Director Lijo Jose Pellissery’s first feature, Nayakan, is all set for a theatrical comeback. After reports of the film’s restoration surfaced earlier, actor Indrajith Sukumaran has now confirmed that the film will return to cinemas worldwide on September 4. Sharing a new poster on Wednesday, the actor revealed that the re-release will feature a 4K restored print with Dolby Atmos sound, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit the film in a significantly enhanced format.
A second innings for Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ambitious debut
Released in 2010, Nayakan marked Lijo’s directorial debut long before he emerged as one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers with films such as Amen, Angamaly Diaries, Ee.Ma.Yau., Jallikattu, Churuli and Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. Written by PS Rafeeque, the film earned praise from critics upon its original release, particularly for its visual ambition and technical craftsmanship. However, it failed to translate that appreciation into box office success.
The film also faced stiff competition at the time, arriving just a day after Thanthonni, which starred Indrajith’s brother Prithviraj Sukumaran. While many viewers admired Nayakan’s striking visual style, others felt it prioritised aesthetics over emotional depth, resulting in a mixed commercial reception.
A cult favourite ready for rediscovery
Time, however, has been kind to Nayakan. As Lijo Jose Pellissery’s stature as a filmmaker has grown over the years, audiences have revisited his debut with renewed interest. What was once considered an ambitious but flawed experiment has gradually earned cult status, with many now recognising it as an early glimpse of the director’s distinctive cinematic voice.
The film follows Varadanunni, played by Indrajith Sukumaran, a gifted Kathakali performer whose life takes a violent turn after his family is brutally murdered by a gangster. Driven by vengeance, he enters the criminal underworld, setting the stage for a stylised revenge saga that combines Kerala’s classical performing arts with larger-than-life gangster storytelling.
One of the film’s biggest talking points remains its unusual fusion of Kathakali imagery with Hollywood-inspired action sequences. The heightened narrative is matched by equally flamboyant performances from its supporting cast. Siddique delivers a memorable turn as a feared underworld don, while the late Thilakan commands attention as a powerful Mafia kingpin. The ensemble also features Jagathy Sreekumar, Vijayaraghavan, Lalu Alex, Kalashala Babu, Chemban Vinod Jose, Dhanya Mary Varghese, Sreejith Ravi, Anil Murali, Salu K George, Shivaj, Kiranraj, Tosh Christy, Vijay Menon and Ambika Mohan. Lijo Jose Pellissery himself makes a brief appearance as one of the gangsters.
Beyond its performances, Nayakan won appreciation for Manoj Paramahamsa’s stylish cinematography and Prashant Pillai’s evocative score, both of which played a major role in shaping the film’s distinctive atmosphere. Produced by Anoop Johnson Karedan, the film has since found a loyal audience through television and streaming, with many younger viewers discovering it long after its theatrical run.
The upcoming restoration offers both longtime admirers and first-time viewers the chance to experience the film the way it was originally intended. With sharper visuals, immersive Dolby Atmos sound and a growing appreciation for Lijo Jose Pellissery’s early work, Nayakan’s return to the big screen could finally give the film the reception that eluded it 16 years ago.
Also Read: Joju George Vs Lijo Jose Pellissery: The ‘Churuli’ Controversy Explained
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