Watch Manichithrathazhu
- NR
- 1993
- 2 hr 35 min
-
8.7 (12,523)
Manichithrathazhu is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language supernatural thriller film starring Shobana, Mohanlal, and Suresh Gopi in lead roles. The movie was directed by Fazil and produced by Appachan. The film depicts the story of a woman named Ganga, who is believed to be possessed by a spirit called Nagavalli. The movie is still considered one of the best horror films that Malayalam cinema has ever produced.
The story revolves around a joint family who moves into a century-old mansion in Kerala. They plan to convert the mansion into a homestay for tourists. The family members soon realize that the mansion has a mysterious past and the spirit of Nagavalli still haunts the premises. As they begin to sense an eerie feeling around the house, they seek the help of a psychiatrist called Dr. Sunny. Dr. Sunny was a friend to the family and he along with his wife, Annie, came to investigate the claims of the haunting.
Dr. Sunny suspects that Ganga is suffering from a multiple personality disorder and tries to treat her by delving deeper into her psyche. Dr. Sunny's wife Annie, who is hesitant at first due to the supernatural element, gets intrigued by the case and assists her husband in treating Ganga.
As the plot thickens, the family members start experiencing strange occurrences around the house. They hear noises, see apparitions, and find objects moving on their own. The story takes a thrilling turn as Ganga's personalities start to reveal themselves as that of Nagavalli, the spirit that the family was warned about.
The film's screenplay is well crafted as it blends elements of horror, comedy, and suspense. The dialogues, music, and cinematography all add to the tension of the plot. The film's music was composed by M. G. Radhakrishnan and the songs "Oru Murai Vanthu Parthaya" and "Manichithrathazhu" still enjoy a massive following in South India.
The movie is famous for its exemplary performances by the lead actors. Shobana's portrayal of Ganga was received with critical acclaim. She portrayed Ganga's split personality disorder with such ease that the audience was left bewildered. Her dance scenes added another layer of beauty to the movie. Mohanlal, who played Dr. Sunny, was his usual brilliant self in the film. His witty one-liners and calm demeanor added a much-needed balance to the tension-filled plot. Suresh Gopi gave an outstanding performance as the family patriarch who was determined to uncover the secrets of the mansion.
Manichithrathazhu has been remade in several languages including Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, and Tamil. The Hindi version, Bhool Bhulaiyya, starred Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan in lead roles and was a commercial success.
In conclusion, Manichithrathazhu is a film that has stood the test of time. The movie continues to be a source of inspiration to many filmmakers who aspire to make horror films. It is no surprise that the film has won several national and international awards including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. If you are a fan of horror films or just want to experience quality cinema, Manichithrathazhu is a must-watch.
Manichithrathazhu is a 1993 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.