Mohanlal has long expressed his admiration for “Kireedam,” the 1989 drama that significantly influenced his career and left an enduring legacy in Malayalam cinema. More than thirty years later, the film is once again in the limelight, having its world premiere of a 4K restoration at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The actor took to social media to share his enthusiasm, describing the occasion as an honor and a deeply emotional milestone.
A Legendary Film Finds New Light
Mohanlal disclosed that the restoration was carried out from a 35mm release print preserved by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). The original camera negative had suffered deterioration over the years, making the survival of this print crucial. He expressed gratitude to the teams at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and NFAI, noting how fulfilling it is to witness the film’s revival under the National Film Heritage Mission. Additionally, he highlighted that cinematographer S. Kumar personally oversaw the final grading, ensuring that the restored version remains true to the film’s original visual essence.
For fans who grew up watching “Kireedam” on VHS tapes and through low-quality television reruns, experiencing the film’s emotional depth in pristine 4K resolution represents a full-circle moment.
Delighted to share the world premiere of the 4K restoration of Kireedam (1989), presented as part of the Special Screenings at the 56th IFFI, Goa. The film has been meticulously restored by NFDC – National Film Archive of India from a 35mm release print, thankfully preserved by…
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) November 26, 2025
A Story That Has Lost None of Its Power
Directed by Sibi Malayil and penned by A.K. Lohithadas, “Kireedam” is celebrated not for its grandeur but for its poignant human narrative. Mohanlal portrays Sethumadhavan, a young man with aspirations of joining the police force, whose life spirals into tragedy following a critical confrontation. His performance is frequently regarded as one of the finest in Malayalam cinema, showcasing a restrained depiction of a man overwhelmed by fate and circumstance. This role earned him a Special Jury Mention at the National Film Awards and continues to serve as a benchmark for actors mastering emotional restraint.
The film’s impact has only grown over the years, inspiring remakes in various languages and remaining a topic of discussion among those considering the greatest Malayalam films ever made. Critics continue to laud its authentic writing and heartbreaking conclusion, both of which have influenced a generation of filmmakers who admire its sincerity. The restoration now offers new audiences the chance to experience the film as it was meant to be seen on the big screen.
A Festival Spotlight on India’s Cinematic Past
The revival of “Kireedam” is part of the Indian Panorama Special Package at IFFI 2025, which showcases eighteen restored classics from various Indian film industries, including Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu cinema. This year’s program holds particular significance as it commemorates 125 years of V. Shantaram and pays centenary tributes to iconic figures such as Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, Bhupen Hazarika, P. Bhanumati, Salil Choudhury, and K. Vaikunt.
Festival-goers will observe a growing emphasis on film preservation in India. The restored selections at IFFI reflect a broader initiative by the National Film Heritage Mission to safeguard and revive cinematic treasures that risk being lost to time. Each restoration bridges the gap between the past and the present, allowing films once confined to aging prints and fading memories to thrive before new audiences.
In this context, “Kireedam” serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the significance of performance-driven storytelling and the importance of preserving cinematic art. As Mohanlal remarked, witnessing the classic return to the screen is an honor, and for audiences, it is indeed a treasured gift.
