Thalavattam


Thalavattam is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Priyadarshan, starring Mohanlal, M. G. Soman and Karthika. The story is loosely based on the 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. The film features songs composed by Raghu Kumar and C. Rajamani, and a score by Johnson. The story follows Vinod, an eccentric new patient at a mental asylum.
Upon release, Thalavattam became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year. The film was remade in Hindi as Kyon Ki by Priyadarshan himself and in Tamil as Manasukkul Mathappu by Robert-Rajasekhar.

Plot

Vinod becomes mentally ill after his girlfriend Anitha dies because of an electric short circuit accident during a rock concert. Vinod is admitted into mental hospital managed by Dr. Ravindran, in Ooty. Dr Ravindran is aggressive and mean who has a dislike for Vinod.
With the help of Dr. Savithri, who is Dr. Ravindran's daughter, and Dr. Unnikrishnan, a very old and close acquaintance of Vinod from his childhood, he slowly regains his memory and mental equilibrium. Savithri and Vinod fall in love. Dr. Ravindran has already arranged Savithri's marriage with Hari, so he opposes the lovers.
When he finds that Savithri and Vinod are adamant, Dr. Ravindran lobotomises Vinod and puts him in a state of coma. Dr. Unnikrishnan feels that death would be preferable over a vegetative life and kills Vinod. He confronts Dr. Ravindran and confesses to the euthanasia. Savithri overhears the conversation, and loses her mental equilibrium. She is admitted into the same institution as a patient.

Cast

Reception

Thalavattam was released in Kerala in 12 centres on 10 locations. The film performed well at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year. It was made on a budget of ₹20 lakh. The film ran over 150 days in theatres. Thalavattam was remade in Hindi as Kyon Ki in 2005. The film was also remade in Tamil in 1988 by Robert-Rajasekhar as Manasukkul Mathappu, with Prabhu and Saranya playing the lead.