Chembarathi (Malayalam: ചെമ്പരത്തി, English: Hibiscus) is a 1972 Malayalam film directed by P. N. Menon and written by Malayattoor Ramakrishnan. It was produced by S. K. Nair (S. Krishnan Nair), a famous literary personality and the founder of Malayalanadu weekly. It stars Madhu along with newcomers Roja Ramani, Raghavan and Sudheer in major roles. The film was an adaptation of Malayattoor's short story "Lodge". Renowned film director Bharathan worked as art director in this film.
It was a notable critical and commercial success upon release. The film was remade in Tamil as Paruva Kaalam in 1974 with Roja Ramani repeating her role and Kamal Haasan playing the male lead.
Réalisé parP. Narayankutty Menon GenresDrame ActeursMadhu, Ushanandini, Philomina, Jose Prakash, Nilambur Balan, Alummoodan Note73% Timber traders Bapputty (Madhu) and Abdu (Nellikkodu Bhaskaran) are friends. Ashamed of his mother Beevathu’s (Philomina) immoral life after his father’s death, Abdu runs away from his native village Vazhakkadavu and is engaged in timber trading. Abdu never returns to his home after that. On the way to the trading centre after loading timber from the forest Abdu falls ill and dies on the way. Bapputty reaches Beevathu’s hut with Abdu’s dead body. Bapputty takes pity on the family and decides to support them.