After a span of 24 years, Mohanlal's cult classic 'Devadoothan,' directed by Sibi Malayil, is making a grand comeback with a 4K re-release. It's surprising that this iconic film didn't fare well at the box office when it first premiered in 2000. Many believe that 'Devadoothan' fundamentally transformed the horror-mystery genre within the Malayalam film industry.
The film narrates the tale of Vishal Krishnamoorthy (played by Mohanlal), an internationally acclaimed musician known for his symphony 'Rhythm of Love.' The story takes us back to Vishal's past, exploring the mysteries involving Angelina Ignatious (Jayaprabha), the head of the college from which Vishal was once expelled, and the unseen forces that compel him to unravel these enigmas.
In a way, we'll have to say that the movie is a mix of horror, mystery and music because the backbone of the movie is the music in it. Vidyasagar who composed the music for the movie has done a brilliant job of just creating music which would bring goosebumps to people while listening to it.
In many ways, 'Devadoothan' is a seamless blend of horror, mystery, and music, with its backbone being the beautiful soundtrack. Vidyasagar has brilliantly crafted music that sends chills down the listener's spine.
Several factors contribute to the film's enduring status as a cult classic. One key element is the plot progression. From the opening scene to the closing credits, the story develops in a way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, constantly anticipating what will happen next.
In the movie, you won't find ghosts wandering around or the typical tricks seen in Malayalam horror films. Despite this, the movie is genuinely frightening, skillfully using sounds and shadows to create a palpable sense of tension. The well-crafted backstory is so convincing that it makes the unfolding events feel real. The audience gets to walk hand in hand with Mohanlal's character, making it feel as if we are revealing the mysteries together. Love is another strong theme in the movie, and the love story in 'Devadoothan' is unlike any other we've seen before. The song 'Aleena Aleena' is unforgettable, immediately coming to mind whenever one thinks of the film. Jayaprada delivers an amazing performance, and whenever Angelina (Aleena) thinks of her love, the audience also feels heartbroken.
Mohanlal, as Vishal Krishnamoorthy, is brilliant, serving as the driving force of the movie. His performance is stunning, particularly in the way he portrays Vishal's deep involvement in the surrounding mysteries.
The pain, love, and mysterious elements in the movie elevate one another, creating a unique cinematic experience. One reason the movie might not have succeeded at the box office initially is that its style was unlike anything the Malayali audience had seen before. The cinematography, framing, and Western-style music set it apart. Despite its initial failure, the movie eventually developed a massive cult following, solidifying its position as one of the best films ever made in Malayalam cinema.
