For a film that did not garner many positive responses at the time of its release, Devadoothan’s return to cinemas brought in a camaraderie of new footfall. Standing in 2024, it is impossible to imagine that the film be considered anything less than a classic.
Still not familiar with the work? Worry not. Here’s all you need to know about the horror musical that will definitely leave you wanting for more. Released on 22nd December 2000, the Sibi Malayil direction starred a generation of household names such as Mohanlal as the protagonist, opposite Jaya Prada who took on the role of the mystical Angelina. Devadoothan also stars Vineeth Kumar, Janardhanan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Murali, Jagadish, Sarath Das and Vijayalakshmi in supporting roles.
An added element of horror is provided by the narrative of the musical, which is also used as a major plot device for the progression of the story. A haunting melody echoes through the halls of the alma mater as an award-winning musician revisits a tale of love and enchantment. But what is yet to be revealed?
Surely it cannot be the unfinished romance of the college director? Without giving away too much of the plot, it can be concluded that you are in for a particularly wild ride. All we can say is that surely conduct a background research on the skeletons in your college’s biology lab. Who knows, you may stumble upon the exact glitch in the matrix!
And just to be sure, definitely stay away from any old musical instrument as you never know when it might just start playing again! Scared enough? You would be surprised to know that the film’s songs were actually composed by Vidyasagar, with all lyrics penned by the renowned lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. All except the Tyagaraja song “Entharo Mahanubhavulu ” which was a reworking on the traditional Tyagaraja Pancharatna Kriti “Entharo Mahanu” (composed in Shree Raga) mixed with a western classical composition for the film. Rest assured, the film makers definitely went above and beyond to compose a fitting score for Devadoothan.
Showboating an alluring storyline that is bound to take you in, get ready to be enchanted by the familiar refrain of the Seven Bells and emerge yourself into the heart warming make-believe world of Devadoothan. And with Halloween just around the corner, there’s nothing quite like an old classic that makes for a better watch, right?
