The critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful film ‘Devadoothan’ is set for a grand re-release 24 years after its original debut. This remastered version of the Sibi Malayil-Mohanlal movie will hit theatres on July 26, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the return of this iconic duo.
Questions linger about whether this re-release could signal a reunion and potential new collaboration between Mohanlal and Sibi Malayil, who have previously worked together on 14 films. Their four-decade-long partnership has reportedly been strained, with Sibi Malayil mentioning that Mohanlal is no longer accessible. Sibi Malayil had approached Mohanlal for a sequel to the cult classic ‘Dasharatham,’ but the actor showed no interest. Their last film together was the 2007 psychological thriller ‘Flash,’ written by S Bhasurachandran.
The success of Sibi Malayil’s films often relied on the screenplays by A K Lohithadas, with Mohanlal playing a significant role in their success. Mohanlal’s first national award came from the family drama ‘Bharatham,’ where he portrayed a younger son who takes on household responsibilities and makes sacrifices.
Mohanlal’s performances in ‘Kireedam’ and ‘Chenkol’ are standout examples of his collaboration with Sibi Malayil, where he brought to life the character Sethumadhavan, a young man from a loving family who is ultimately defeated by circumstances. Mohanlal has credited the Lohithadas-Sibi Malayil films for much of his success in many interviews.
‘Dasharatham,’ like ‘Devadoothan,’ was initially a box office failure but later gained recognition as a cult classic. ‘Devadoothan,’ directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Raghunath Paleri, is considered one of the best horror films in Malayalam cinema. The film’s unique portrayal of a ghost, semi-horror elements, and haunting music by Vidyasagar were ahead of their time and not widely appreciated during its original release.
At a recent press conference, Sibi Malayil and Mohanlal expressed confidence in the re-release, stating that the film is poised for success. “There is a lot of anticipation for the film. It is the right time to bring it back to theatres,” they said.
