If you’re a cinephile who craves excitement, the recent Malayalam masterpiece, Manjummel Boys, has surely captivated your interest. The film’s astounding triumph during its second weekend at the Indian box office, amassing nearly Rs. 25 crores, underscores its gripping narrative and resonance with audiences nationwide. Drawing inspiration from a true event at the Devil’s Kitchen in Kodaikanal’s Guna Caves back in 2006, this cinematic gem beckons us to unravel the enchantment of this enigmatic locale, exploring its historical roots, legends, and its profound influence on the creation of this compelling movie.
Explore the mysterious Devil’s Kitchen aka Guna Caves
The quest to uncover the mysteries of Devil’s Kitchen commences amidst the awe-inspiring panorama of Kodaikanal’s Pillar rocks and Green Valley. Once again gaining prominence, the Devil’s Kitchen, or Guna Caves, entices with its eerie allure and chilling past. Veiled in mist and fog, this deep, narrow valley casts an ethereal ambiance, with its rugged terrain and hidden crevices. Inhabited by bats and diverse wildlife, the Devil’s Kitchen beckons explorers with caution.
Cinematic Reverberations: Manjummel Boys and Guna Caves
The name Guna Caves rose to fame following its appearance in the 1991 Kamal Haasan-led film Gunaa, and later in productions like Shikkar (2010) and the recent Manjummel Boys (2024). The latter, inspired by a real-life incident in 2006, chronicles the gripping saga of a clique of friends from Manjummel, Kochi.
Mythical Lore and Mystique
Beyond its celluloid charm, the Devil’s Kitchen carries mythological weight. Legend has it that the Pandavas, figures from the revered Hindu epic Mahabharata, sought sanctuary within these very confines during their exile. Some speculate that the cave serves as a portal to the netherworld, where departed souls roam. This fusion of myth and reality adds an extra layer of allure to the already spellbinding Guna Caves.
The Kodaikanal Bus Stand is located roughly 8.5 kilometres from our destination.
About 141 kilometres away, you’ll find Madurai International Airport.
Palani Railway Station is situated around 74 kilometres from here.
pic credit: Tamil Nadu tourism