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The Worst Film Ever

How sad is this?

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Dear Fazil, you did a reasonably good job directing Manichithrathazhu. I am not saying you are William Friedkin or Stanley Kubirck. But you knew your limitations. I guess you understood that Madhu Muttom's script was solid and that the cast you had at hand was stellar. You let them do their jobs. I read that Priyadarshan, Sibi Malayil and Siddique Lal helped you out. The film is a great mix of the comedy and horror genres. The star cast of Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Shobana was one of the best in the early 90s (second only to Dhruvam). Innocent, KPAC Lalita, Kuthiravattom Pappu, Nedumudi Venu, Thilakan, Ganesh Kumar, Sudheesh, Rudra and Vinaya Prasada are at the very peak of their powers. Innocent carried the first half on his shoulders with his comedic scenes which might have been improvised. Ganesh Kumar also had some really funny scenes. I liked the way you shot and edited Shobana's entry into Nagavalli's room. The camera is following behind her and there are hardly any shots of her face. Hence the audience is kept in the dark about her experience. There were so many interesting elements in the film. Like the clash between the modern couple (Suresh Gopi and Shobana) and their superstitious relatives. But when the going gets tough, the relatives gets right behind the couple to defeat the "evil spirit". Then there was the schism between religion and science and how the two can co-exist. I am surprised Madhu Muttam did not write more movies. Best Regards, Pimpin. (7/10)

The Ornate Lock ('Manichitratazhu') was a film directed by the gifted director Mr. A M Fazil. Combining stellar acting by veteran actors - such as Mohanlal, Thilakan, Shobana; with a well written script which was perfectly executed; the movie easily became a runaway success and a definitive benchmark for psychological thriller films in the history of Indian (if not World) movies.Centering around the weird ways in which an unwell human mind can behave , especially when under the power of suggestion; the role of Ganga proved to be turning point in the life of the actress Shobana. Similarly, evoking subtle mannerisms of a trained parapsychologist; Mohanlal was able to easily bring to awe even his dire critics.Though remakes of this film were attempted and done in many other languages, sadly, none were able to create the impact that this movie had made in the mind of movie goers.

Its been some 14 years since I saw this movie, and recently I went out and bought it on DVD!I love the way they have mixed the settings of a large traditional Kerala household, the urban legends that I can totally identify with, and how its all presented with beautiful realism and how its been provided with a scientific explanation, and more interestingly how scientific approach branches out to use a traditional technique to suit the subject in question! Such an interesting and involving topic has been handled ever so skillfully throughout the movie with a subtle thread of contextual and refreshingly original comedy, which again, fits like a glove to the storytelling!This movie makes me proud of my Malayali tradition and background!

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.