaa. Despite warnings from their guide, Dominic, about restricted areas in the caves, the group—inebriated and curious—decided to explore further. They etched their group name "Manjummel Boys" onto a cave wall, but what followed would change their lives forever.
The Accident: Subhash's Fall
As they regrouped to take a photo, Subhash suddenly fell into a deep hole. At first, his friends thought it was a joke, but his lack of response quickly shifted the mood from playful to panic. Some friends immediately went for help, but locals informed them that thirteen others had previously fallen into the same hole—dubbed "The Devil’s Kitchen" by the British—and none were ever recovered. The hole was said to be over 900 feet deep.
The Struggle for Help: Police and Locals Hesitate
The group rushed to the police station for help, but instead, they were accused of illegally entering a restricted area and even charged with Subhash's "murder." The police initially showed little interest in rescuing Subhash. Only after some persuasion and the threat of local backlash did the officers agree to help. A police officer accompanying the group revealed that even the nephew of a former Central Minister had fallen into the same hole a decade earlier, and rescue attempts had failed.
The Rescue Attempt: A Friend's Bravery
When the fire department arrived, they estimated that Subhash had fallen around 120 feet deep. They attempted to lower a rope, but when doubts arose about the success of the rescue, one of the friends, Siju David, also known as Kuttan, bravely volunteered to go down the hole himself. Kuttan was lowered down but ran out of rope. Undeterred, he insisted on continuing, hearing Subhash's faint cries. More rope was provided, and Kuttan finally reached Subhash, who was found lying injured on a ledge.
Kuttan managed to pull Subhash up, and the friends rushed him to a clinic and then to a hospital in Kochi. The police, realizing the seriousness of the situation, allowed them to leave without pressing further charges.
Aftermath: Heroic Recognition
Subhash, though traumatized by the ordeal, gradually recovered through therapy. Kuttan’s heroic rescue did not stay a secret for long. Two years later, he was awarded the Jeevan Raksha Padak for his extraordinary bravery in saving his friend.
While many have heard rumors about the Manjummel Boys, few know the full story. This group of childhood friends grew up in the quiet streets of Manjummel, but their bond and unique experiences set them apart. Over time, they became a close-knit group, facing numerous challenges that tested their friendship. However, their resilience and loyalty to one another became their defining trait.
- Trip to Kodaikanal: Ten friends from Kochi planned a trip during the Onam vacation.
- Subhash’s Accident: He fell into a deep hole in the Guna Caves while exploring a restricted area.
- Struggle for Help: Initially, the police accused the group of foul play but later agreed to help.
- Kuttan’s Bravery: Siju David (Kuttan) risked his life to rescue Subhash from 120 feet deep.
- Aftermath: Subhash recovered through trauma therapy, and Kuttan was awarded the Jeevan Raksha Padak for his bravery.
The story of the Manjummel Boys is more than just local lore. It's a testament to the power of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
In short about the incident and movie
As the story of the Manjummel Boys continues to intrigue many, one thing is clear: their journey has left a lasting impact on their community and beyond. The lessons of friendship and overcoming challenges remain at the core of their legacy. Want to dive deeper into their journey? Stay tuned for more!
