Re-releases of classic films are gaining popularity among fans just like new releases. Movies starring Mohanlal, Mammootty, Rajinikanth, Vijay and Suriya are now returning to the big screen with the help of modern technology. Among Tamil cinema's most successful re-releases, Vijay’s films have often stood out. Now, the blockbuster film ‘Friends’, starring the duo Vijay and Suriya, is all set for a re-release.

Jaguar Studios’ B Vinod Jain is bringing ‘Friends’ back to theatres on its 24th anniversary with a fully restored 4K picture and enhanced sound quality. The film will be screened for audiences starting November 21.

Originally a huge hit in Malayalam cinema, ‘Friends’ was directed by Siddique and released in 1999. The movie starred Mukesh, Jayaram, Sreenivasan, Meena and Divya Unni in lead roles. Siddique himself remade the film in Tamil in 2001, casting Vijay, Suriya and Ramesh Khanna in pivotal roles.

The Tamil version was a blockbuster, marking a turning point in the careers of both Suriya and Vijay. The film was produced by Swargachitra Appachan. It also featured actors such as Devayani, Vijayalakshmi, Abhinayashree, Vadivelu, Sriman, Charlie, Rajeev, Radha Ravi, Santhan Bharathi, Madan Bob, Saritha, Sathya Priya and S N Lakshmi in major roles.

High Studios, known for their excellent remastering work on films like ‘Devadoothan’ and ‘Chotta Mumbai’, are handling the 4K restoration for ‘Friends’. The film’s blend of action and comedy, coupled with its popular music composed by Ilaiyaraaja to Palani Bharathi’s lyrics, has made it a timeless favourite. The cinematography was by Anandkuttan, with editing by T R Sekhar and K R Gowrishankar, dialogues by Gokul Krishnan, art by Mani Suchitra, action direction by Kanal Kannan, and a host of other talented crew members contributing to the production.