Sethumadhavan returns: Mohanlal's 'Kireedam' re-releases in 4K and Dolby Atmos on July 10

One of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated classics, Kireedam, is set to return to theatres on July 10 with a visually and sonically enhanced presentation. The iconic film from the acclaimed trio of Mohanlal, Lohithadas, and Sibi Malayil will be re-released in 4K resolution with Dolby Atmos sound, giving audiences the chance to experience Sethumadhavan—widely regarded as one of Mohanlal's greatest performances—in a new audio-visual format.

Written by Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil, Kireedam was originally released in 1989. Now, 37 years later, the film is making its theatrical comeback after undergoing an extensive restoration and remastering process. The re-release is presented by Seven Arts International Limited in association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The film was originally produced by N. Krishnakumar (Kireedam Unni) and Dinesh Panicker under the banner of Krupa Films.

A landmark in Malayalam cinema, Kireedam is remembered for its deeply moving portrayal of human vulnerability and shattered dreams. Through the creative collaboration of master storyteller Lohithadas and master filmmaker Sibi Malayil, the film tells the tragic story of Sethumadhavan, a young man whose aspirations are destroyed by circumstances, forcing him onto the path of violence and crime. The poignant father-son relationship between Sethumadhavan and Achuthan Nair, brought to life by Mohanlal and Thilakan, remains one of the most emotionally powerful portrayals in Indian cinema.

The film also features an ensemble cast including Mamukoya, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Parvathy, Murali, Cochin Haneefa, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Mohanraj, Jagathy Sreekumar, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Jagadish. The re-release will be distributed in theatres by Hycin Global Ventures.

The original film featured cinematography by S. Kumar, editing by L. Bhoominathan, music by the late Johnson, and lyrics by Kaithapram. The restored version includes Dolby Atmos mixing by Hari Narayanan, restoration by Prasad Corp, 4K remastering by High Studios, trailer editing by Don Max, with marketing and distribution handled by Hycin Global Ventures. Other key contributors include makeup artist Velappan, art director C.K. Suresh, production controller K.R. Shanmugham, costume designer Nagaraj, colourist Ranga, coordinator Vijayalakshmi Mohandas, creative visionary head Boni Asanar, designer Arjun, still photographer Sukumaran, and PRO P. Shivaprasad.