Watch Manichitrathazhu

Manichitrathazhu is a 1993 Indian Malayalam psychological horror film, directed by Fazil and starring Shobana, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, and KPAC Lalitha. The film is widely regarded as a landmark in the history of Indian cinema and is considered one of the best horror films in Indian cinema. The film tells the story of a young couple, Nakulan and Ganga, who move into an ancient palace, which belonged to Nakulan's ancestors. Ganga, who is a psychiatrist, begins treating a patient named Sreedevi, who is suffering from a split personality disorder. Sreedevi is convinced that there are spirits in the palace and that they have taken control of her body. Ganga dismisses her claims as a mental illness and starts treating her.

As Ganga begins to investigate the palace's history, she uncovers a dark past, involving a woman named Nagavalli, who lived in the palace many years ago. Nagavalli was a dancer who was betrayed by the prince of the kingdom and was eventually turned into a vengeful spirit, seeking revenge on the prince's family for generations to come.

As Ganga continues her investigation, strange things begin to happen in the palace. Sreedevi seems to be possessed by Nagavalli's spirit, and a series of inexplicable incidents occur. The film takes a terrifying turn when it becomes evident that the palace is haunted by Nagavalli's spirit, and she is determined to destroy the family that betrayed her.

Manichitrathazhu is an excellent example of how horror films can be made without relying on cheap scares, blood, and gore, but instead, relying on the performances and the psychological tension built in the film. The film is a masterpiece, featuring outstanding performances by the entire cast, particularly Shobana, who won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Ganga.

The film's cinematography and direction are equally impressive, creating an eerie atmosphere that permeates through the entire film. The use of the palace as the setting gives the film a certain timelessness, and the soundtrack is evocative and haunting, adding to the film's overall atmosphere.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of mental illness, which is rare in Indian cinema. Ganga's character is a refreshing change from the usual portrayal of women in Indian cinema, where they are often relegated to the sidelines. Her character is strong, independent, and intelligent, and her portrayal of a psychiatrist is realistic and credible.

Manichitrathazhu has been remade in different languages, including Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. However, the original Malayalam version remains the most celebrated and well-regarded of them all.

In conclusion, if you're a horror film lover or a lover of excellent cinema, Manichitrathazhu is a must-watch. It is not just a horror film, but a unique and compelling exploration of the human psyche and the supernatural.

Manichitrathazhu is a 1993 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.