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Manichithrathazhu

Original title: Manichitrathazhu
  • 1993
  • Not Rated
  • 2h 49m
IMDb RATING
8.7/10
14K
YOUR RATING
Suresh Gopi, Mohanlal, and Shobana in Manichithrathazhu (1993)
When a forbidden room in an old bungalow is unbolted, the spirit of a vengeful dancer is unleashed.
Play trailer1:20
1 Video
33 Photos
Psychological HorrorPsychological ThrillerSuspense MysteryComedyHorrorMysteryThriller

When a forbidden room in an old bungalow is unbolted, the spirit of a vengeful dancer is unleashed.When a forbidden room in an old bungalow is unbolted, the spirit of a vengeful dancer is unleashed.When a forbidden room in an old bungalow is unbolted, the spirit of a vengeful dancer is unleashed.

  • Director
    • Fazil
  • Writer
    • Madhu Muttam
  • Stars
    • Mohanlal
    • Shobana
    • Suresh Gopi
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.7/10
    14K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Fazil
    • Writer
      • Madhu Muttam
    • Stars
      • Mohanlal
      • Shobana
      • Suresh Gopi
    • 56User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins total

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 1:20
    Trailer

    Photos33

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    Top cast16

    Edit
    Mohanlal
    Mohanlal
    • Dr. Sunny Joseph
    Shobana
    Shobana
    • Ganga…
    Suresh Gopi
    Suresh Gopi
    • Nakulan
    Vinaya Prasad
    Vinaya Prasad
    • Sridevi
    Nedumudi Venu
    Nedumudi Venu
    • Thampi
    Innocent Vareed Thekkethala
    Innocent Vareed Thekkethala
    • Unnithan
    • (as Innocent)
    K.P.A.C. Lalitha
    K.P.A.C. Lalitha
    • Bhasura
    Sudheesh
    Sudheesh
    • Chanthu
    Thilakan
    Thilakan
    • Brahmadattan Nampoothirippadu
    Ganesh Kumar
    Ganesh Kumar
    • Dasappan Kutty
    Rudra
    • Alli
    Kuthiravattam Pappu
    Kuthiravattam Pappu
    • Kattuparamban
    • (as Pappu)
    Sridhar
    Sridhar
    • Mahadevan
    • (as Shridhar)
    Bhagyalakshmi
    Bhagyalakshmi
    • Ganga
    • (voice)
    Durga Sundararajan
    • Nagavalli
    • (voice)
    Fazil
    Fazil
    • Director
      • Fazil
    • Writer
      • Madhu Muttam
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews56

    8.713.8K
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    Featured reviews

    8hari_msw07

    A unique blend of Nail biting drama,Suspense,horror,Thrilling sequences and breathtakingly stunning climax.........

    Suresh Gopi returns to his native place along with his wife Shobana after a long time to meet his uncle Nedubudi Venu.They decide to stay in their family mansion which remains unoccupied owing to the fears of being haunted by an old dancer, Nagavalli.Nagavalli was murdered there by the king years ago for having an affair with another court singer.Shobana becomes fascinated on seeing the palace that she purposefully unlocks the room that had been once been the room of Nagavalli. Soon a series of ghostly events cut loose and fear begins to grip the family.Mohanlal acts the role of Dr.Sunny who comes to the aid of his buddy Suresh Gopi and solves the puzzle to discover there is more than what he had imagined to be solved.The movie offers an ideal comedy track from late Kuthiravattam Pappu, Innocent, Ganesh and Sudheesh. Mohanlal leaves a memorable mark. However the full credit goes to Shobana for her stupendous acting. This may be the best of Fazil movies and by far the best suspense thriller in history of malayalam cinema.

    For those thriller crazy maniacs, this is the ideal movie. Go grab ur copy of DVD for this evergreen classic.
    10BollyReview

    Best Film I have Ever Seen

    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!
    10arun-kadavil

    One of the best Indian movies

    This has got to be one of the best movies both in malayalam and in India. superb script combined with beautiful direction and acting has made this movie a treat to watch. I have watched this one numerous times..don't even remember the number. As many I was also disappointed to see its remake in other languages. I think they spoiled the beautiful concept and feel of this movie. Sobhana who got a National Award for this movie should have been given a second one after seeing the way other actress performed her role in those remakes.

    Its one of the dream movies which doesn't come very often...Perfect from all points of view - story, dialogues, performance, comedy, songs and direction..

    Please watch it if you haven't already.
    10amith_sripad

    Best movie I have seen

    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.
    9renjith_here

    Coolest Psycho Thriillers India has produced

    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.

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    Related interests

    Daniel Kaluuya in Get Out (2017)
    Psychological Horror
    Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl (2014)
    Psychological Thriller
    James Stewart in Rear Window (1954)
    Suspense Mystery
    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby (1968)
    Horror
    Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in Chinatown (1974)
    Mystery
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    Thriller

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Often regarded as most popular movie in Malayalam cinema.
    • Quotes

      Kattuparamban: Heard about a Psychiatrist from America.

      Dr. Sunny Joseph: Yes, See, I am that fortunate man.

      Kattuparamban: People think I have something wrong with my behavior. Can you please check it?

      Dr. Sunny Joseph: Yes, I guess something wrong!

      Kattuparamban: Then what should we do?

      Dr. Sunny Joseph: I cannot help it right now because I have tranquilized Sreedevi inside. Come after some days!

      Kattuparamban: Okay! Should I take any precaution?

      Dr. Sunny Joseph: Of Course! Try not to touch water!

    • Alternate versions
      After its theatrical release, one of the first home media editions, which were the VHS cassettes, contained the theatrical version of the film. These editions had a limited release in India and overseas and became popular in the Gulf market. However, almost four scenes, totaling about 10 minutes of the film, were deleted in the subsequent home media releases in India, particularly in the VCD and DVD editions. The TV versions also used the cut versions, which were almost identical to the VCD and DVD editions. The remastered version, which was re-released in theaters in 2024, was also the cut version.
    • Connections
      Referenced in Geethanjali (2013)

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    FAQ18

    • How long is Manichithrathazhu?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 24, 1993 (India)
    • Country of origin
      • India
    • Language
      • Malayalam
    • Also known as
      • The Ornate Lock
    • Filming locations
      • Kochi, Kerala, India(Hill palace is the house)
    • Production company
      • Swargachitra
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • $82,307
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 49m(169 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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