The makers of 'Manichitrathazhu' recently organised a special premiere in Chennai, which was attended by several celebrities.
Published Aug 12, 2024 | 3:01 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 12, 2024 | 3:43 PM
Shobana and Mohanlal in 'Manichitrathazhu' 4K version. (X)
Re-releases have become a new trend in the Malayalam industry. Mohanlal’s Spadikam (1995), which was re-released in 2023, and Devadoothan (2020), which hit the screens on 26 July, minted money for the makers.
And now, Manichitrathazhu (1993) is the latest addition to the list of re-releases. Featuring Mohanlal, Shobana, and Suresh Gopi in the lead roles, the Malayalam classic cult film is hitting the screens again 31 years after its theatrical release.
Ahead of its re-release on 17 August, the makers launched the trailer for the Manichitrathazhu 4K version. The two-minute-39-second trailer is trending on YouTube by garnering over two lakh views.
The perfectly cut trailer also heightened the anticipation for Manichitrathazhu and evoked a good response from young film buffs, who otherwise watched the movie on satellite channels.
The movie was supposed to be re-released in July but was deferred due to Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2.
Recently, the makers orgainsed a special premiere of the film in Chennai, which was attended by several celebrities, including Shobana, producer Swargachithra Appachan, and actor Karthi.
At a press meet held in July, the makers stated that the film was being remastered with 4K picture quality and Dolby Atmos sound technology.
They initially had difficulty restoring the flick since the analogue print was lost. However, the makers acquired the print from the film archives in Mumbai and started remastering it. Manichitrathazhu will be distributed by Matinee Now and E4 Entertainment.
Producer Swargachithra Appachan recounted that Mohanlal was sceptical about the restoration process but was happy after watching the 4K version.
Manichitrathazhu was a blockbuster hit upon its release in 1993. It ran for over a year in various centres.
Apart from Mohanlal, Sohbana, and Suresh Gopi, the Malayalam movie boasts an ensemble cast, including Nedumdi Venu, Thilakan, Innocent, KPAC Lalitha, and Vinaya Prasad.
Mohanlal appeared as Dr Sunny in the film, while Shobana played the roles of Ganga and Nagavalli. Suresh Gopi played her husband Nakulan.
The was remade into many languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Kannada. It was remade in Hindi as Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan.
Manichithrathazhu was remade in Tamil as Chandramukhi (2005) with Rajinikanth under the direction of P Vasu. It was remade in Kannada as Apthamithra (2004) and in Bengali as Rajmohol (2005).
The cult film also won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Shobana clinched the National Film Award for Best Actress.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
