Malayalam cinema has consistently impressed audiences with its strong content and compelling storytelling. This quality has made Mollywood a source of inspiration for filmmakers across India and beyond. Numerous Malayalam films have found new life through remakes in various Indian and international languages over the years.
Nikhila Vimal's Heated Debate With Prabhu
Actress Nikhila Vimal recently shared an interesting anecdote about the classic film Manichitrathazhu. During a conversation with The Cue Studio, she was asked to recommend three Malayalam movies for non-Malayalee viewers. Her selections included Kishkindha Kaandam starring Asif Ali and Vijaya Raghavan, Thirakatha featuring Priyamani, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Anoop Menon, and the iconic Manichitrathazhu.
When the host questioned the widespread obsession with Manichitrathazhu, Nikhila revealed a personal story. She admitted to having a passionate argument with senior actor Prabhu about which version of the film is superior. "I like that movie. I have also gotten into an argument earlier that Manichithrathazhu is better than Chandramukhi... with Prabhu sir, who was the (co-) producer," she explained. Prabhu served as co-producer for the Tamil remake Chandramukhi.
The Legacy of Manichitrathazhu
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Fazil, Manichitrathazhu stands as an epic psychological thriller. The 1993 release tells the story of a young couple, Nakulan and Ganga, who return to his ancestral home. This home carries a reputation for being haunted, setting the stage for supernatural events.
Suresh Gopi portrayed Nakulan while veteran actress Shobana played Ganga. Mohanlal delivered a memorable extended cameo performance as psychiatrist Sunny. The film boasted an impressive supporting cast including Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu, Innocent, and KPAC Lalitha. Actors like Vinaya Prasad, Sridhar, KB Ganesh Kumar, and Sudheesh also played pivotal roles.
Manichitrathazhu achieved blockbuster status with a remarkable theatrical run of 300 days. The film earned significant recognition, winning two National Awards: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Actress for Shobana. It also secured three Kerala State Film Awards.
The film's popularity continues decades after its original release. In 2024, Manichitrathazhu returned to theaters in a restored 4K resolution version with Dolby Atmos sound. This re-release received an enthusiastic response from audiences, proving the film's enduring appeal.
Malayalam cinema's influence remains strong through classics like Manichitrathazhu. The film's multiple remakes demonstrate its universal storytelling power. Nikhila Vimal's recent revelation about her debate with Prabhu highlights how these cinematic works continue to spark passionate discussions among artists and audiences alike.
