Owing to an unprecedented rush at the theatre complex, the KSFDC authorities decided to hold extra shows of 'Manichitrathazhu'.
Published Nov 04, 2023 | 2:28 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2023 | 2:28 PM
The crowd outside the Kairali Theatre where 'Manichitrathazhu' was screened, as part of the Keraleeyam event. (X)
Director Fazil’s Manichitrathazhu is a cinematic wonder and is still loved by movie buffs.
The 1993 movie was a super hit upon its release and did good business at the box office. It ran for more than a year in some locations.
The movie had an ensemble cast of Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Sobhana, Nedumdi Venu, Thilakan, Innocent, KPAC Lalitha, and Vinaya Prasad.
A cult movie it is, Manichitrathazhu also topped the TRP list whenever it was screened on the TV channels owned by Asianet.
Similarly, director Siddique and Lal’s Godfather (1991) was a blockbuster hit upon its release. The film ran for 404 days in Sreekumar Theatre in Trivandrum, a record in itself.
Interestingly, Siddique and Lal were mentored by Fazil.
Wondering what this is all about? Well, Manichitrathazhu and Godfather were screened during the ongoing “Keraleeyam” event organised by the state government in Thiruvananthapuram, and both films witnessed an unusual rush.
The popularity of Manichitrathazhu, even 30 years after its release, became evident when Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) decided to screen it in the Kairali Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram, as part of “Keraleeyam”.
Owing to an unprecedented rush at the theatre complex, the KSFDC authorities decided to hold extra shows at the Sree and Nila theatres.
Pictures of the audience watching the movie sitting on the floors inside the theatre went viral on social media. Videos of the intro scenes of Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi were also celebrated by the netizens.
Look at the crowd to watch iconic #Manichithrathazhu [Re-release] for the Keraleeyam Film Festival 🤩
Mohanlal – Suresh Gopi – Shobana pic.twitter.com/PMQAUFSWSm
— Forum Reelz (@ForumReelz) November 3, 2023
This comes as a relief at a time when the Malayalam film fraternity has been complaining and is frustrated with online reviews and review bombing, which according to them are affecting the industry.
Manichithrathazhu was remade into many languages. It was remade in Hindi as Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) starring Akshay Kumar. Priyadarshan helmed it.
The movie was remade in Tamil as Chandramukhi (2005) but with minor changes in plot.
It was remade in Kannada as Apthamithra (2004) and in Bengali as Rajmohol (2005).
Manichithrathazhu also won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Shobhana was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Ganga / Nagavalli.
Mohanlal appeared as Dr Sunny and Suresh Gopi as Nakulan, wife of Ganga.
Theatre Response 🔥 #Mohanlal 🙏#Manichithrathazhu 🥳 pic.twitter.com/maNI81yCDl
— BOOM Cinemaz (@BOOMCinemaz) November 3, 2023
Similarly, Godfather also witnessed a huge crowd at the Kairali Theatre. The audience clapped and cheered when the characters — Anjooran and Anappara Achamma (played by late actors NN Pillai and Philomina) — appeared on the screen.
The comedy entertainer starring Mukesh, Siddique, Innocent, Bheeman Raghu, and Thilakan got a rousing applause during its screening.
#GodFather re-release theatre response 🙏🫡pic.twitter.com/UfHIV1bc14
— Southwood (@Southwoodoffl) November 2, 2023
The warm reception for Manichitrathazhu and Godfather was considered a recognition of the efforts of the state government.
In a Facebook post, Cultural Minister Saji Cheriyan said Manichitrathazu received an overwhelming response as the movie — scheduled to be screened at 7:30 pm on Friday, 3 November — saw huge crowds making beelines near the theatre from 3 pm.
As the 443-seater Kairali theatre was filled to its capacity, the film was screened in Nila and Sree theatres at 9 pm and 9:30 pm respectively.
The minister added that the “Keraleeyam” programme was a success.
