Manichitrathazhu

This movie is a perfect mix of intelligent comedy and intense suspense. A superb climax which made my day when i saw this movie as a kid 10 years ago. The acting is excellent though i felt Mohanlal overdid some of his scenes. Easily one of the best movies Kerala has produced.

This was one movie which really impressed me in 1993. Writing a review after so many years is a proof of how much sense it makes to me even today. Malayalam movies are always ahead of the rest of the country in making meaningful and realistic stories. That too on quarter of the budget a Bollywood movie is made with. This movie was a masterpiece work from Fazil. This movie also had another 6 A list directors doing diff segment of this movie, like the comedy part was done by Priyadashan. This movie was later made into a Tamil, Kannada and Telungu all which turned out to be super duper hits. Plans are in the pipeline to remake it in Hindi. But the essence of the movie is being lost in the translation. The 1993 Malayalam version is the best yet. This movie was well made and well received my all the generations of Keralites. A must watch if u like horror, thriller or friction movies.

I have seen over 400 Indian films and nothing beats Manichitrathazhu. One of the most remade films in Indian cinema, Manichitrathazhu is a perfect combination of horror, psychological thriller and classical dance. All of the performances are great. Each scene is perfect. You can watch this film over and over again and discover something new with each viewing. It has been analyzed and re-analyzed for years and we still can't get enough of it.

Even if you have seen some of the remakes like the Tamil Chandramukhi or Hindi Bhool Bhulaiyaa, please see the original Manichitrathazhu. You will enjoy it much more and realize why the original will always be the best.

There was also a few sequels made like Kannada Apthamitra and Telugu Nagavalli. And there is a spin-off in Malayalam called Geethanjali. But like I said, nothing beats Manichitrathazhu. Get ready to be a fan!

The first half of Manichithrathazhu may be slow, but the second half becomes gripping. The amazing climax, featuring Shobana's spectacular dance with her partner, pushes this movie from a simple Malayalam thriller to the level of high art. Although the film isn't perfect--there are minor plot holes, and Mohanlal's entertaining performance goes over the top in some scenes--Manichithrathazhu is one of the best Indian movies I've seen.

After watching this movie, I couldn't believe it was directed by Fazil, the same guy who churned out overly sentimental mush like Aniyathi Pravu (1997) and shameless, cookie-cutter Hollywood remakes like Life Is Beautiful (2000). Manichithrathazhu has to be the high point of Fazil's career.

After a lifetime of avoiding most Malayalam movies like the plague, old classics like this film are turning me into a big fan of Malu films. Also, after watching his charismatic performances in films like Nadodikattu (1987), Pattana Pravesham (1988), Akkare akkare akkare (1990), and Manichithrathazhu, I find myself becoming an enthusiastic fan of Mohanlal. If you're not already a Mohanlal fan, watching Manichithrathazhu may make you one.

Manichitratazu is a very great Classical movie which I have ever seen. The portrayal of human psychology is marvelous. The movie plot is thrilling, mystic and powerful. Fantastic performances by all actors like Mohan Lal, Shobana, Vinaya Prasad, Suresh Gopi, Innocent, Nedumudi Venu, etc. Shobana's dancing skills is excellent and also good powerful acting by her and she rightfully deserves the national award. Not boring even if watched 3 -4 times.

I am especially moved as to how the story writer has sketched this story. Really marvelous. He and the Director and the whole team deserves applause.