The classic Malayalam blockbuster ‘Saamrajyam’, directed by Jomon and starring megastar Mammootty, is gearing up for a high-profile re-release in 4K Dolby Atmos later this year. However, the excitement surrounding the re-release is being overshadowed by widespread criticism and trolling of the film’s recently unveiled teaser. Fans and cinema enthusiasts took to social media to express disappointment, claiming the teaser’s picture quality falls well short of the promised 4K standard, sparking intense debates online.
Produced by Ajmal Hassan under Arifa Productions and distributed by Arifa Release, ‘Saamrajyam’ was originally released in 1990 and is remembered for its extravagant production, stylish visuals, and Mammootty’s compelling portrayal of a suave, larger-than-life hero. The film made waves in Kerala and neighboring states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, running for over 100 to 200 days in various theaters. It became notable for its use of slow-motion shots and high-end cars like Benz, which added a glossy appeal uncommon in that era of Malayalam cinema.
The newly released teaser, however, has failed to impress audiences. Viewers pointed out that the supposed 4K remastered print looked no better than a standard 720p resolution, with several sarcastic comments flooding social media platforms. Some comments read, “This print is okay for mobile,” and “Did Maheshettan from Bhavana Studios convert it to 4K?” Fans recalled similar criticism when Mammootty’s earlier hit, ‘Avanazhi’, underwent a re-release, raising concerns about the quality and authenticity of remastered versions.
The backlash raises questions about the remastering process used for the re-release, particularly since ‘Saamrajyam’ was considered one of the highest-budgeted Malayalam films of its time, with production costs reportedly between Rs. 75 lakh to Rs. 1 crore. The original film’s technical achievements were widely appreciated for their time, which makes the teaser’s poor presentation all the more perplexing.
Arifa Release has not yet responded officially to the criticism, but industry experts suggest that such re-releases need to maintain high restoration standards, especially when marketed as “4K Dolby Atmos.” With a large fan following eagerly awaiting the full release, expectations remain high that the final version will live up to the legendary status of ‘Saamrajyam.’
