In a surprising turn of events, the 2000 Mohanlal-Jaya Prada film “Devadoothan” is gaining newfound appreciation as a cult classic post-COVID. Despite its initial failure to make a mark at the box office, the film’s soundtrack, composed by Vidyasagar, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences, particularly tracks like “Poove Poove Palappoove” and “Karale Nin Kaipidich.” Director Sibi Malayil reflects on the film’s journey, stating, “The film was not well received during its initial release, but today’s audiences are talking about how the film was ahead of its time.”
With growing demand from fans for a re-release, Malayil reveals that the remastered version of “Devadoothan” will undergo significant changes. “We have edited out some parts that are not relevant to the film now,” he explains. “There were some commercial elements that were added in back then because they were the demand of those times, but now, we have removed them all, keeping a stronger focus on storytelling.”
The director further shares insights into the re-editing process, mentioning a reduction in the runtime by 25 minutes. Despite these alterations, Malayil assures that the essence of the film remains intact. “The idea of watching an old film that they have only seen on smaller screens with improved quality in theaters is what draws people to re-releases,” he adds.
In addition to the remastered version, plans for a special event featuring the cast and crew, including Mohanlal and Jaya Pradha, are underway. Interestingly, it’s revealed that actor Madhavan was initially considered for a role in “Devadoothan,” but due to prior commitments, he had to decline in favor of starring in Mani Ratnam’s “Alaipayuthe.”
As anticipation builds for the re-release of “Devadoothan,” it seems that this once-overlooked gem is poised to reclaim its rightful place in cinema history.