Mohanlal Celebrates The Grand Comeback of Kireedam in 4K at IFFI 2025_我的网站
A | Mohanlal has never hidden his affection for Kireedam, the 1989 drama that shaped his career and left a mark on Malayalam cinema. Now, more than three decades later, the film is back in the spotlight with a world premiere of its 4K restoration at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa. The actor shared his excitement on social media, calling the moment an honour and a deeply emotional milestone.A Legendary Film Finds New LightHe revealed that the film was restored from a 35mm release print preserved by the National Film Archive of India. The original camera negative had deteriorated over time, which makes the survival of this print all the more important. Mohanlal thanked the NFDC and NFAI team and highlighted how gratifying it is to see the film revived under the National Film Heritage Mission. He also noted that cinematographer S Kumar personally supervised the final grading, ensuring the restored version stays true to the film's visual soul.For fans who grew up watching Kireedam on VHS tapes and scratchy television reruns, the idea of seeing its emotional churn in crisp 4K is nothing short of 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 PowerDirected by Sibi Malayil and written by A K Lohithadas, Kireedam is remembered not for spectacle but for its simple and devastating human core. Mohanlal plays Sethumadhavan, a young man who dreams of joining the police force, only to watch his life twist into tragedy after one fateful confrontation. His performance is often cited as one of the finest in Malayalam cinema, a controlled portrayal of a man crushed by fate and circumstance. The role earned him a Special Jury Mention at the National Film Awards and remains a reference point for actors studying restrained emotional craft.The film’s influence grew with time. It inspired remakes in several languages and continues to be discussed in conversations about the best Malayalam films ever made. Critics still praise its grounded writing and its heartbreaking final stretch, both of which shaped a generation of filmmakers who admired its honesty. The restoration now gives new audiences a chance to experience the film the way it was meant to be seen on the big screen.Also Read: 36 Years of Kireedam: Why This Mohanlal Film Still MattersA Festival Spotlight on India’s Cinematic PastThe return of Kireedam is part of the Indian Panorama Special Package at IFFI 2025, which features eighteen restored classics. These restorations cut across Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu cinema and honour the legacy of some of the country’s greatest storytellers. This year's programme carries even deeper meaning as it celebrates one hundred and twenty five years of V Shantaram and marks centenary tributes to legendary names such as Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, Bhupen Hazarika, P Bhanumati, Salil Choudhury, and K Vaikunt.Film enthusiasts attending the festival will notice the growing emphasis on film preservation in India. The restored lineup at IFFI reflects the larger push by the National Film Heritage Mission to protect and revive classics that risk being lost to time. With each restoration, the gap between past and present narrows. Films once limited to aging prints and memories now have a chance to thrive before a new generation.In this context, Kireedam stands as both a tribute and a reminder. It celebrates the power of performance-driven storytelling and underlines why preserving cinema matters. As Mohanlal said, watching the classic return to the screen is an honour. For audiences, it is a gift.Also Read: Fan Calls Rashmika Mandanna ‘Bhabhi’; This Is How She Reacts。
