At Nenmara ‘chanthakavala’ in Palakkad, Sethumadhavan and Keerikkadan jose engage in a fierce brawl. Sethu walks with his head bowed across the Thathamangalam bridge, humming "Kaneerpoovinte Kavilil Thalodi"—a song that carries his sorrow. Eventually, he lands on the rowdy list of Pattambi Police Station, marking a poignant climax. But all these plans were upended at the last moment. The locations finalized in Palakkad were abandoned, and Achuthan Nair, Sethumadhavan, and others unexpectedly got "relocated" to Thiruvananthapuram. Thus, Kireedam, the superhit film, ended up being shot entirely in Thiruvananthapuram. Vellayani and Aryanad became Sethu’s homeland. The house where Achuthan Nair "relocates" to Ramapuram village was, in reality, a building near Vellayambalam Road in the city center!

‘Put the knife down..."

Kireedam was the first film jointly produced by Kireedam Unni and Dinesh Panicker. Initially, several locations in Palakkad were chosen. Jiji Thomsan, Kireedam Unni’s former Model School classmate and ex-Chief Secretary, helped secure many spots. Hotel rooms were booked. But trouble arose when they approached Thilakan for the father’s role. At the time, Thilakan was shooting for Varnam and Chanakyan in Thiruvananthapuram, with other films lined up. He bluntly refused, suggesting they cast someone else. However, neither director Sibi Malayil nor writer Lohithadas could imagine anyone else as Achuthan Nair. So they had to plead. Finally, Thilakan relented but insisted: "I won’t come to Palakkad. If you shoot in Thiruvananthapuram, I can join in between my schedules." Thus, last-minute locations like Vellayani, Kalady, and Aryankavu were finalized.

Mohanlal Initially Declined; But the Story Changed His Mind...

Back then, relatively newcomers Sibi Malayil and Lohithadas tried multiple times to narrate Kireedam’s script to Mohanlal, but he kept postponing, saying he was booked for a year. One day, hearing that Mohanlal was at his Mudavanmugal home, Unni and Dinesh Panicker took the team there. Sibi Malayil later recalled how Mohanlal initially lay lazily on the sofa, listening half-heartedly. But as Lohithadas’ narration progressed, Lal’s body language shifted—leaning forward with interest. By the time the first fight scene at the market was described, he was sitting upright. By the second half, he had moved to the edge of his seat. When the narration ended, Lal had just one question: "When do we start this film?"

First Shot: The Church Bell at Palayam

The entire film was shot in just 25 days, juggling the actors’ tight schedules. Cinematographer S. Kumar set up the first shot focusing on the massive bell of Palayam Church. The scene showed Thilakan waking from a dream of his son arriving in uniform. The original plan was to use the church bell instead of an alarm. The shot began with the bell’s clapper in close-up, then slowly tilted downward. But an assistant director superstitiously warned: "If the first shot tilts down, the film will flop!" Sibi ignored the superstition—and the film soared to become one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest hits.

Due to time constraints, location changes were minimal. Sethumadhavan’s house was cleverly doubled as Devi’s home. A house near Kalady Junction became "two houses." Achuthan Nair’s "relocated" home in Ramapuram was actually an old building near Vellayambalam—now the site of a petrol pump. To avoid traffic disruptions, wide-angle shots were avoided.

Aryankavu’s Market: Forever 'Kireedam Market'

The Aryankavu market set remains etched in memory—locals still call it Kireedam chantha. The Banyan tree at the junction stands tall, known as the Kireedeam Aal.