A Remake From History

Athira Gopal

A Remake From History

Manichitrathazhu, a Malayalam film, took the industry by storm when it was released in 1993, grossing a stunning 5 crores. The film won a National Award as well as State Awards, and Shobhana, who played Ganga/Nagavalli, received a National Award for Best Actress for her performance. You might know Manichitathazhu as Apthamithra in Kannada, Chandramukhi in Tamil, Nagavalli in Telugu, and Bhool Bhulaiya in Hindi.

Different faces one story; Image source: Pinterest

The original film received critical praise across the country and was remade in several languages. While all four films have neatly balanced the sensitive subject of science vs. religion, the Malayalam and Hindi versions appear to be slightly more biased towards the psychological and rational reasoning behind the story, whereas the Tamil and Kannada films have stuck to the religious viewpoint, with both psychiatrists insisting on Ganga being possessed by the spirit, along with the disorder.

In 2004, the first remake of Manichithrathazhu was released in Karnataka. The film was directed by P. Vasu and was a huge hit among Kannadigas. It grossed 45 crores, which was 40 crores higher than the original. Chandramukhi, a Tamil adaptation of Manichithrathazhu, was released in 2005. Tollywood's hero Rajinikanth, as well as Prabhu Ganeshan and Jyothika, were among the star-studded cast. The film continued to do well at the box office, grossing a total of 64 crores.

Priyadarshan, a crucial member of the original team of the iconic Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu, opted to helm a Hindi adaptation of the film, Bhool Bhulaiya, in 2007. It is the official remake of the 1993 Malayalam film, which grossed 84 crores. It was the most successful of the four remakes, including the Bengali version, Rajmohol. Akshay Kumar plays the psychiatrist, Shiney Ahuja plays the unhappy young husband, and Vidya Balan plays Shobhana, the allegedly possessed young wife, in the film. Split personality had been renamed Dissociative Identity Disorder by 2007, which was also the term used in the film.

But what is more interesting is the fact that Nagavalli is real. The writer for the original movie, Madhu Muttam who was a relatively unknown writer at that time is from Muttom Village, Alappuzha. It all actually happened, with the writer having made a few tweaks here and there. It all started with the Alummootil Tharavad (family home). A strong ezhava dynasty from Alappuzha, close to the Travancore Royal Family. They had gained enormous fortune via various endeavours, and the title of 'channar' was bestowed upon the head of the family.

How they acquired this wealth is a tragic story in itself. At that time two brothers of the family were great warriors. News of their skill and fame reached the Travancore Raja who wanted to witness it. He sends his soldiers to ask the famous warriors to present themselves in court. At that time people from the said lower caste were not entertained to be excelling at any fields. Oppression always persisted to make sure they don’t outdo the said higher castes. When the poorly behaved soldiers asked the brothers to come to court with them, the brothers assumed the worst. Considering the way the soldiers were behaving they were sure the Raja wanted them eliminated. They decided to kill each other in a match, it was considered to be of great honour to die such a death. It meant they did not even bow down in face of death itself. The brothers first killed Rajas’ men then proceeded to kill each other.

Their only sister on getting to know of their tragic deaths and the real reason why the soldiers were sent, approached the queen to let her know about the unjust reality she faced due to the soldier's behaviour. The Raja gets to know about this through the Queen and as penance gives the sister land, money, and other riches. This family later flourishes under Kochukunju Channar.

During the Karanavarship from 1903 to 1921, Kochukunju Channar III was very close to King Sreemoolam Thirunal. Kochukunju Channar was one of the family's wealthiest members. According to legend, he had three wives. In 1906, he constructed the Alummoottil Meda. The Tharavad was in charge of supplying infantry and light cavalry to the Maharaja of Kayamkulam and Travancore's army in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1921, he was the only person in Travancore who owned a car, aside from the King. He led an opulent life, squandering his wealth and exploiting his political clout.

His despotic style, however, did not sit well with his family. Unfortunately, because of his undiplomatic and uncompromising approach, there was no family unity at this time. He devoted his evenings to enjoy art. To the extent of keeping a part of the Tharavad solely for artists accommodations. While visiting Thanjavur he comes upon a skilled dancer from a poor background, Nagavalli. He brought her back with him and let her stay in his Tharavad. He thoroughly enjoyed watching this surreal dancer. Nagavalli who was from a poor background sees an opportunity to marry one of the richest men in Kerala. She proposes to him, he respected her talents, and marries her.

Channar was a gatekeeper for all the wealth which was owned by Narayani amma. At that time ‘marumakathayam’ was followed which means the wealth gets transferred to the sons-in-laws. Narayani amma wanted to desperately keep the wealth within her family. Hence she got Channar who was her step-brother to look after it. The well-planned scheme got scattered when Channar announced that he wanted the majority of the wealth to go to the kids he had with Nagavalli. In 1921, he was assassinated. His nephew, Sreedharan Channar, was the main defendant in the case, and the king sentenced him to death at the age of 24 in 1922.

But there are rumours that it was all Nagavalli’s doing. Ramanathan was another dancer who was also staying there. It is said that Channar caught them both in a compromising position. Nagavalli wanted Channar for the fame and money while she was truly in love with Ramanathan. Channar asked them both to leave that instant. Nagavalli asked Ramanathan to kill Channar to prevent this from coming out.

Years later a talented writer changed the narratives and the protagonist became the villain. Near Kayamkulam, this beautiful palace can still be seen. Next time you watch your version of this terrific thriller remember the history of Kochukunju Channar and the Alummootil Tharavad.