After the success of Manjummal Boys, many visitors travelled to Kodaikanal to see the famous Guna Caves, which became central to the film’s plot. However, when tourists arrived, all they could see were the iron railings surrounding the restricted cave, which has remained closed to visitors for over a decade and a half. Curiosity grew over how the filmmakers managed to shoot inside a forbidden site. The mystery was cleared when the film’s crew revealed that the Guna Cave seen in the movie was not real but an extraordinary set built near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam.

The story revolves around a group of childhood friends who attempt to rescue their friend who has fallen into a deep, treacherous pit inside the cave—a place from which return seems impossible.

Production designer Ajayan Chalissery, who crafted the replica cave, received the State Film Award for Best Art Direction, marking a proud moment in his career. With special permission and extensive effort, he built a 50-foot-deep cave that mirrors the original Guna Cave after personally visiting the site. The replica was constructed inside a godown in Perumbavoor using fibre materials.

Rock moulds and textures from Kodaikanal were brought to create realistic imitations, and small stones were sourced directly from the region. Inside the cave set, every environmental detail—such as rain and snow—was meticulously recreated to achieve authenticity.

“Manjummel Boys was one of the most challenging films of my career. The set was built after visiting the Guna Cave, which had been closed for years, and observing every aspect. A great team worked behind it. Although I have done many films so far, I see the big plus of Manjummel Boys as the fact that the work of production design was recognised by the ordinary audience. People who saw the film called from many places and congratulated us, asking with curiosity how we managed to do it. I am happy that the film itself received the state award,” said Ajayan Chalissery.

Over the past decade, Ajayan has lent his artistic touch to several acclaimed films, including Left Right Left, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Trance, Pathonpatham Noottandu, Parava, Varathan, Idukki Gold, and Rifle Club.

A gift to my village: Ajayan Chalissery

Pattambi: Expressing pride and gratitude after winning the State Film Award, Ajayan dedicated the honour to his hometown.

“This is a gift for my Chalissery village. Many Chalissery people have worked hard with me. That is why the film Manjummel Boys was able to win this recognition. I dedicate the award to my village,” said Ajayan, while speaking to Mathrubhumi after the announcement.

Ajayan learnt about the honour while in Mangaluru, preparing for his next project. A local man named Nandan informed him of the news. He described the recognition as the outcome of collective effort, adding that he never works for awards but feels proud when his work is acknowledged.

His wife Sabita and children Daya and Yuvan were the first to call and congratulate him. The residents of his hometown also expressed immense pride in his success. Ajayan is currently working on director Chidambaram S. Poduval’s upcoming film Balan.

Manjummel Boys sweeps State Awards

Manjummel Boys emerged as a major winner at the State Film Awards, bagging ten honours including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Director and writer Chidambaram, who helmed the survival thriller inspired by a true story, spoke about his creative journey.

“The real Manjummel Boys were the ones who first saw the film because we had to do justice to their experience. At the same time, we wanted to give audiences a cinematic experience. The challenge was in balancing both. The idea was simple — a person falls into a pit and he is saved. What moments could we bring between these two events?” he explained.