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The Malayalam classic, Manichitrathazhu, remade across languages, from Kannada’s Apthamitra to Tamil’s Chandramukhi, and even Bengali’s Rajmohol and Hindi’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has enjoyed a storied legacy of success. Now, E4 Entertainment is set to rekindle that magic with a 4K remastered version hitting theaters on August 17, 2024.
Back in the day, the film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and Shobhana’s dual role as Ganga and Nagavalli earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. It was a bold, experimental venture for the Malayalam film industry, dealing with themes that were far from conventional and achieving massive financial success. As the remastered edition prepares to hit the big screen, fans are hopeful it will continue the legacy of its predecessor—unlike its 2013 spin-off, Geethaanjali, which saw Mohanlal return as Dr. Sunny Joseph but fell short with both audiences and critics.
Plot of Manichitrathazhu
The plot of Manichitrathazhu revolves around a folktale rooted in the ancestral heritage of the scriptwriter Madhu Muttam. It begins with newlyweds Nakulan and Ganga arriving at Nakulan’s ancestral home, much to the disapproval of Nakulan’s maternal uncle, Thambi. Despite Thambi’s objections, they settle in. Ganga discovers the home’s ominous history and the spirit confined within the Thekkini, a sealed chamber.
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