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{{short description|2004 film directed by shiva balan}}
{{short description|2004 film directed by P. Vasu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| location = India
| name          = Apthamitra
| name          = Apthamitra
| image          = Apthamitra poster.jpg
| image          = Apthamitra poster.jpg
| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Promotional poster
| director      = [[P. Vasu]]
| director      = [[P. Vasu]]
| producer      = [[Dwarakish]]
| producer      = [[Dwarakish]]
| screenplay    = P. Vasu
| screenplay    = P. Vasu
| story          = Madhu Muttam
| story          = Madhu Muttam
| based_on      = ''[[Manichitrathazhu]]''
| based_on      = ''[[Manichitrathazhu]]'' <br>
{{small|(1993)}}
| starring      = {{plainlist|
| starring      = {{plainlist|
*[[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]]
*[[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]]
*[[Soundarya]]
*[[Soundarya]]
*[[Ramesh Aravind]]
*[[Ramesh Aravind]]
*[[Avinash(Kannada actor)|Avinash]]
*[[Prema (Kannada actress)|Prema]]
*[[Prema (Kannada actress)|Prema]]
*Dwarakish
*Dwarakish
Line 23: Line 22:
| cinematography = Ramesh Babu
| cinematography = Ramesh Babu
| editing        = N. P. Satish
| editing        = N. P. Satish
| studio        = Dwarakish Chithra
| studio        = Dwarakish Chitra
| distributor    =  
| distributor    =  
| released      = {{film date|2004|8|27|df=y}}
| released      = {{film date|2004|8|27|df=y}}
Line 29: Line 28:
| runtime        = 146 minutes
| runtime        = 146 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| budget        = {{INR}}3 [[crore]]<ref name="th1">{{cite web |last1=Pillai |first1=Sreedhar |title=Year 2004 — a flashback |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/year-2004-a-flashback/article28578111.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.is/oE926 |archive-date=27 March 2021 |language=en-IN |date=31 December 2004}}</ref>
| budget        = {{INR}}3 crore<ref name="th1">{{cite web |last1=Pillai |first1=Sreedhar |title=Year 2004 — a flashback |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/year-2004-a-flashback/article28578111.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210527044612/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/year-2004-a-flashback/article28578111.ece |archive-date=27 May 2021 |language=en-IN |date=31 December 2004 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR}}12 crore<ref name="th1"/>
| gross          = {{INR}}25 crore<ref name="th1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chitraloka.com/flash-back/3152-2004-year-round-up.html |title=2004 Year Round Up |publisher=chitraloka.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-23 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409175729/https://www.chitraloka.com/flash-back/3152-2004-year-round-up.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/gandhinagar-gossip/article3218879.ece | title=Gandhinagar Gossip | newspaper=The Hindu | date=20 July 2006 | access-date=26 May 2022 | archive-date=3 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203062016/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/gandhinagar-gossip/article3218879.ece | url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Apthamitra''''' ({{trans|Close friend}}) is a 2004 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[horror film]] directed by [[P. Vasu]], and starring [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]], [[Ramesh Arvind]], [[Soundarya]], [[Prema (Kannada actress)|Prema]], [[Dwarakish]] and [[Avinash]]. This was Soundarya's last film. The movie, produced by Dwarakish, is an official remake of the [[Malayalam]] film ''[[Manichithrathazhu]]'' with a few scenes borrowed from ''[[Aaraam Thampuran]]''. The film was released on 27 August 2004 to highly positive reviews. It ran for one year in the main theaters across [[Karnataka]] and was one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Apthamitra was later followed by its sequel, ''[[Aptharakshaka]]'' (2010). P. Vasu also remade the film in Tamil in 2005 as ''[[Chandramukhi]]''.
'''''Apthamitra''''' ({{translation|Close friend}}) is a 2004 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[psychological horror]] film written and directed by [[P. Vasu]] and produced by [[Dwarakish]]. The film stars  [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]], [[Soundarya]] and [[Ramesh Arvind|Ramesh]] in the lead roles, while [[Prema (Kannada actress)|Prema]], [[Avinash Yelandur|Avinash]] and Dwarakish appear in supporting roles. It marks posthumous film for Soundarya in Kannada, released after her death on 17 April 2004.
The film was released on 27 August 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-may-be-the-villain-hero-or-comedian/articleshow/48524084.cms|title='I may be the villain, hero or comedian'|date=18 August 2015|work=[[Bangalore Mirror]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418214909/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-may-be-the-villain-hero-or-comedian/articleshow/48524084.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=We list down 5 Bollywood movies which found their inspiration down south |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/we-list-down-5-bollywood-movies-which-found-their-inspiration-down-south-27242.html |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=filmfare.com |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616222731/https://www.filmfare.com/features/we-list-down-5-bollywood-movies-which-found-their-inspiration-down-south-27242.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a remake of [[Malayalam]] film ''[[Manichithrathazhu]]'' with some plot changes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/ramesh-aravind-gets-nostalgic-as-apthamitra-completes-16-years/articleshow/77783633.cms|title=Ramesh Aravind gets nostalgic as Apthamitra completes 16 years|date=27 August 2020|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429000412/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/ramesh-aravind-gets-nostalgic-as-apthamitra-completes-16-years/articleshow/77783633.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raj |first=Amal |date=2024-08-06 |title=31 years of 'Manichitrathazhu': A legacy set for its re-release |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2024/Aug/16/31-years-of-manichitrathazhu-a-legacy-set-for-its-re-release |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
''Apthamitra'' ran for 365 days in theaters across [[Karnataka]] and was the highest ever grossing Kannada movie at that time and was an industry hit. The plot changes from the original film were retained in the Tamil film ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' (2005). The film was later followed by a sequel titled ''[[Aptharakshaka]]'' (2010).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-miss-vishnuvardhan-malavika-avinash/articleshow/47438676.cms|title=I miss Vishnuvardhan: Malavika Avinash|date=27 May 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418214908/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-miss-vishnuvardhan-malavika-avinash/articleshow/47438676.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ram |first=Arun |date=25 October 2004 |title=Remake ripples |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/20041025-rajnikant-shoots-for-film-chandramukhi-produced-by-shivaji-productions-788989-2004-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105135250/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rajnikant-shoots-for-film-chandramukhi-produced-by-shivaji-productions/1/195023.html |archive-date=5 January 2017 |access-date=5 January 2017 |url-status=live |website=India Today}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Ramesh ([[Ramesh Arvind]]) and Ganga ([[Soundarya]]) are married couple who recently move into [[Mysore]] to buy an ancient palace, against the wishes of his uncles and elders ([[Dwarakish]] & [[Pramila Joshai]]) of the family. His uncle agrees to reside with them with his two daughters Vani and Hema, on one condition that the room on the first floor which is locked and sealed should not be visited by anyone in the family. They have their care-taker Rangajja ([[Shivaram]]) who lives in the outhouse with his granddaughter Sowmya ([[Prema (actress, born 1977)|Prema]]).
Ramesh and Ganga are a married couple who have recently moved to [[Mysore]] to buy an ancient palace against the wishes of his uncle Shivananda and family elders. Shivananda agrees to reside with them with his two daughters Vani and Hema on the condition that the room on the first floor which is locked and sealed should not be visited by anyone in the family. They have their caretaker Rangajja, who lives in the outhouse with his granddaughter Sowmya. During their stay in the house, they learn that the palace once belonged to Raja Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur, who had a court dancer named ''Nagavalli'' from [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Raja was in love with Nagavalli, but she had already loved a fellow dancer named ''Ramanatha'', who used to reside in a house just behind the palace. After discovering their affair on a [[Durga Ashtami|Durgashtami day]], Raja beheaded Ramanatha and burned Nagavalli alive. Before her death, Nagavalli vowed to burn the Raja alive on the very same Durgashtami day.


During their stay in the house they come to know that this palace earlier belonged to Raja Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur. He had a court dancer named ''Nagavalli'' from [[Andhra Pradesh]], whom he was in love with. But Nagavalli already loved a fellow dancer named ''Ramanatha'', who used to reside in a house just behind the palace. When the Raja came to know of their affair on an Durgashtami day, he be-headed Dancer Ramanatha and burned Nagavalli alive. Nagavalli vowed at the time of her death that she would seek revenge of her death from the Raja by burning him alive on very same Durgashtami day, as like her.
Strange things occur in the palace and everyone suspects Sowmya, who is always found at the place of the incident. Ramesh calls his psychiatrist friend Vijay to help him clear the misconceptions regarding the palace and its history. Shivananda is unhappy with Vijay's ways and is suspicious of him. Ramesh's cousin Vani is in love with an orphan dance teacher Mahadev who incidentally resides in the same house behind the palace. Vijay learns about this and tells Shivananda, who approves the alliance and their marriage is fixed. When the whole family is out of town to visit Mahadev to decide on his wedding with Vani, Ganga opens the room on the first floor with the key given by Sowmya. During the time, there are attempts to kill Ramesh by some mysterious being, which every time is foiled by Vijay. Vani is also attacked by an anonymous entity and these incidents make Shivananda to call Acharya Ramachandra Shastri, a popular exorcist to perform some peace ritual upon the palace.


Strange things start to happen in the palace and everyone suspect Sowmya, who is always found at the place of the incident. So, Ramesh calls in his psychiatrist friend Vijay ([[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]]) to help him clear of the misconceptions regarding the palace and its history. Ramesh's uncle ([[Satyajit (Kannada Actor)|Satyajit]]) is not happy with the way Vijay functions and is always very suspectful of him. Vani, Ramesh's cousin is in love with an orphan-dance teacher, Mahadev who incidentally resides in the same house behind the palace. Vijay comes to know of this and tells Ramesh's uncle about this and the alliance is approved by all in the family and their marriage is fixed.
Though not interested in all these proceedings, Ramesh agrees with his advice of Vijay. On the eve of Mahadev and Vani's engagement ceremony, Ganga accuses Mahadev of trying to molest her - which is refused by both Mahadev and Vijay. Upon hearing this, Ramesh gets angry at Vijay, where Acharya tells Vijay to reveal the mystery behind the strange incidents. Vijay reveals to everyone that Ganga (who turned into Nagavalli personality) is behind all the strange incidents and had tried to kill Ramesh and Vani because Nagavalli thinks that Mahadevan is her lover Ramanathan. Ganga who visited the first-floor room was enamored by Nagavalli and her diary. Since Ganga suffered from [[Split personality disorder]], the mystery behind Nagavalli's story made her develop an unusual empathy for Nagavalli,which resulted in the personality of Nagavalli to enter Ganga's body.  


When the whole family is out of town to visit Mahadev, to decide his wedding with Vani, Ganga with help from Sowmya opens the room in the first floor with the key given by Sowmya. While she entered the room, Sowmya comes running to tell not to open the door as the key-maker who made the key had died. But Ganga told her not to believe on this superstitions.
Ganga (in her Nagavalli personality) now intends to kill Vijay as he had posed in front of her as Raja Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur on the coming Durgashtami day as vowed by Nagavalli while dying. On Durgashtami in the dance hall, the family and Acharya allow Ganga (in her Nagavalli personality) to burn Vijay alive. Acharya then blows smoke and ash on Ganga's face when she is given a torch to burn Vijay. Ramesh then opens a trapdoor to let Vijay escape, and an effigy of Raja gets burnt instead. Convinced that Raja is dead, Nagavalli personality inside Ganga, as promised to Acharya, leaves Ganga and she gets cured. Vijay helps Ganga psychologically later to regain herself, where Ramesh thanks Vijay for his help. Before leaving, Vijay meets Sowmya in person and asks her to meet his parents, if she really loves him and wishes to marry him. Mukunda, Shivananda's elder brother, another of Ramesh's maternal uncles, accompanies Vijay on his journey to the States as he had now developed an affection and respect for him.
 
During this time there are attempts to kill Ramesh by someone unknown, which every time is foiled by Vijay. Even Vani is attacked once by someone unknown. So Ramesh's uncle calls upon an Acharya Ramachandra Shastri ([[Avinash]]) to perform some Shanti pooja upon the palace. Though Ramesh is not interested in all these proceedings he agrees on advice of Vijay.
 
On the eve of Engagement ceremony of Mahadev and Vani, Ganga accuses Mahadev of trying to molest her - which is refused by both Mahdev and Vijay. Upon hearing this Ramesh gets angry upon Vijay and shouts at him to get out of his house. Acharya stops the family from doing so and asks Vijay to tell them the mystery behind the strange incidents.
 
Vijay reveals to everyone that Ganga is behind all the strange incidents and she only tried to kill Ramesh and Vani. Ganga who visited the first floor room was enamoured by Nagavalli and her diary. Since Ganga suffered from Multiple personality disorder or Split personality disorder, the mystery behind Nagavalli's story compelled her to assume herself as Nagavalli, compelling the spirit of Nagavalli to enter her body. She (Nagavalli inside Ganga) now intends to kill Vijay as he had posed in front of her as Raja Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur, on the coming Durgashtami day as vowed by Nagavalli while dying. Vijay explains to everyone that since Nagavalli inside Ganga thinks that Mahadev is the dancer Ramnath. Vijay on Durgashtami Day, makes Nagavalli (Ganga) believe that he himself is the king, and employs a sophisticated system to make Nagavalli burn a dummy with his image on it. Nagavalli satisfies herself and leaves Ganga's body. Vijay is also safe. Vijay helps Ganga psychologically later to regain herself. Ramesh thanks Vijay for his help.


==Cast==
==Cast==
* [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] as Dr. Vijay / Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur/Captain
{{Cast listing|
* [[Ramesh Aravind]] as Ramesh/Vice Captain
* [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] in a dual roles as Dr. Vijay and Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/feb/19/south-kannada-movie-review-aptharakshaka.htm|title=Vishnuvardhan scores with Aptharakshaka|date=19 February 2010|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=15 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315221851/http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/feb/19/south-kannada-movie-review-aptharakshaka.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Soundarya]] as Ganga / Nagavalli (Voice dubbed by Shashikala)
* [[Soundarya]] in a dual roles as Ganga and Nagavalli<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-took-up-the-role-as-a-challenge-upendra/articleshow/15325873.cms|title=I took up the role as a challenge: Upendra|date=16 January 2017|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429000410/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-took-up-the-role-as-a-challenge-upendra/articleshow/15325873.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Ramesh Aravind]] as Ramesh
* [[Prema (actress, born 1977)|Prema]] as Sowmya
* [[Prema (actress, born 1977)|Prema]] as Sowmya
* [[Dwarakish]] as Mukunda
* [[Dwarakish]] as Mukunda
* [[Avinash]] as Acharya Ramachandra Shastri
* [[Avinash Yelandur|Avinash]] as Acharya Ramachandra Shastri<ref name="A">{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/the-most-famous-screen-guruji-get-a-new-avatar/articleshow/62514049.cms|title=The most famous screen 'guruji' get a new avatar|date=16 January 2018|work=[[Bangalore Mirror]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418002111/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/the-most-famous-screen-guruji-get-a-new-avatar/articleshow/62514049.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Pramila Joshai]] as Rukku  
* [[Pramila Joshai]] as Rukku  
* [[Shivaram]] as Rangajja
* [[Shivaram]] as Rangajja
* [[Satyajit (Kannada Actor)|Satyajit]] as Shivananda  
* [[Satyajit (Kannada Actor)|Satyajit]] as Shivananda  
* Shridhar Jain as Dancer & Prof. Mahadev
* Shridhar Jain as Dancer Ramnath and Prof. Mahadev  
* Sneha Eshwar as vani
* Bhoomika Shetty as Hema
* Bhoomika Shetty as Hema
}}
== Production ==
The film began production after [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] agreed to act in a film directed by [[P.Vasu]] and produced by [[Dwarakish]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/feb/18/slide-show-1-south-friends-colleagues-remember-.htm|title=Fondly remembering Vishnuvardhan|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=18 February 2010|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=14 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114012916/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/feb/18/slide-show-1-south-friends-colleagues-remember-.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Vishnuvardhan and Dwarakish has starred together in several films including ''[[Kalla Kulla]]'' (1975).<ref name="V">{{Cite web|url=http://www.viggy.com/english/review_aaptha_mitraa.asp|title=Aptha Mitra - film review|work=Viggy|date=2004|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418011511/http://www.viggy.com/english/review_aaptha_mitraa.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[P. Vasu]], seventy percent of the film is similar to  ''[[Manichithrathazhu]]'' (1993).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/13vasu.htm|title=Vasu on the three most-talked about films!|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|date=13 April 2005|author-link=Shobha Warrier|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418002112/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/13vasu.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> This was Soundarya's last film in her career. Shashikala dubbed for Soundarya.<ref name="S">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/hidden-stars-voices-driving-hundreds-of-stories-on-screen/articleshow/76382984.cms|title=Hidden stars: Voices driving hundreds of stories on screen|date=15 June 2020|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418005205/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/hidden-stars-voices-driving-hundreds-of-stories-on-screen/articleshow/76382984.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| location = India
| name         = Apthamitra
| name       = Apthamitra
| type         = Soundtrack
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist       = [[Gurukiran]]
| artist     = [[Gurukiran]]
| cover       =  
| cover     =
| border       = yes
| border     = yes
| alt         =  
| alt       =
| caption     = Soundtrack cover
| caption   = Soundtrack cover
| released     = 26 July 2004
| released   = 26 July 2004
| recorded     = Ashwini Recording Company
| recorded   =
| venue       =  
| venue     =
| studio       =  
| studio     =
| genre       = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| genre     = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length       = 28:31
| length     = 28:42
| language     = [[Kannada]]
| language   = [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| label       = Ashwini Audio
| label     = Alpha Digitech
| producer     = [[Gurukiran]]
| producer   =
| prev_title   = Kanti
| prev_title = Kanti
| prev_year   = 2004
| prev_year = 2004
| next_title   = [[Omkara (2004 film)|Omkara]]
| next_title = [[Omkara (2004 film)|Omkara]]
| next_year   = 2004
| next_year = 2004
}}
}}


[[Gurukiran]] scored the film's background music and composed for its soundtrack, with lyrics for the tracks written by [[V. Manohar]], [[Kaviraj (lyricist)|Kaviraj]], V. Nagendra Prasad and Goturi. The soundtrack album, which received positive reviews from critics, consists of six tracks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Apthamitra (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP|url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/apthamitra-original-motion/id983522666|publisher=iTunes|accessdate=14 July 2015}}</ref> The track ''Kaalavannu Tadeyoru'' was taken from the 1977 film, ''[[Kittu Puttu]]'' which had [[Dwarakish]] and [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] playing the lead roles as well, alongside [[Manjula (Kannada actress)|Manjula]], the lyrics for which was written by [[Chi. Udayashankar]].
[[Gurukiran]] scored the film's background music and composed for its soundtrack, with lyrics for the tracks written by [[V. Manohar]], [[Kaviraj (lyricist)|Kaviraj]], V. Nagendra Prasad and Goturi. The soundtrack album, which received positive reviews from critics, consists of six tracks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Apthamitra (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP|date=26 August 2004|url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/apthamitra-original-motion/id983522666|publisher=iTunes|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714123222/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/apthamitra-original-motion/id983522666|url-status=dead}}</ref> The track "Kaalavannu Tadeyoru" was taken from the 1977 film, ''[[Kittu Puttu]]'' (composed by [[Rajan-Nagendra]]) which had [[Dwarakish]] and [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] playing the lead roles as well; the lyrics for which was written by [[Chi. Udayashankar]]. The music for the film was well received upon release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/amma-i-love-you-is-a-technically-sound-film-yogish-dwarakish/articleshow/64575934.cms|title=Amma I Love You is a technically sound film: Yogish Dwarakish|date=15 June 2018|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 April 2023|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429000414/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/amma-i-love-you-is-a-technically-sound-film-yogish-dwarakish/articleshow/64575934.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The chorus of "Raa Raa" was reused in ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' (2005) by [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]] after [[Rajinikanth]]'s insistence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillai, Sreedhar |date=3 June 2005 |title=Back with a bang ! |url=http://www.thehindu.com/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060304040100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140922141749/http://www.thehindu.com/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060304040100.htm |archive-date=22 September 2014 |access-date=26 September 2014 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=24 December 2004 |title=Borrowing tunes! |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13635848 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050326124246/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13635848 |archive-date=26 March 2005 |access-date=8 April 2024 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref>


{{tracklist
{{tracklist
Line 97: Line 96:
| title1 = Anku Donku
| title1 = Anku Donku
| lyrics1 = [[V. Manohar]]
| lyrics1 = [[V. Manohar]]
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubramanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra|Chithra]]
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra]]
| length1 = 4:40
| length1 = 4:40
| title2 = Kaalavannu Tadeyoru
| title2 = Kaalavannu Tadeyoru
Line 109: Line 108:
| title4 = Pata Pata
| title4 = Pata Pata
| lyrics4 = [[V. Nagendra Prasad]]
| lyrics4 = [[V. Nagendra Prasad]]
| extra4 = [[Udit Narayan]], Chithra
| extra4 = [[Udit Narayan]], K. S. Chithra
| length4 = 4:32
| length4 = 4:32
| title5 = Baara Baara
| title5 = Baara Baara
Line 120: Line 119:
| length6 = 4:41
| length6 = 4:41
}}
}}
== Reception ==
A critic from ''[[Sify]]'' wrote, "This is a well made film in which talented actress Soundarya made her last appearance in a Kannada film which is a supernatural thriller. Gurukiran’s music is a major advantage for the film and on the whole ''Aptamithra'' is worth a watch."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-12-25 |title=Aptamithra Review |url=http://sify.com/movies/kannada/review.php?id=13556819&ctid=5&cid=2427 |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=[[Sify]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041225081121/http://sify.com/movies/kannada/review.php?id=13556819&ctid=5&cid=2427 |archive-date=25 December 2004 }}</ref> A critic from ''[[Viggy]]'' wrote that "Multi-starrer Aptha Mitra is a perfect treat for people who wants quality entertainer".<ref name="V"/> S. N. Deepak of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' wrote "Suspense, horror, comedy, superstition and sentiments continue the story well. A kitchen scene which tries to creates suspense seems to have escaped the director’s concentration. The story picks up tempo in the suspense scenes in the first part and starts unfolding slowly in the post-interval part. Above all, the film also throws light on human psychology."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug292004/mr1.asp|title=Apthamithra|first=S. N.|last=Deepak|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=16 March 2025|date=29 August 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040919185710/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug292004/mr1.asp|archive-date=19 September 2004}}</ref> By the film's 34th week it collected over 10 crores  at box office. The release of ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' did not affect the film's collections.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-04-27 |title='Chandramukhi' is a hit in Bangalore! - Sify.com |website=[[Sify]] |url=http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/fullstory.php?id=13724238 |access-date=2023-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427173556/http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/fullstory.php?id=13724238 |archive-date=27 April 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-12-29 |title=2004- A flashback! |website=[[Sify]] |url=http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/fullstory.php?id=13637343 |access-date=2023-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229091035/http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/fullstory.php?id=13637343 |archive-date=29 December 2004 }}</ref> It completed one year (52 weeks) screening at Santosh theatre in [[Bangalore]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-09-14 |title='Aptha Mitra' completed one year|website=[[Sify]] |url=http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/index.php |access-date=2023-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050914080937/http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/index.php |archive-date=14 September 2005 }}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
Line 125: Line 127:
;52nd [[Filmfare Awards South]]
;52nd [[Filmfare Awards South]]


The film, won five [[Filmfare Awards]] that includes:<ref>News from Viggy.com [http://www.viggy.com/english/current_filmfare_award_2004.asp].</ref>
The film, won five [[Filmfare Awards]] that include:<ref>News from Viggy.com [http://www.viggy.com/english/current_filmfare_award_2004.asp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131092110/http://www.viggy.com/english/current_filmfare_award_2004.asp|date=31 January 2020}}.</ref>
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Best Film – Kannada]]: [[Dwarakish]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Best Film – Kannada]]: [[Dwarakish]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada|Best Director – Kannada]]: [[P. Vasu]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada|Best Director – Kannada]]: [[P. Vasu]]
Line 131: Line 133:
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada|Best Actress – Kannada]]: [[Soundarya]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada|Best Actress – Kannada]]: [[Soundarya]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada|Best Music Director – Kannada]]: [[Gurukiran]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada|Best Music Director – Kannada]]: [[Gurukiran]]
== In popular culture ==
The dialogues "Nannu vaadi to velladaniki vadalava?" ({{translation|Won't you leave me to go with him?}}) spoken by Soundarya and "Ide, illeno samasye ide." ({{translation|There is some problem here.}}) by Avinash's character became popular.<ref name="S"/><ref name="A"/> In an introduction scene of [[Sudeepa|Sudeep]] from ''[[Vishnuvardhana (film)|Vishnuvardhana]]'', Sudeep's character is shown watching ''Apthamitra'' featuring Vishnuvardhan in a fight/intro scene in a theatre with other fans. He is also shown imitating the character of the actor in a fight scene from ''Apthamitra'' with archive scenes from the film, which was shown to be a tributary scene for the actor from the film.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}


==References==
==References==
Line 137: Line 142:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|1339248}}
* {{IMDb title|1339248}}
 
* [http://www.vishnuvardhan.com/aptha_rev.htm Film review]
* [http://alummoottil.com/ alummoottil.com]
{{P. Vasu}}
{{P. Vasu}}
{{Dwarakish}}
{{Dwarakish}}
{{Films inspired by Manichitrathazhu}}
{{Films inspired by Manichitrathazhu}}
 
{{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada}}
[[Category:Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:2004 Indian films]]
[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:2004 Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2004 horror films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Gurukiran]]
[[Category:Films produced by Dwarakish]]
[[Category:Films directed by P. Vasu]]
[[Category:Indian horror films]]
[[Category:Indian horror films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Gurukiran]]
[[Category:2000s Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Kannada films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:2004 horror films]]
[[Category:Indian horror film remakes]]
[[Category:Indian horror film remakes]]
[[Category:Kannada remakes of Malayalam films]]
[[Category:Kannada remakes of Malayalam films]]
[[Category:Films directed by P. Vasu]]
[[Category:Kannada films remade in other languages]]

Latest revision as of 12:57, 4 March 2026


Apthamitra
Promotional poster
Directed byP. Vasu
Produced byDwarakish
Screenplay byP. Vasu
Story byMadhu Muttam
Based onManichitrathazhu
(1993)
Starring
Music byGurukiran
CinematographyRamesh Babu
Edited byN. P. Satish
Production
company
Dwarakish Chitra
Release date
  • 27 August 2004 (2004-08-27)
Running time
146 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada
Budget₹3 crore[1]
Box office₹25 crore[1][2][3]

Apthamitra (transl. Close friend) is a 2004 Indian Kannada-language psychological horror film written and directed by P. Vasu and produced by Dwarakish. The film stars Vishnuvardhan, Soundarya and Ramesh in the lead roles, while Prema, Avinash and Dwarakish appear in supporting roles. It marks posthumous film for Soundarya in Kannada, released after her death on 17 April 2004. The film was released on 27 August 2004.[4][5] It is a remake of Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu with some plot changes.[6][7]

Apthamitra ran for 365 days in theaters across Karnataka and was the highest ever grossing Kannada movie at that time and was an industry hit. The plot changes from the original film were retained in the Tamil film Chandramukhi (2005). The film was later followed by a sequel titled Aptharakshaka (2010).[8][9]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Ramesh and Ganga are a married couple who have recently moved to Mysore to buy an ancient palace against the wishes of his uncle Shivananda and family elders. Shivananda agrees to reside with them with his two daughters Vani and Hema on the condition that the room on the first floor which is locked and sealed should not be visited by anyone in the family. They have their caretaker Rangajja, who lives in the outhouse with his granddaughter Sowmya. During their stay in the house, they learn that the palace once belonged to Raja Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur, who had a court dancer named Nagavalli from Andhra Pradesh. Raja was in love with Nagavalli, but she had already loved a fellow dancer named Ramanatha, who used to reside in a house just behind the palace. After discovering their affair on a Durgashtami day, Raja beheaded Ramanatha and burned Nagavalli alive. Before her death, Nagavalli vowed to burn the Raja alive on the very same Durgashtami day.

Strange things occur in the palace and everyone suspects Sowmya, who is always found at the place of the incident. Ramesh calls his psychiatrist friend Vijay to help him clear the misconceptions regarding the palace and its history. Shivananda is unhappy with Vijay's ways and is suspicious of him. Ramesh's cousin Vani is in love with an orphan dance teacher Mahadev who incidentally resides in the same house behind the palace. Vijay learns about this and tells Shivananda, who approves the alliance and their marriage is fixed. When the whole family is out of town to visit Mahadev to decide on his wedding with Vani, Ganga opens the room on the first floor with the key given by Sowmya. During the time, there are attempts to kill Ramesh by some mysterious being, which every time is foiled by Vijay. Vani is also attacked by an anonymous entity and these incidents make Shivananda to call Acharya Ramachandra Shastri, a popular exorcist to perform some peace ritual upon the palace.

Though not interested in all these proceedings, Ramesh agrees with his advice of Vijay. On the eve of Mahadev and Vani's engagement ceremony, Ganga accuses Mahadev of trying to molest her - which is refused by both Mahadev and Vijay. Upon hearing this, Ramesh gets angry at Vijay, where Acharya tells Vijay to reveal the mystery behind the strange incidents. Vijay reveals to everyone that Ganga (who turned into Nagavalli personality) is behind all the strange incidents and had tried to kill Ramesh and Vani because Nagavalli thinks that Mahadevan is her lover Ramanathan. Ganga who visited the first-floor room was enamored by Nagavalli and her diary. Since Ganga suffered from Split personality disorder, the mystery behind Nagavalli's story made her develop an unusual empathy for Nagavalli,which resulted in the personality of Nagavalli to enter Ganga's body.

Ganga (in her Nagavalli personality) now intends to kill Vijay as he had posed in front of her as Raja Vijaya Rajendra Bahaddur on the coming Durgashtami day as vowed by Nagavalli while dying. On Durgashtami in the dance hall, the family and Acharya allow Ganga (in her Nagavalli personality) to burn Vijay alive. Acharya then blows smoke and ash on Ganga's face when she is given a torch to burn Vijay. Ramesh then opens a trapdoor to let Vijay escape, and an effigy of Raja gets burnt instead. Convinced that Raja is dead, Nagavalli personality inside Ganga, as promised to Acharya, leaves Ganga and she gets cured. Vijay helps Ganga psychologically later to regain herself, where Ramesh thanks Vijay for his help. Before leaving, Vijay meets Sowmya in person and asks her to meet his parents, if she really loves him and wishes to marry him. Mukunda, Shivananda's elder brother, another of Ramesh's maternal uncles, accompanies Vijay on his journey to the States as he had now developed an affection and respect for him.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The film began production after Vishnuvardhan agreed to act in a film directed by P.Vasu and produced by Dwarakish.[13] Vishnuvardhan and Dwarakish has starred together in several films including Kalla Kulla (1975).[14] According to P. Vasu, seventy percent of the film is similar to Manichithrathazhu (1993).[15] This was Soundarya's last film in her career. Shashikala dubbed for Soundarya.[16]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Apthamitra
Soundtrack album by
Gurukiran
Released26 July 2004
RecordedAshwini Recording Company
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length28:31
LanguageKannada
LabelAshwini Audio
ProducerGurukiran
Gurukiran chronology
Kanti
(2004) 		Apthamitra
(2004) 		Omkara
(2004)

Gurukiran scored the film's background music and composed for its soundtrack, with lyrics for the tracks written by V. Manohar, Kaviraj, V. Nagendra Prasad and Goturi. The soundtrack album, which received positive reviews from critics, consists of six tracks.[17] The track "Kaalavannu Tadeyoru" was taken from the 1977 film, Kittu Puttu (composed by Rajan-Nagendra) which had Dwarakish and Vishnuvardhan playing the lead roles as well; the lyrics for which was written by Chi. Udayashankar. The music for the film was well received upon release.[18] The chorus of "Raa Raa" was reused in Chandramukhi (2005) by Vidyasagar after Rajinikanth's insistence.[19][20]

Track list
No. TitleSinger(s) Length
1. "Anku Donku"  S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra 4:40
2. "Kaalavannu Tadeyoru"  Hariharan, Gurukiran 5:05
3. "Kana Kanade"  Madhu Balakrishnan 5:01
4. "Pata Pata"  Udit Narayan, K. S. Chithra 4:32
5. "Baara Baara"  Rajesh Krishnan, Nanditha 4:43
6. "Raa Raa"  Nithyashree Mahadevan, Rajesh Krishnan 4:41
Total length:
 28:42

Reception[edit | edit source]

A critic from Sify wrote, "This is a well made film in which talented actress Soundarya made her last appearance in a Kannada film which is a supernatural thriller. Gurukiran’s music is a major advantage for the film and on the whole Aptamithra is worth a watch."[21] A critic from Viggy wrote that "Multi-starrer Aptha Mitra is a perfect treat for people who wants quality entertainer".[14] S. N. Deepak of Deccan Herald wrote "Suspense, horror, comedy, superstition and sentiments continue the story well. A kitchen scene which tries to creates suspense seems to have escaped the director’s concentration. The story picks up tempo in the suspense scenes in the first part and starts unfolding slowly in the post-interval part. Above all, the film also throws light on human psychology."[22] By the film's 34th week it collected over 10 crores at box office. The release of Chandramukhi did not affect the film's collections.[23][24] It completed one year (52 weeks) screening at Santosh theatre in Bangalore.[25]

Awards[edit | edit source]

52nd Filmfare Awards South

The film, won five Filmfare Awards that include:[26]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

The dialogues "Nannu vaadi to velladaniki vadalava?" (transl. Won't you leave me to go with him?) spoken by Soundarya and "Ide, illeno samasye ide." (transl. There is some problem here.) by Avinash's character became popular.[16][12] In an introduction scene of Sudeep from Vishnuvardhana, Sudeep's character is shown watching Apthamitra featuring Vishnuvardhan in a fight/intro scene in a theatre with other fans. He is also shown imitating the character of the actor in a fight scene from Apthamitra with archive scenes from the film, which was shown to be a tributary scene for the actor from the film.[citation needed]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Pillai, Sreedhar (31 December 2004). "Year 2004 — a flashback". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  2. ↑ "2004 Year Round Up". chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "Gandhinagar Gossip". The Hindu. 20 July 2006. Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  4. ↑ "'I may be the villain, hero or comedian'". Bangalore Mirror. 18 August 2015. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  5. ↑ "We list down 5 Bollywood movies which found their inspiration down south". filmfare.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "Ramesh Aravind gets nostalgic as Apthamitra completes 16 years". The Times of India. 27 August 2020. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  7. ↑ Raj, Amal (6 August 2024). "31 years of 'Manichitrathazhu': A legacy set for its re-release". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  8. ↑ "I miss Vishnuvardhan: Malavika Avinash". The Times of India. 27 May 2015. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  9. ↑ Ram, Arun (25 October 2004). "Remake ripples". India Today. Archived from the original on 5 January 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
  10. ↑ "Vishnuvardhan scores with Aptharakshaka". Rediff.com. 19 February 2010. Archived from the original on 15 March 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  11. ↑ "I took up the role as a challenge: Upendra". The Times of India. 16 January 2017. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "The most famous screen 'guruji' get a new avatar". Bangalore Mirror. 16 January 2018. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  13. ↑ "Fondly remembering Vishnuvardhan". Rediff.com. 18 February 2010. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Aptha Mitra - film review". Viggy. 2004. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  15. ↑ Warrier, Shobha (13 April 2005). "Vasu on the three most-talked about films!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Hidden stars: Voices driving hundreds of stories on screen". The Times of India. 15 June 2020. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  17. ↑ "Apthamitra (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP". iTunes. 26 August 2004. Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  18. ↑ "Amma I Love You is a technically sound film: Yogish Dwarakish". The Times of India. 15 June 2018. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  19. ↑ Pillai, Sreedhar (3 June 2005). "Back with a bang !". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 September 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  20. ↑ "Borrowing tunes!". Sify. 24 December 2004. Archived from the original on 26 March 2005. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  21. ↑ "Aptamithra Review". Sify. 25 December 2004. Archived from the original on 25 December 2004. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  22. ↑ Deepak, S. N. (29 August 2004). "Apthamithra". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 19 September 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  23. ↑ "'Chandramukhi' is a hit in Bangalore! - Sify.com". Sify. 27 April 2006. Archived from the original on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  24. ↑ "2004- A flashback!". Sify. 29 December 2004. Archived from the original on 29 December 2004. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  25. ↑ "'Aptha Mitra' completed one year". Sify. 14 September 2005. Archived from the original on 14 September 2005. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  26. ↑ News from Viggy.com [1] Archived 31 January 2020 at the Wayback Machine.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Films inspired by Manichitrathazhu Template:Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada

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