Chennai, Nov 26 (NationPress) Renowned Malayalam actor Mohanlal has shared his excitement about the National Film Archive of India (NFDC) successfully restoring his beloved classic film 'Kireedam' from a 35mm release print. He expressed that witnessing this iconic film's return to the screen is indeed an honour.

In a post on his X timeline, he announced that the world premiere of the restored 4K version of 'Kireedam' will be showcased during the Special Screenings at the International Film Festival of India, taking place in Goa. The final grading of this restoration was overseen by the film’s cinematographer, S Kumar.

Mohanlal stated, "I am thrilled to announce the world premiere of the 4K restoration of Kireedam (1989), featured as part of the Special Screenings at the 56th IFFI, Goa. This film has been meticulously restored by NFDC – National Film Archive of India from a 35mm release print, which has been preserved by the archive for many years after the original camera negative had deteriorated. It is an honour to see this classic back on the screen."

He further mentioned, "It’s uplifting to witness 'Kireedam' revived under the National Film Heritage Mission. I extend my best wishes to NFDC–NFAI as they continue their vital work in preserving and showcasing India’s cinematic heritage for future generations in both digital and analog formats."

For those unfamiliar, director Sibi Malayil’s Malayalam film 'Kireedam', released in 1989, starred Mohanlal, Thilakan, Parvathy Jayaram, and Mohanraj in key roles. This film is celebrated as a cult classic and earned Mohanlal his first National Award. The National Award (Special Mention) recognized Mohanlal for brilliantly portraying the struggles and emotional depth of a young man. The film not only achieved significant commercial success at the box office but also received critical acclaim, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic films in Malayalam cinema.