One of Kerala's most celebrated films has made a triumphant return to UAE cinemas. Manichitrathazhu, a poetic and masterful psychological thriller, written by Madhu Muttam, directed by Fazil, and starring Mohanlal, Shobana, and Suresh Gopi, originally released in 1993, has been re-released with enhanced Dolby sound. This iconic film, which won the Indian National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, also earned Shobana the Indian National Film Award for Best Actress. It has been remade in four languages: Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi (as Bhool Bhulaiya). The film's second unit directors included Sibi Malayil, Priyadarshan, and Siddique-Lal. The re-released version boasts improved clarity and technical nuances, honoring a group of actors and technicians who have passed away in the last three decades, including Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu, Innocent, Kutiravattam Pappu, and KPAC Lalitha.
Manichitrathazhu remains timeless. Considered a cult classic, it is strikingly relevant today. The film deftly navigates between the realms of rituals and beliefs, and scientific thought and psychiatry, giving each equal respect and credibility. Neither realm belittles the other, subtly acknowledging their respective values. This careful balance took over two years to craft. The story revolves around a forbidden room in a grand Kerala mansion, sealed with an ornate lock due to its haunted reputation. Legend has it that the room is inhabited by the ghost of a Thanjavur danseuse, Nagavalli, who was kidnapped and imprisoned by the mansion's owner, Karanavar Sankaran Thambi. Nagavalli despised her captor and was in love with a fellow dancer. When Karanvar discovered their romance, he murdered them both. He mysteriously died days later, and the village was plagued by Nagavalli's ghost until holy men exorcised and imprisoned her in the room. A century later, a young and curious bride named Ganga, played by Shobana, breaks into the room, inadvertently releasing Nagavalli's spirit. Strange occurrences ensue, with anyone investigating being attacked. The family descends into strife and suspicion, with one member ostracized and deemed mentally ill. Enter Dr. Sunny, played by Mohanlal, an affable and eccentric psychiatrist. His arrival is met with resistance from the spirit, leading to a series of mind games, misunderstandings, and death traps, culminating in the unraveling of the mystery. Suresh Gopi plays Nakulan, Sunny's friend and Ganga's devoted husband, who is determined to save his wife.
The film features memorable dialogues spoken in Nagavalli's haunting Tamil voice, contrasting with the Malayalam language of the rest of the film. Director Fazil used this linguistic shift to enhance the horror element, depicting the split personality of the character. Another notable detail is the song Pazham Tamil Pattu, sung by Sunny while investigating the case. Its tune is eerily similar to the song Oru Murai Vanthu Parthaya, which Ganga, as the possessed Nagavalli, sings at night. The song serves as a test to observe Ganga's reaction. The film's brilliance lies in its seamless integration of ancient rituals and modern science to address what could be termed possession or split personality disorder. This is exemplified in the character of Thilakan, who plays the head priest Brahmaduttan Namboodiripad, who acknowledges Sunny's expertise. One of the film's most poignant scenes is Nagavalli's dance, where her exposure is both terrifying and heart-wrenching. Shobana's portrayal, with her kajal-streaked face, disheveled maang tikka, and disarrayed clothes, is a cinematic masterpiece. Her piercing eyes and near-maniacal expression are etched in memory. The film's enduring appeal lies in its ability to captivate audiences, even those familiar with its twists and turns, creating a sense of wonder and marvel with each viewing.
