Bhoothakkannadi (English:Magnifying glass) is a 1997 Malayalam psychological drama film written and directed by A. K. Lohithadas in his directorial debut.

It tells the story of Vidyadharan (Mammootty), a clockmaker, and his inability to deal with the harsh realities of life.

Despite being a box office failure, the movie was critically acclaimed and is often regarded as a classic in Malayalam cinema.

During a flashback it is revealed that Vidyadharan, a small village clocksmith and a widower, lived with his only daughter.

Sarojini's husband left her after spending just a single night with her, leaving her with a teenage daughter.

We are introduced to a host of supporting characters in the sleepy Palakkadan hamlet like Vidyadaran's sister, his friend near watch repairing shop, the drunkard who carries a rifle, etc.

Their simple world in the sleepy hamlet is turned upside down one day when Sarojini's teenage daughter goes missing.

During the visit, Sarojini also apprises Vidyadharan about the increasing number of rapes and molestations and recounts the fate of her daughter.

During his regular afternoon strolls, to his surprise, Vidyadharan find a hole in the thick jail wall.

To his luck, he finds that the eyesize hole is dug through the entire thickness and he is able to see the hilltop just outside the jail.

During his free time, Vidyadharan sees the small family of blind singers living on the hilltop and their beautiful daughter.

As he looks on another day, while the beautiful teenage girl is alone in the hut, he sees the cruel policeman going inside.

They are shattered and, in the heat of loss they suffered, they decide to punish themselves by setting fire to the house and themselves.

Vidyadharan has lost all control by now and he attacks the constable accusing him of the life of the three innocent people.

Lohithadas initially got the idea for the script after being disturbed by the casual attitude of people towards the sexual exploitation of small girls by men.

[3] The idea of a watch repairer was not his original intention, he only wanted the story to be that of an overthinking father.

When discussions about casting Sarojini began, several members of the crew suggested Sreelakshmi for the role.

Sreelakshmi was, at the time acting in a serial called Maranam Durbalam for DD Malayalam.

However, several members of the crew were apprehensive as Sreelakshmi's skin tone matched the color and body nature of Sarojini that had been written.

After watching her perform Mammootty reportedly told Lal Jose that it was good that Sukanya left.

The citation for the award stated, for the director's competent handling of the delicate balance of the human psyche.