Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Jun 17: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal on Wednesday delighted fans by announcing that his iconic 1989 film Kireedam will soon return to theatres in a restored 4K version.

Sharing the update on his social media platforms, the actor wrote: “The crown returns. Bigger. Clearer. Stronger. Kireedam in 4K – Coming Soon.”

The announcement marks another milestone for one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated films, which underwent an extensive restoration process under India's film preservation initiative.

Last year, Mohanlal had expressed his happiness after the National Film Archive of India successfully restored the film from a preserved 35mm release print.

At the time, he had also welcomed the film's world premiere in its restored 4K format during a special screening at the 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India in Goa.

The actor had revealed that the original camera negative had deteriorated over time, making the preserved 35mm print invaluable for the restoration effort.

He had stated that the restoration was carried out meticulously by the National Film Archive of India and that the final colour grading was supervised by the film's original cinematographer, S. Kumar.

“It is an honour to witness this classic return to the screen,” Mohanlal had said while appreciating the preservation efforts.

He also lauded the work being carried out under the National Film Heritage Mission, saying it was encouraging to see cinematic treasures being preserved for future generations in both digital and analogue formats.

Directed by Sibi Malayil, Kireedam was released in 1989 and featured a stellar cast that included Mohanlal, Thilakan, Parvathy Jayaram and Mohanraj in pivotal roles.

The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest works in Malayalam cinema and remains a benchmark for emotional storytelling.

Kireedam also earned Mohanlal his first National Award, receiving a Special Mention for his portrayal of a young man caught in tragic circumstances and for conveying intense emotional pain with remarkable depth and authenticity.

The film went on to become both a commercial blockbuster and a critical success, cementing its place as one of the most influential and enduring classics in Malayalam film history.

With its upcoming 4K theatrical release, a new generation of audiences will get the opportunity to experience the timeless masterpiece on the big screen once again.