Karthi heaps praise on Mohanlal's Manichitrathazhu ahead of re-release

Ahead of the 4K re-release of Fazil's classic psychological thriller Manichitrathazhu, actor Karthi, after a special screening, praised the film's relevance.

In a video posted by actor Shobana, who played the female lead in the 1993 film, Karthi says that even after 30 years the film still works, "from the humour to the thrills and chills". Lauding the actors' performances, the Sardar actor said he is a big fan of Fazil, Mohanlal, and Shobana. He added that it was a "superb experience."

The film will hit theatres worldwide on August 17, coinciding with the Chingam festival in Kerala.

Manichitrathazhu features Mohanlal as Doctor Sunny, Shobana as Ganga, and Suresh Gopi as Nakulan. The landmark psychological thriller follows the ominous events surrounding an infamous mansion, believed to be haunted by the vengeful ghost of a dancer named Nagavalli, after a couple (Suresh Gopi and Shobana) move in against their family's warnings. The core of the plot revolves around a dynamic psychiatrist (Mohanlal) who takes on the challenge of restoring peace in the mansion.

The film, remade in numerous languages across India over the years, won two National Awards, including Best Actress for Shobana and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. It also starred the late veterans Nedumudi Venu, KPAC Lalitha, Innocent, Thilakan, and Kuthiravattam Pappu in prominent roles. Vinaya Prasad, KB Ganesh Kumar, and Sudheesh were also part of the cast.

Interestingly, seasoned directors like Sibi Malayil, Priyadarshan, and Siddique–Lal served as the second-unit directors of Manichitrathazhu, scripted by Madhu Muttam. The film, edited by TR Sekhar, has cinematography by Venu, Anandakuttan and Sunny Joseph. The songs were tuned by MG Radhakrishnan, while the score was composed by Johnson.