25 years after the release of Manichitrathazhu, novelist alleges plagiarism

Manichitrathazhu, released back in 1993 is widely considered as one of the all time classics in Malayalam cinema. This Fazil directorial was a psychological thriller starring Mohanlal, Shobhana and Suresh Gopi in the lead roles.

In a 2013 online poll by IBN Live, Manichitrathazhu was listed second in India’s Greatest Film of All Time. The poll was conducted as part of the celebration of Indian cinema completing 100 years.

Despite enjoying a cult status, Manichitrathazhu was never short of controversies. 23 years after it’s release, a novelist Ashwathi Thirunal has alleged that the movie’s plot was copied from his novel, Vijanaveethi published in Kumkumam magazine back in 1983.

Ashwathi Thirunal has worked as as an assistant director in around 10 films. He was known by the name Sasikumar then, years down the lane he followed spirituality and changed his name to Aswathi Thirunal. He is now planning to republish his novel in the same magazine after three years.

Manichitrathazhu was written by Madhu Muttam, and produced by Swargachitra Appachan. The movie went on to be remade in all major Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Bengali and Kannada with leading stars.