The makers of Mohanlal's Kireedam, one of the most celebrated classics in Malayalam cinema, have unveiled the trailer for its 4K remastered version ahead of its theatrical rerelease in July. The restored edition will be presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Atmos sound, offering audiences a chance to revisit the classic like never before.
Directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Lohithadas, Kireedam was originally released in 1989 and went on to become a landmark film in Malayalam cinema. The film is widely regarded as one of the defining works in Mohanlal's career, with his portrayal of Sethumadhavan remaining one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant performances in the history of Malayalam cinema.
The newly released trailer showcases the extensive restoration work carried out on the film, featuring enhanced visuals and sound while preserving the emotional intensity that made the original a timeless classic. The restored version is being presented by Seven Arts International Ltd in association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
The trailer was launched at a special event in Kochi attended by members of the cast and crew. Speaking at the event, Mohanlal highlighted the importance of film preservation and restoration, noting that several Malayalam classics have lost their original prints over the years. He suggested that a print of Kireedam surviving in the NFDC archives may have played a key role in enabling the restoration.
The 4K restoration has been undertaken jointly by the NFDC and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). Going by the trailer, the film has received one of the most meticulous restorations seen for a Malayalam classic, significantly enhancing its visual experience for contemporary audiences.
At the heart of Kireedam is the story of Sethumadhavan (Mohanlal), a young man whose dream of becoming a police officer is derailed by a chance encounter with the feared rowdy Keerikkadan Jose (Mohan Raj). What follows is a heartbreaking chain of events that transforms Sethumadhavan's life and turns him into one of the most tragic figures in Malayalam cinema. The relationship between Sethumadhavan and his father, Head Constable Achuthan Nair (Thilakan), remains among the film's most powerful emotional anchors.
Produced by N Krishnakumar and Dinesh Panicker under the banner of Kripa Films, Kireedam also stars Parvathy, Jagathy Sreekumar, Jagadish, Murali, Mamukkoya, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Cochin Haneefa, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Philomina, Sreenath, Kundara Johny and Kanakalatha, among others. Mohan Raj's portrayal of Keerikkadan Jose, the man whose actions set Sethumadhavan's downfall in motion, remains one of Malayalam cinema's most iconic villain performances. The film's music was composed by Johnson, with cinematography by S Kumar and editing by L Bhoominathan.
Upon its original release, Kireedam earned widespread critical acclaim and fetched Mohanlal a Special Mention at the National Film Awards.