Manichitrathazhu: The 1993 classic that inspired Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Manichitrathazhu, a 1993 Malayalam psychological thriller, has left an enduring legacy in Indian cinema. Its gripping narrative, iconic characters, and supernatural elements have inspired a wave of remakes across various regional film industries with the most popular being Akshay Kumar’s 2007 hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

The Original Masterpiece

Directed by Fazil and starring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Shobana, Manichitrathazhu is considered a cult classic in South Indian cinema.

Ganga, a young woman, marries Nagaraj and moves to his ancestral mansion. Soon, she experiences strange and terrifying events, suggesting supernatural presence. As the story unfolds, Ganga’s behavior becomes erratic, and she exhibits multiple personalities, including that of Nagavalli, a dancer who lived in the mansion centuries ago.

Psychiatrist Dr. Sunny investigates Ganga’s condition and uncovers Nagavalli’s tragic past through hypnosis. Nagavalli’s spirit, trapped within Ganga, seeks revenge against those responsible for her past suffering. As Dr. Sunny delves deeper, he discovers a dark history surrounding Nagavalli’s death and the curse that haunts the mansion.

In the climax, Dr. Sunny helps Ganga confront her past and integrate her personalities. The truth behind Nagavalli’s death and the curse is revealed, and Ganga finds peace.

Manichitrathazhu’s intricate plot masterfully weaves elements of psychology, mythology, and suspense, making it a cult classic in Malayalam cinema. The film’s exploration of dissociative identity disorder and reincarnation themes added depth to its haunting narrative.

The original is now even available on YouTube in Hindi dubbing.

The Impactful Remakes

Directed by Fazil and starring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Shobana, Manichitrathazhu is considered a cult classic in South Indian cinema success led to several remakes, each adapting the story to suit the specific cultural nuances of its respective region:

Apthamitra (Kannada, 2004): This Kannada remake, starring Ramesh Aravind and Ramya, was a commercial success and further popularized the story.
Chandramukhi (Tamil, 2005): Directed by P. Vasu, this Tamil version, starring Rajinikanth and Jyothika, became a blockbuster and is considered one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time.
Rajmohol (Bengali, 2005): This Bengali adaptation, starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta, was also well-received by the audience.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (Hindi, 2007): Directed by Priyadarshan, this Hindi remake, starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, was a commercial success and introduced the story to a wider audience.

While the Hindi remake, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, was a successful adaptation, many fans of the original consider Manichitrathazhu to be the superior film, praising its complex characters, suspenseful atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes. Shobana’s dual role as Ganga and Nagavalli is particularly iconic and has been praised for its nuanced performance.

The enduring popularity of Manichitrathazhu and its remakes can be attributed to several factors:

Strong Characterization: The film’s characters are complex and well-developed, particularly the enigmatic Nagavalli.
Gripping Narrative: The suspenseful and unpredictable storyline keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Effective Use of Supernatural Elements: The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Iconic Performances: The performances of the lead actors, especially Shobana’s portrayal of Ganga and Nagavalli, are considered legendary.

Even decades after its release, Manichitrathazhu continues to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its timeless appeal and its impact on Indian cinema.