'Kireedam' 4K restoration world premieres at IFFI: Mohanlal says, ' It is an honour'

‘Kathi thaazhe ideda’ (Put the knife down). Who can ever forget this iconic dialogue from Kireedam and the emotional climax of the Mohanlal–Thilakan starrer?

At the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa, the 4K-restored version of the Malayalam classic 'Kireedam' was screened.





The film which was originally released in 1989, returned to the screen in stunning clarity thanks to a painstaking restoration by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the banner of the National Film Heritage Mission. The event was part of the festival’s Special Screenings section, bringing together old-school cine-lovers and new-age audiences alike.

Mohanlal expresses heartfelt gratitude

Veteran actor Mohanlal who delivered one of his career-defining performances in 'Kireedam',shared his emotions on social media. He tweeted, “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 the archive for several decades after the original camera negative had decomposed. The final grading was supervised by the film’s cinematographer, S. Kumar. It is an honour to witness this classic return to the screen.”

The 'Drishyam' actor added, “My best wishes to NFDC–NFAI as they continue preserving and presenting India’s cinematic heritage for future generations, in both digital and analog form.”

Restoration brings the classic back to life

The restoration was executed with precision: the team worked from a 35 mm release print which was preserved carefully over decades, since the original camera negative had decomposed.

A cinematic legacy revived for new generations

Directed by Sibi Malayil and written by AK Lohithadas, Kireedam revolves around the tragic journey of Sethumadhavan who is a young man whose aspirations of joining the police force are shattered by fate. Mohanlal’s performance in the role earned him a Special Jury Mention at the National Awards. The movie also had a second part titled 'Chenkol'.

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