Lessons from Manjummel Boys for Startups

"Manjummel Boys," a 2024 Malayalam film, recently made headlines by becoming the first film in its language to earn ?200 crore, with its current standing at ?224 crore. Remarkably, it achieved this feat with a modest budget of ?20 crore and without the draw of a star-studded cast. It is more than just a successful film; it's a case study of achieving more with less. Startups can draw lessons from its approach to understand that success often comes from focusing on what truly matters: delivering value creatively and efficiently without necessarily relying on the most resources or the biggest names. This philosophy can be transformative, leading to sustainable growth and innovation in a competitive landscape.

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This underdog success story offers invaluable lessons for startups across various departments.

Engineering: Focus on Customer Needs Over Star Power

The success of "Manjummel Boys" isn't attributed to big names but to its resonance with the audience. Startups, particularly in tech, can learn from this. Having a team of "rockstars" or experts is beneficial, but it's crucial that their efforts align directly with customer needs. Innovation should solve real problems rather than just showcase technological prowess. The key takeaway for engineering teams is to prioritize functionality and relevance to ensure that resources are allocated effectively, enhancing product-market fit. Not to steal the thunder from IIx's of the world, but the intent is to underline what passionate, non "Ivy'ed folks can do if they have a vision that falls in line with what the market wants.

Finance: Budget Creatively and Spend Wisely

With a budget that is relatively modest for its industry, "Manjummel Boys" exemplifies financial prudence paired with creative resource allocation. Startups often operate under financial constraints. This scenario underlines the importance of budgeting creatively and ensuring that every dollar spent is an investment towards the company's growth. Finance teams should focus on strategic spending that maximizes output without compromising on quality or impact.

Human Resources: Foster a Supportive and Unified Team Culture

The ensemble cast of "Manjummel Boys," devoid of major stars, suggests a culture where every member's contribution is valued equally, mirroring an ideal startup environment. For HR professionals, the lesson is clear: cultivate a workplace where teamwork and mutual respect are paramount. This involves hiring for fit—both in skills and in alignment with company values—encouraging collaboration, and recognizing the contributions of all employees, not just the standout performers. What more, the storyline as such is built on camaraderie and teamwork!

Operations: Efficiency Over Grandeur

The operational strategy behind the film—achieving high quality within budget constraints—highlights the importance of efficiency. Startups should take note of how "Manjummel Boys" managed to produce something spectacular without lavish expenditure. Operational efficiency should be a priority, focusing on streamlining processes, reducing waste, and optimizing resource use. This approach not only cuts costs but also improves agility and responsiveness, critical factors for success in dynamic markets.

In any case, the movie is a must-watch. Enjoy the movie and give this article a thought!