More than three decades after it first touched the hearts of audiences, Kireedam is preparing to return to theatres in a beautifully restored 4K Dolby Atmos version. For Malayalam cinema lovers, this is more than a re-release—it’s an opportunity to revisit one of the finest films ever made.
Editor’s Note:
The following is a guest article contributed by a KeralaTV reader Jaggi Murali . The thoughts and reflections expressed are those of the writer.
Even after all these years, Kireedam continues to resonate with audiences through its emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and timeless storytelling. Few films have remained as relevant and emotionally powerful across generations.
Yet, this re-release also reminds us of another reality.
Many of the remarkable artists who made Kireedam an enduring masterpiece are no longer with us.
Veteran performers including Sankaradi, Philomina, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Mammukoya, Thilakan, Murali, Cochin Haneefa, Mohan Raj (Keerikkadan Jose), Johnny, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair created a world that still feels real to audiences today. Equally irreplaceable are screenwriter A. K. Lohithadas, whose powerful writing became the soul of the film, and composer Johnson Master, whose unforgettable music continues to evoke deep emotions.
Watching Mohanlal stand on stage during the re-release event was a poignant moment. He was not only celebrating one of the defining films of his career but also remembering the many collaborators who helped create its magic.
Kireedam is remembered not only for Mohanlal’s extraordinary performance as Sethumadhavan, but also for Thilakan’s unforgettable Achuthan Nair, Cochin Haneefa’s memorable Hyderose, Mohan Raj’s iconic Keerikkadan Jose, and every actor and technician who brought authenticity and life to the film.
When the restored version reaches theatres, these beloved characters will once again live on the big screen. But as audiences leave the cinema, they may also carry a quiet sense of nostalgia, remembering the extraordinary artists who defined a golden era of Malayalam cinema.
For many viewers, this re-release is not just about reliving a classic—it is about reconnecting with memories, people, and emotions that have stood the test of time. Cinema has a unique way of preserving lives long after the artists themselves are gone.
Kireedam is returning in stunning 4K Dolby Atmos. Sadly, many of the people who gave the film its soul cannot return with it. Their performances, music, writing, and legacy, however, continue to live on—making this re-release both a celebration and a heartfelt tribute.
