Bhargavi Nilayam (transl. The House of Bhargavi) is a 1964 Indian Malayalam-language romantic horror film directed by A. Vincent (in his directorial debut) and written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer based on the short story Neelavelicham. The film stars Madhu, Vijaya Nirmala, Prem Nazir and P. J. Antony.[1][2]
| Bhargavi Nilayam | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | A. Vincent |
| Written by | Vaikom Muhammad Basheer |
| Based on | Neelavelicham by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer |
| Produced by | T. K. Pareekutty |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | P. Bhaskar Rao |
| Edited by | G. Venkitaraman |
| Music by | M. S. Baburaj |
Production company | Chandrathara Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 162 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
The film depicts a compassionate relationship between a talented novelist and the spirit of a beautiful lady who had been murdered. The novelist is writing the story of this lady, into whose house he has moved in as tenant. The film mirrors in a meta-cinematic fashion the close and often symbiotic relationships between Malayalam filmmakers and writers in depicting a writer at work, collaborating with an intangible agency in the form of the eponymous Bhargavi. It was the directorial debut of A. Vincent.[2] It is generally regarded as the first horror film in Malayalam.[2]
Cast
editPrincipal cast
- Madhu as Novelist and the Writer
- Prem Nazir as Sasikumar
- Vijaya Nirmala as Bhargavi
- P. J. Antony as Narayanan Nair aka Nanukuttan
- Adoor Bhasi as Cheriya Pareekanni
- Kottayam Santha as Suma
- Kuthiravattam Pappu as Kuthiravattam Pappu
- Mala Shantha as Bhargavi's mother (voiced by T. R. Omana)
Cameo appearances
- Shobana Parameshwaran Nair as mail carrier[3]
Production
editThe screenplay written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is based on his own short story "Neelavelicham". But the film also contains instances from some of his other short stories which he claims as his own life experiences. The scene were the young writer saw a beautiful woman on a beach is actually adapted from the short story "Nilavu Kanumbol" where Basheer himself claims that he has seen a naked woman taking bath on a beach and when he tried to speak to her she disappeared. Similarly, the scene where the young Bhargavi requests Sasikumar's help for preparing a speech is actually based on the short story "Hunthrappy Bussatto", which again we can find in the autobiographical novel Anuragathinte Dinangal. The lyrics for the song "Ekanthathayude Apaara Theeram" is taken from the short story "Anargha Nimisham".
Soundtrack
editThe film had a successful and acclaimed soundtrack composed by M. S. Baburaj which is regarded as the noted composer's master piece. The lyrics are penned by noted poet P. Bhaskaran. The soundtrack consists of seven songs, mostly based on Hindustani. Baburaj took inspiration from popular Bollywood songs while composing "Thamasamenthe Varuvan" (from "Mere Mehboob Tujhe" and also perhaps from "Humse Aaya Na Gaya") and "Vasantha Panchami" (from "Chaudhwin Ka Chand").
The soundtrack received immense critical praise for the high quality instrumentation and was one of the biggest audio hits of all time.[2] The song "Thamasamenthe Varuvan" was selected by Naushad Ali as one of the few of his favourite songs when he visited Baburaj Music Academy in 1988.[citation needed] "Thamasamenthe Varuvan" is also regarded as one of the most loved songs in Malayalam music history.[4] It was voted the "Best Song in Malayalam" by Malayala Manorama in a special issue published as part of 50th anniversary of formation of Kerala state.[5]
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Anuraagamadhuchashakam" | S. Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 2 | "Arabikkadaloru" | K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 3 | "Ekaanthathayude" | Kamukara | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 4 | "Pottaatha Ponnin" | S. Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 5 | "Pottithakarnna Kinaavu" | S. Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 6 | "Thaamasamenthe Varuvan" | K. J. Yesudas | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 7 | "Vaasantha Panchami Naalil" | S. Janaki | P. Bhaskaran |
Box office
editThe film was highest grossing Malayalam film at that time and a commercial success.[2][6]
Remake
editA remake of the film titled Neelavelicham directed by Aashiq Abu released in April 2023.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "ഭാര്ഗവി നിലയം @ 50". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Vijayakumar, B. (16 November 2009). "Bhargavi Nilayam 1948 [sic]". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ cinematters (15 May 2011). "Classic Picks | A Vincent | Bhargavi Nilayam (1964)". OLD MALAYALAM CINEMA. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
- ^ Ajithkumar, P.K. (10 October 2008). "Unforgettable Baburaj". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
- ^ Ravi Menon; et al. (1 November 2006). "മലയാളത്തിലെ മികച്ച പത്ത് ഗാനങ്ങൾ". Malayala Manorama.
- ^ "Must watch malayalam horror films". The Times of India. 1 November 2016. Archived from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
- ^ "Makers of 'Neelavelicham' release Roshan Mathew's character poster". The New Indian Express. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2023.