Now in its second week, the makers released a poster saying that the movie is being screened in 200 theatres worldwide.
Published Aug 02, 2024 | 12:36 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 02, 2024 | 12:36 PM
Team 'Devadoothan'. (Facebook)
The remastered version of Mohanlal’s Devadoothan (2000) has turned out to be a super hit. The re-release is doing exceptionally well at the Kerala box office and has even entered its second week of theatrical run. And guess what? It is being screened in more cinema halls now.
Devadoothan was initially re-released on 26 July in 56 theatres. However, after two days, the number of screens rose to 100. Now in its second week, the makers released a poster saying that the Malayalam movie is being screened in 200 centres worldwide.
Devadoothan is expected to rule theatres this week too, as three new Malayalam films—Adios Amigo, Footage, and Chithini—have been postponed due to Wayanad landslides. Movie halls that initially charted these new films are now screening the re-release.
The film is minting money for its makers this time, unlike in 2000. It reportedly collected ₹50 lakh on the opening day; ₹30 lakh from the Kerala box office and the rest from India and overseas.
The Mohanlal-starrer was a huge disappointment upon its release for Christmas in 2000. However, Vidya Sagar’s soulful music ruled the chartbusters for several years and continues to be the favourite for many.
In an interview, director Sibi Malayil recounted that he went into depression after the film missed the mark in 2000. Indeed, the failure pushed its producer Siyad Koker into a financial crisis.
Nevertheless, Devadoothan earned a cult status over the years. Hence, the makers re-released it after 24 long years by remastering the film using the modern 4K Dolby Atmos technology.
Devadoothan remains a favourite for many film buffs in Malayalam. Vidya Sagar’s inspiring music and haunting background score are one of the major reasons for its popularity.
Sibi Malayil shifted to a new genre with this Mohanlal-starrer, which the elements of horror. Otherwise, the director is known for making films with hard-hitting stories.
Devadoothan had a runtime of 2 hours and 46 mins. However, the re-release version has been trimmed by 30 minutes to 2 hours 12 minutes. The remastered version no longer has the comedy track involving Jagathy Sreekumar.
Sibi Malayil said he trimmed the film after considering the audience’s feedback. He clarified that the scenes involving Mohanlal’s fight sequences were added only to add to the actor’s stardom and to appease his fans.
After watching the re-release, Mohanlal took to social media, saying, “Revisited this film after 24 years. It feels as if Devadoothan’s blessing touches every frame, adding extraordinary charm. Congratulations to the entire team.”
At the trailer launch event, Mohanlal said Devadoothan was one of the films that remains close to his heart. He observed that it could not do well because people might not have understood its pace when it was released in 2000.
Devadoothan was written by Raghunath Paleri and the cinematography was handled by Santosh Thundiyil.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
