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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Anandabhadram
| image = AnanthabhadramPoster.jpg
| caption = Promotional poster
| director = [[Santosh Sivan]]
| writer = Sunil Parameshwaran
| starring = [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] [[Manoj K. Jayan]] [[Kavya Madhavan]] [[Kalabhavan Mani]] [[Biju Menon]]
| producer = [[Maniyanpilla Raju]] Ajaya Chandran Nair Reghu Chandran Nair (Sri Bhadra Pictures) Rajendran(Raju) (executive)
| studio = [[Maniyanpilla Raju|Sree Bhadhra Pictures]] Media Zen
| distributor = Vyshaka Release
| music = Kannan (score) [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]] (songs)
| cinematography = [[Santosh Sivan]]
| editing = [[A. Sreekar Prasad|Sreekar Prasad]]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2005|11|1}}
| runtime = 138 minutes
| language = Malayalam
| country = India
}}
'''''Anandabhadram''''' ({{translation}}”eternally safe”) is a 2005 Indian [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]]-language [[dark fantasy]] [[horror film]] based on the novel of the same name by Sunil Parameshwaran, and directed by [[Santosh Sivan]]. The story concerns ghosts, spirits, and [[black magic]]. The film stars [[Manoj K. Jayan]] as the central character, with [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] and [[Kavya Madhavan]] in the titular roles. While an [[ensemble cast]] including [[Kalabhavan Mani]], [[Biju Menon]], [[Riya Sen]], [[Revathi|Revathy]], [[Kalasala Babu]], [[Cochin Haneefa]] and [[Nedumudi Venu]] plays other pivotal roles.

The film was inspired by the paintings of [[Raja Ravi Varma]], [[Theyyam]], [[Kathakali]] dance movements, and [[Kalaripayattu]] martial art form. It rode on a renewed interest in both Ravi Varma and Kalaripayattu in and outside of India. During production, Santosh replaced [[Sabu Cyril]] with Sunil Babu as the art director, [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]] replaced [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]] as the music director, [[Gireesh Puthenchery]] replaced [[Sreekumaran Thampy]] as the lyricist and Kavya Madhavan replaced [[Meera Jasmine]] as the actress. The audiography of the film was done by [[M. R. Rajakrishnan]] .

''Anandabhadram'' was released on November 4 coinciding with [[Diwali]] and received critical acclaim for its screenplay, story, music, cinematography, cast performances and horror elements. Most of the critics praised Manoj K. Jayan's performance as Digambaran and the dark atmosphere of the movie. The film was a massive commercial success. The film won five awards in the 2005 [[Kerala State Film Awards]] and two in the 2005 [[Asianet Film Awards]]. It was also dubbed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (as ''Sivapuram''), Hindi (as ''Phir Wohi Darr'') and English, and was an inspiration for ''Tanthra'' (2006), another Malayalam film.

==Plot==
In the ancient village of [[Sivapuram, Kerala|Shivapuram]], little Ananthan hears a tale from his mother, Gayathri. She tells him that his family comes from a line of powerful magicians named ''Madambi Tharavadu'', and they are responsible for protecting ''nagamanikyam'', a jewel on a serpent's head. The jewel, she narrates, lies in a secret place in the house guarded by snakes, including a tiny snake called Kunjootan.

Years later, obeying the wishes of his dead mother, Ananthan returns to his ancestral village from [[United States|America]] to light the lamps at ''Shivakavu'', a dark and mysterious temple of [[Shiva]]. On his way home he meets his mother's family friend- Maravi Mathai on the train. The dreaded [[Magician (fantasy)|wizard]] named Digambaran opposes the lighting of the lamps on the grounds of local superstitions in order to get his hands on the ''nagamanikyam'' and also to take revenge against the entire ''Madambi Tharavadu'' family for killing his grandfather Siddhayogigal. Disbeliever Ananthan meets the supernatural for the first time in his life.

In his effort to fit into the local environment, Ananthan gradually wins the villagers' hearts over by his easy and kind manners. This appreciation is breached briefly when Digambaran takes over his mind for a short while. Meanwhile, Ananthan's cousin Bhadra falls for him and his light-hearted flirting, eventually leading to a commitment of love between them. At one point, Bhadra faces the dilemma of choosing between Ananthan's love and becoming a [[Devi]] in a mystical ritual of self-offering.

Digambaran's former friend Chemban, a blind martial artist, stands in the way of Digambaran's hunt for the ''nagamanikyam''. Digambaran manages to remove Chemban from his way, and leaves a trail of blood in his wake. Digambaran also lures Chemban's sister Bhama to take her spirit in order to reincarnate Digambaran's lover Subhadra, Bhadra's late elder sister. A series of sensuous and evil magical rites follows that features a wide paraphernalia of the exotic, including Kathakali movements, tantric paraphernalia, traditional magic spells.

At the same time, Digambaran kills Bhama for ruining his [[brahmacharya]]. Ananthan and Bhadra escape from Digambaran after Ananthan injures Digambaran using a stone. Chemban decides to destroy Digambaran for killing Bhama and to restore peace in the village. After a sword fight, Chemban cuts off Digambaran's right toe which had the ring containing Digambaran's magical powers and he also gouges out Digambaran's eyes and locked him inside the cave. Digambaran, who now realised that he lost everything, falls on the ground out of grief, when Ananthan, Chemban and Bhadra leave the place. Later, Ananthan and Bhadra reunite after restoring the Nagamanikyam. The film ends with a brutally injured blind Digambaran helplessly wailing loudly near the cave, after losing his powers, eyesight and everything he possessed.

==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
*[[Manoj K. Jayan]] in dual role as:
** Digambaran, an evil [[Magician (fantasy)|wizard]], who terrorises Sivapuram.
** Siddhayogi, grandfather of Digambaran
*[[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] as Anandan, an [[United States|American]] [[Non-resident Indian|NRI]], who returns to his hometown, Sivapuram, to fulfill his late mother's wishes and later, is at loggerheads with Digambaran.
*[[Kavya Madhavan]] as Bhadra, Anandan's cousin and love interest
*[[Kalabhavan Mani]] as Chemban, Shivaraman and Digambaran's childhood friend, who opposes Digambaran's wrongdoings
*[[Cochin Haneefa]] in a double role as:
**Maravi Mathayi I, a descendant of the Madampi family.
**Maravi Mathayi, a scion of the Mathayi I lineage.
*[[Biju Menon]] as Shivaraman, Chemban and Digambaran's childhood friend and Raman Panikker's son
*[[Nedumudi Venu]] as Padmanabhan, Bhadra's father and Anandan's maternal uncle
*[[Kalasala Babu]] as Raman Panikker, Sivaraman's father and a known [[astrologer]] in Sivapuram
*[[Riya Sen]] as Bhama, Chemban's sister, whom Digambaran tried to sacrifice in order to revive Subhadra using her soul
*Neethu S Nair as Subhadra, Bhadra's elder sister and Digambaran's girlfriend
*Akhila Manu Jagadh as Ammu, Bhadra's friend
*[[Suresh Krishna (actor)|Suresh Krishna]] as SI Hameed Marakkar
*[[Revathy]] as Gayathri Devi, Anandan's mother
*[[Maniyanpilla Raju]] as Police Constable Panicker
*[[Ambika Mohan]] as a villager
*Master Thejas as young Anandan
*Indira Thampi as Bhadra's mother
*[[Santha Devi]] as Gouri
*[[Govindankutty (actor)|Govindankutty]] as Sreeni
*[[Kunchan (actor)|Kunchan]]
*[[T. P. Madhavan]] as Ramunni Nair
*Lakshmi Krishnamoorthy as Nangeli Muthassi
*Maya Viswanath as Yakshi
{{colend}}

==Production==

===Development===
''Ananthabhadram'' is based on the novel of the same name by Sunil Parameswaran.<ref name="novel">{{cite news | title = Of facts and fantasy | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/08/stories/2005070803010400.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001045846/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/08/stories/2005070803010400.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-01 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2007-03-29}}</ref> The story was inspired by tales told to Sunil by his grandmother when he was a child.<ref name="novel" /> Director Santosh Sivan was also influenced by such stories told by his own grandmother.<ref name="flashback">{{cite news | title = In flashback mode | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111901040100.htm | access-date = 2007-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071202110647/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111901040100.htm | archive-date = 2 December 2007 | url-status = usurped }}</ref> Set in rural Kerala, the story is a [[fairy tale]] dominated by [[Shaktism|Shakta black magic]], martial arts, and [[Tantra#Sexual rites|tantric seduction rituals]].<ref name="flashback"/>

===Inspirations===
{{multiple image
|direction = horizontal
|align = right
|header = Inspired by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111900920300.htm Raja Varma comes alive]{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, ''The Hindu'', 2005/11/19</ref>
|header_align = center
|image1 = Ravi Varma-Woman in thought.jpg
|caption1 = "Woman in thought"
|width1 = 110
|image2 = Ravi Varma-Princess Damayanthi talking with Royal Swan about Nala.jpg
|caption2 = "Damayanthi"
|width2 = 92
|image3 = Raja Ravi Varma, The Milkmaid (1904).jpg
|caption3 = "Milkmaid"
|width3 = 118
}}

'''Theyyam and Kathakali''': Sivan said he received inspiration from the arts of his country: "We have a rich visual culture and even in Ananthabhadram, I have used certain aspects from Theyyam dancers and Kathakali to create the wizard Digambaran's image. The colour, long nails, [[kohl (cosmetics)|kohl]]-lined eyes and so on were inspired from Theyyam and Kathakali."<ref name="flashback" /> The sequence between Manoj K Jayan using Riya Sen as a channel for black magic, choreographed by [[Aparna Sindhoor]], the dance director of the film, uses Kathakali movements in particular,<ref name="mystery">{{cite news | title = Mesmerising mystery | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001044945/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-01 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Interview: Straight talk with Santhosh Sivan | publisher = Music India Online | url = http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/8092/3/director/1445/ | access-date = 2007-03-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071006080455/http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/8092/3/director/1445/ |archive-date = 2007-10-06}}</ref> which has been an inspiration for major Indian films<ref>{{cite news | title = Indian Dance | publisher = BBC | date = 2006-08-02 | url = https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A2982378 | access-date = 2007-03-29}}</ref> like director [[Shaji Karun]]'s ''[[Vanaprastham]]'' (1999)<ref>{{cite web | title = Vanaprastham | publisher = Keral | url = http://www.keral.com/celebrities/shajikarun/films.htm | access-date = 2007-03-31 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061031155733/http://www.keral.com/celebrities/shajikarun/films.htm |archive-date = 2006-10-31}}</ref> and director [[Adoor Gopalakrishnan]]'s ''[[Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair]]'' (2005).<ref>{{cite news | title = Kathakali comes alive on screen | newspaper = Deccan Herald | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jul32005/finearts113624200572.asp | access-date = 2007-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007193837/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jul32005/finearts113624200572.asp | archive-date = 7 October 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

'''Kalarippayattu''': The film also used [[Kalarippayattu]], the traditional [[martial art]] of [[South India]], for the fight sequences between Digambaran and Chemban choreographed by action director Arash.<ref name="lens" /> Use of Kalari in the film followed the footsteps of [[Films on Kalarippayattu|Kalari-based movies]] like ''[[Palattu Koman]]'' (1962), ''[[Thacholi Othenan]]'' (1964), ''[[Kannappanunni]]'' (1977) and ''[[Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha]]'' (1989),<ref>[http://varnachitram.com/2006/07/10/payyamveli-chanthu-early-preview/ Payyamveli Chanthu: Early Preview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200100/http://varnachitram.com/2006/07/10/payyamveli-chanthu-early-preview/ |date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> as well as famous martial art film actor [[Jackie Chan]]'s ''[[The Myth (film)|The Myth]]''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Jackie Chan and the art of Kalaripayattu | publisher = Rediff Movies| url = http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/07myth.htm | access-date = 2007-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last = Gopakumar| first = R| title = Jackie Chan touch gives kalaripayattu a fillip| newspaper = Deccan Herald| url = http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/aug152004/n5.asp| access-date = 2007-04-20| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007193844/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/aug152004/n5.asp| archive-date = 7 October 2011| url-status = dead}}</ref> After ''[[Asoka (2001 film)|Asoka]]'', it was the second time the director had used Kalari (as it is known in popular coinage).

'''Raja Ravi Varma''': The director used three paintings of Raja Ravi Varma – ''[[Damayanti]] and the swan'', ''Lady in thought'' and ''Girl carrying milk tray'' – as inspiration to picturize the song ''Pinakkamano'' (acted by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kavya Madhavan; sung by [[M. G. Sreekumar]] and [[Manjari (Indian singer)|Manjari]]; choreographed by [[Aparna Sindhoor]]).<ref>{{cite web | title = Raja Ravi Varma's art makes song number one favourite | publisher = Now Running | url = http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=4867 | access-date = 2007-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714203450/http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=4867 | archive-date = 14 July 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Ananthabhadram | newspaper = Deccan Herald | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/nov202005/movies16434120051119.asp | access-date = 2007-03-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060908072416/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/nov202005/movies16434120051119.asp |archive-date = 2006-09-08}}</ref> Sivan said, "Yes, it is a tribute to Raja Ravi Varma, who is so intrinsically etched in every Malayali's mind."<ref name=alive>{{cite news | title = Ravi Varmas come alive | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111900920300.htm | access-date = 2007-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070615062540/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111900920300.htm | archive-date = 15 June 2007 | url-status = usurped }}</ref> This song came in the wake of a renewed interest in Varma's work in Indian showbiz, as evidenced in Indian pop star [[Falguni Pathak]]'s music video for the song "Meri Chunar Ud Ud Jaaye" (2001, acted by [[Trisha Krishnan]]) which emulated Varma's ''[[Shakuntala]]''<ref>{{cite web | title = Women in Raja Ravi Varma Mold | publisher = Boloji | url = http://www.boloji.com/women/07011.htm | access-date = 2007-03-31 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070203180543/http://www.boloji.com/women/07011.htm | archive-date = 3 February 2007 | url-status = dead }}</ref> and Shaji Karun's declared film to be made on the artist's life which would feature [[Madhuri Dixit]] (actress of ''[[Gaja Gamini]]'', a film by painter [[M.F. Hussain]]).<ref>{{cite web| title = Madhuri being sought to play a painter's muse| publisher = Apun Ka Choice| url = http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20060604-2.html| access-date = 2007-03-31| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060615175332/http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20060604-2.html| archive-date = 15 June 2006| url-status = dead| df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = The return of Madhuri Dixit | publisher = Rediff News| url = http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/08shaji.htm | access-date = 2007-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Shaji N Karun to make a Hindi film | publisher = Rediff Movies| url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/05spice.htm | access-date = 2007-03-31| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070313213133/http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/05spice.htm| archive-date= 13 March 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Pattanam Rasheed said about the make-up of the ''Pinakkamano'' sequence, "The skin tone I gave the characters is akin to an oil painting, orange-yellow shades, which give a painting-like look. That is why you feel that a painting is coming to life in some shots. The eye and eyebrow make-up is also different, according to the old styles in the paintings." Costumer Satheesh said, "Not one of the saris that Kavya wears is complete in itself. To get the colours of the body and border of the sari as close as possible to the ones in the paintings, I shopped in Chennai, Bangalore and Kochi. I had to attach the borders to some of the saris and dyed some to get the right shade... I had to rework all the jewels, with a few stones from one chain added to another." art director Sunil Babu points out that despite attempts at accuracy, in the Damayanthi scene, the swan is missing.<ref name=alive/>

===Pre-production===
[[Sabu Cyril]] was originally scheduled to direct the film with actress [[Meera Jasmine]] in the lead.<ref name="lens">{{cite news | title = In love with the lens | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/09/stories/2004060904350300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050113225922/http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/09/stories/2004060904350300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2005-01-13 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2007-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Sabu Cyril turns director | publisher = Kairalee | url = http://www.kairalee.com/php/adisp.php?i=257 | access-date = 2007-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930110300/http://www.kairalee.com/php/adisp.php?i=257 | archive-date = 30 September 2007 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Production was delayed due to a strike in the Malayalam film industry in June 2004. Later, Cyril became busy with [[S. Shankar|Shankar]]'s film ''[[Anniyan]]''. At this point, [[Santosh Sivan]] stepped in to replace Cyril.<ref>{{cite news | title = Malayalam film industry begins indefinite strike | newspaper = The Hindu Business Line | date = 2004-06-25 | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/26/stories/2004062601941900.htm | access-date = 2007-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = The reel world of Sabu Cyril | date = 2006-02-17 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/17/stories/2006021700930100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001023334/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/17/stories/2006021700930100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-01 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2007-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Santosh Sivan to direct spooky film | publisher = Rediff Movies| url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/07ss.htm | access-date = 2007-04-17}}</ref> Cyril's assistant Sunil Babu art directed the film.<ref>{{cite news | title = Mesmerising mystery | date = 2005-09-23 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001044945/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-01 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2007-04-17}}</ref>

===Filming===
Like his earlier directorial ventures ''[[Asoka (2001 film)|Asoka]]'' and ''[[The Terrorist (1997 film)|The Terrorist]]'' (a.k.a. ''Malli''), Santosh was also the [[cinematographer]] for ''Anandabhadram''. Prithviraj, as the hero, had his biggest success of 2005, out of the five cinemas he did that year.<ref name="boom">{{cite news | last= Pillai| first = Shreedhar| title = Boom year for Mollywood | date = 2005-12-30 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123001380100.htm | access-date = 2007-04-20| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070429125615/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123001380100.htm| archive-date= 29 April 2007 | newspaper= [[The Hindu]]| url-status= dead}}</ref> [[Manoj K Jayan]] was to have a ''[[sannyasin]]'' look with long hair in the proposed Sabu Cyril version, but sported a more contemporary look in the version that was eventually shot, winning many critical accolades.<ref>{{cite news | last= George| first = Vijay | title = Portrayal of tones of grey | date = 2005-11-18 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/18/stories/2005111800690100.htm | access-date = 2007-04-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070427184209/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/18/stories/2005111800690100.htm| archive-date= 27 April 2007 | newspaper= [[The Hindu]]| url-status= dead}}</ref> The village and the [[tharavad]]/[[ancestral home]] shown in the movie was set in a village in [[Palakkad]].

==Music==
{{Infobox album
| name = Anandabhadram
| type = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist = [[M.G. Radhakrishnan]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2005
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 28:52
| label =
| producer = Sri Bhadra Pictures
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
Initially Sabu Cyril was the film director and Santhosh Sivan was the Cinematographer. [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]] composed songs for the film penned by Sreekumaran Thampi. The songs were never recorded. After some months Sabu Cyril opted not to direct the film due to other reasons. And the film was taken over by Santosh Sivan who appointed [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]] for the film.<ref name="mystery"/> Radhakrishnan went on to win [[Asianet Film Awards]] as the best music director for the film's tracks.<ref name=Sukumari>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071021044405/http://hindu.com/2006/03/12/stories/2006031202010200.htm Lifetime achievement award for Sukumari], The Hindu, 2006-03-12, Retrieved: 2010-11-22</ref> He also did the score for ''Sivapuram'', the Telugu version of the film.<ref name="mystery"/> [[M. G. Sreekumar]] won Asianet Award as the Best Male Playback Singer for singing "Pinakkamano".<ref name=Sukumari/>

{{track listing
| extra_column = Singers
| all_lyrics = [[Gireesh Puthenchery]]
| all_music = [[M.G. Radhakrishnan]]
| title1 = Malamalalooya
| extra1 = [[Kalabhavan Mani]]
| length1 = 3:27
| title2 = Thiranurayum
| extra2 = [[K. J. Yesudas]]
| length2 = 3:44
| title3 = Shivamallikaavil
| extra3 = [[K. S. Chithra]]
| length3 = 4:05
| title4 = Pinakkamaano
| extra4 = [[M. G. Sreekumar]], [[Manjari Babu]]
| length4 = 4:15
| title5 = Minnayam Minnum
| extra5 = K. S. Chithra
| length5 = 2:21
| title6 = Vasanthamundo
| extra6 = [[M.G. Radhakrishnan]], Hema
| length6 = 4:48
}}

==Release==
It is the first Malayalam feature screened using a [[C band (IEEE)|satellite feed]] instead of conventional [[film format|prints]];<ref>{{cite web | title = Ananthabhadram screened using satellite technology | publisher = My Kerala | url = http://www.my-kerala.com/n/a/arc10-2005.shtml | access-date = 2007-03-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061113234154/http://www.my-kerala.com/n/a/arc10-2005.shtml | archive-date = 13 November 2006 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> aimed at an international market. it was also dubbed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (as ''Sivapuram''), and English.<ref name="mystery" /><ref>{{cite news | title = Mesmerising mystery | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/04/stories/2005110401910100.htm | access-date = 2007-03-30| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070425204934/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/04/stories/2005110401910100.htm| archive-date= 25 April 2007 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | url-status= dead}}</ref> The release of ''Anandabhadram'' in India followed that of the horror movie ''[[Chandramukhi]]'', starring [[Rajnikanth]], which was a remake of the [[Malayalam]] film ''[[Manichitrathazhu]]'', creating a brief success for the horror genre.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060907002853/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/07/08/stories/2005070800840100.htm Horror is the current flavour from the Hindu]</ref> The film was showcased in [[Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema]] in 2006.<ref>[http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20060710/week.html Brain Candy], ''India Today''</ref>

==Reception==
''Anandabhadram'' received critical acclaim for its screenplay, story, music, cinematography, cast performances and horror elements. Most of the critics especially praised Manoj K. Jayan's performance and the dark ambience of the movie. The film was average success.<ref>{{cite news | title = Santosh on a roll | date = 2005-11-24 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/24/stories/2005112400380100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001091741/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/24/stories/2005112400380100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-01 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2007-04-20}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201512/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14055617 2005– An analysis from Sify]</ref> According to one of the producer of the film [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], the film was released on the same day as Mammootty's blockbuster ''[[Rajamanikyam]]'' and could not compete with it.<ref name="thegulfindians.com">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-20 |title=Ananthabhadram became an average grosser due to Mammootty, says Maniyanpillai Raju |url=https://www.thegulfindians.com/ananthabhadram-became-an-average-grosser-due-to-mammootty-says-maniyanpillai-raju/ |access-date=2022-06-09 |website=The Gulf Indians |language=en-US}}</ref>

The songs from the film, ''Pinakkamano, Thira Nurayam'' and ''Malama Lalooya,'' became the top hits among Malayalam film songs in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=4867 |title=Raja Ravi Varma's art makes song number one favourite from Now Running |access-date=29 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714203450/http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=4867 |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film also inspired director KJ Bose's ''Tanthra'' (2006) featuring actors [[Siddique (actor)|Siddique]] and [[Shweta Menon]]. Sunil Babu, the art director, came to the notice of [[Kerala]] audience through the film, especially for his treatment for the Raja Ravi Varma inspired song, ''Pinakkamano''.<ref>{{cite news | title = Casting a spell | author = Vijay George | date = 2005-12-18 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111101430300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001044632/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111101430300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-01 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2005-11-11}}</ref>

===Accolades===
''Anandabhadram'' won five awards in the [[Kerala State Film Award]]s for 2005, including Best Cinematography (Santosh Sivan), Best Music Direction (MG Radhakrishnan), Best Editing (Sreekar Prasad), Best Art Direction (Sunil Babu) and Best Makeup ([[Pattanam Rasheed]]).<ref>{{cite news | title = Thanmatra, Anandabhadram bag five State film awards each | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/08/stories/2006020820990100.htm | access-date = 2007-03-28| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070416132151/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/08/stories/2006020820990100.htm| archive-date= 16 April 2007 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | url-status= dead}}</ref> It won five awards in the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards 2005, including Best Film, Best Director (Santhosh Sivan), Best Actor (Manoj K Jayan), and Best Cinematography (Santhosh Sivan).<ref>{{cite web | title = Kerala Film Critics Association 2005 Awards | publisher = Alternative Film Guide | url = http://www.altfg.com/awards/2005/kerala.htm | access-date = 2007-03-29| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070314113532/http://www.altfg.com/awards/2005/kerala.htm| archive-date= 14 March 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[M. R. Rajakrishnan]] had won the Amritha Fertanity Award for Best Audiography for his work in this film.

== See also ==
* [[List of Malayalam horror films]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{official website|http://www.anandabhadram.com|Anandabhadram}}
* {{IMDb title|0487011}}
* [http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=3717 ''Anandabhadram''] at the Malayalam Movie Database

{{Santosh Sivan}}
{{Kerala Film Critics Association Award for Best Film}}

[[Category:2005 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:2005 fantasy films]]
[[Category:2005 films]]
[[Category:Films based on Indian novels]]
[[Category:Films scored by M. G. Radhakrishnan]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chalakudy]]
[[Category:Films shot in Thrissur]]
[[Category:Films shot in Palakkad]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ottapalam]]
[[Category:Films shot at Varikkasseri Mana]]
[[Category:Indian dark fantasy films]]
[[Category:Indian ghost films]]
[[Category:Indian horror films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Santosh Sivan]]

Anandabhadram - Revision history

DeangeloKater at 18:24, 27 March 2026