‘Sibi gave me 2 out of 100 for acting, but later gifted 2 National Awards’: Mohanlal | WATCH
Kochi: Thirty-seven years after its theatrical release, Sibi Malayil's cult-classic ‘Kireedam’ remains an irreplaceable marvel in Malayalam cinema. Speaking at the grand trailer launch of the film’s upcoming 4K Dolby Atmos re-release, complete with state-of-the-art visual enhancements, Mohanlal reflected on his 50-year journey in cinema and shared a humorous yet touching anecdote about his long-standing bond with director Sibi Malayil.
"It has been 50 years since I entered cinema. After ‘Thiranottam’, I went for the audition of ‘Manjil Virinja Pookal’ on its very last day," Mohanlal shared, looking back at his humble beginnings. "The directors and creators Fazil, Jijo and Sibi Malayil were all sitting there. They gave me a scene to perform and scored my acting out of 100. Sibi was the one who graciously helped me out by awarding me the highest score from his end—just 2 out of 100 marks!"
"But looking back," the superstar added with deep gratitude, "the very same man later gifted me two National Film Awards. My first ever National Award recognition (Special Mention) came through his film ‘Kireedam’, which also won me the State Award that year. Following that, we achieved greatness together again with ‘Bharatham’. Thank you, Sibi. I was fortunate enough to do many beautiful films with him."
Kireedam 4K: A cinematic masterpiece set for a July re-release
Produced originally under the banner of Krupa Films by N Krishnakumar (Kireedam Unni) and Dinesh Panicker, ‘Kireedam’ (1989) is heading back to the silver screen this July 2026. Presented by Seven Arts International Limited in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the movie is being distributed across India by Hycinth Global Ventures.
The extensive 4K remastering by Hi Studios, restoration by Prasad Corp, and Dolby Atmos audio mixing by Hari Narayanan promise to give modern viewers an immersive cinematic experience. Ace editor Don Max has crafted the sharp cuts for the newly launched 4K trailer.
Nostalgia and legacy of Sethumadhavan
During the event, Mohanlal highlighted how deeply intertwined the film's success is with the brilliant writing of the late Lohithadas and the evocative music of Kaithapram and Johnson Master.
"Watching the trailer brought back a flood of memories," Mohanlal expressed. "There isn't a single Malayali who hasn't felt their heart ache listening to ‘Kanneepoovinte Kavilil Thaloodi...’ The emotional depth of the scenes, particularly Sethumadhavan’s heartbreaking bond with his mother, still moves audiences to tears." He noted that the ultimate testament to the movie's cultural footprint is that the bridge where the iconic climax was shot is now officially recognised as the ‘Kireedam Palam' (Kireedam Bridge).
The upcoming theatrical run offers fans a bitter-sweet opportunity to witness legendary late actors together on the big screen once more. The masterclass performances of Thilakan, Mamukkoya, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Murali, Cochin Haneefa, Thikkurissy, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Philomina, Sreenath, Mohanraj (Keerikkadan Jose), Kundara Johny and Kanakalatha will hit the screens alongside iconic turns from Jagathy Sreekumar, Jagadish, Parvathy and Maniyanpilla Raju.