Thirty-six years after its original release, the acclaimed Malayalam classic Kireedam is returning to cinemas in a restored 4K version, giving audiences another chance to experience one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films.
According to NDTV, the landmark film, starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, was saved from being permanently lost through an extensive digital restoration. The restored version, featuring Dolby Atmos sound, returns to theatres across India and overseas tomorrow (10 July). The restoration was carried out by the National Film Development Corporation–National Film Archive of India (NFDC–NFAI).
Released in 1989, Kireedam follows a young man whose dream of joining the police force and following in his father’s footsteps is shattered by unexpected circumstances. The film remains one of the defining works of Malayalam cinema and is widely praised for its powerful screenplay and performances.
The restoration became possible despite the film’s original camera negative deteriorating beyond use. Fortunately, the National Film Archive of India had preserved a 35mm release print for more than three decades. That print became the foundation for the painstaking 4K restoration.
Directed by Siby Malayil and written by AK Lohithadas, Kireedam underwent high-resolution scanning, digital image restoration and colour grading under the supervision of cinematographer S Kumar and director Siby Malayil. NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum said the film was able to return to audiences because the release print had been carefully preserved for decades.
The restored version had its world premiere at the 55th International Film Festival of India last year, where it received an enthusiastic response from audiences and filmmakers.
Kireedam is regarded by many Malayalam film enthusiasts as one of the greatest films ever made in the language. The film also earned Mohanlal his first National Film Award with a Special Mention, further cementing its place in Indian cinema history.
