From "Twenty:20" To "Devaasuram": Here Are The 7 Evergreen Mohanlal Films Set For Big-Screen Re-Release

The wave of nostalgia is about to flood Malayalam cinema screens, as a string of Mohanlal’s evergreen blockbusters are gearing up for an epic re-release rollout, kicking off with the much-loved Twenty:20. 

Somadathan Pillai, the owner of Matinee Now, told Cue Studio about a grand re-release campaign of seven iconic Mohanlal blockbusters. This cinematic celebration will begin with the re-release this August and will continue well into 2026, covering some of the most revered titles from Mohanlal’s extraordinary filmography.

Also, read| “Happy Birthday Appu”: Mohanlal’s Rare Post For Son Pranav Melts Hearts Online

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the successful re-release of Chotta Mumbai on June 7, 2025, which witnessed packed houses and roaring fanfare across Kerala theatres. Riding on that momentum, Pillai revealed the full calendar of upcoming releases during a press briefing, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime cinematic tribute to Mohanlal’s legacy.

1. Twenty:20 (2008) – Re-Releasing August 2025

Directed by Joshiy and written by the Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas duo, Twenty:20 is a landmark in Malayalam cinema. Produced by Dileep under Graand Production as a fundraiser for AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists), the film featured an unprecedented ensemble cast, including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, Dileep, and nearly every major Malayalam actor of that era.

Also Read | 2025 Belongs To Mohanlal: Two Films, Rs 500 Crore, One Comeback King

All artists worked without pay to support struggling actors, making it a rare and noble cinematic event. With a gripping action thriller plot and music by Berny–Ignatius and Suresh Peters, Twenty:20 collected ₹5.72 crore in just its first two weeks. Now, this cultural phenomenon returns to theatres in August 2025, kicking off the re-release celebration.

2. Ravanaprabhu (2001) – Re-Releasing Onam 2025

The emotional and action-packed sequel to Devaasuram, Ravanaprabhu marked Ranjith’s directorial debut and gave Mohanlal a double role, playing both Mangalassery Neelakandan and his son Karthikeyan.

This film further explored the legacy of a powerful feudal family and its intense rivalry with Mundackal Shekharan, played by Napoleon. The film also starred Vasundhara Das, Siddique, Innocent, and Vijayaraghavan. It was a massive Onam blockbuster in 2001, winning the Kerala State Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value. With a memorable score by Suresh Peters and background music by C. Rajamani, Ravanaprabhu returns during Onam 2025.

3. Kaalapani (1996) – Re-Releasing End of 2025

A grand historical drama set against the harsh realities of the British Raj, Kaalapani is directed by Priyadarshan and written by T. Damodaran. Starring Mohanlal as a freedom fighter imprisoned in the infamous Andaman Cellular Jail, the film features an international cast including Tabu, Amrish Puri, Prabhu, and Annu Kapoor.

Produced by Mohanlal (Pranavam Arts) and R. Mohan (Shogun Films), this epic film was the most expensive Malayalam movie at its time, with a ₹2.5 crore budget. The cinematography by Santosh Sivan and music by Ilaiyaraaja elevated it to classic status. Originally released in 450 theatres worldwide, the largest release for any Indian film at that time, Kaalapani won four National Awards and seven Kerala State Awards. It will return to screens in late 2025, rekindling the patriotic flame.

4. Thenmavin Kombath (1994) – Releasing Early 2026

A breezy, colourful romantic comedy set in the lush countryside, Thenmavin Kombath was written and directed by Priyadarshan, with Mohanlal and Shobana in the lead.

The film, which also features Nedumudi Venu and Sreenivasan, is remembered for its vibrant visuals by K. V. Anand and its heartwarming music by Berny–Ignatius. It became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 1994 and went on to win two National Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design, along with five Kerala State Awards.

Thenmavin Kombath was later remade in Tamil (Muthu), Hindi (Saat Rang Ke Sapne), and Kannada (Sahukara), and even inspired plot elements in Chennai Express. It returns to theatres in early 2026.

5. Hallo (2007) – Releasing Mid 2026

A black comedy-thriller directed by the Rafi–Mecartin duo, Hallo showcases Mohanlal’s impeccable comic timing paired with thrilling suspense.

Co-starring Parvathy Melton in her Malayalam debut, along with Jagathy Sreekumar and Siddique, the film was a commercial hit and garnered positive reviews for its pace, humour, and performances.

The storyline, inspired in part by the Hollywood film Cellular, involves a quirky yet emotionally layered narrative. With music by Alex Paul, Hallo is slated for a mid-2026 re-release.

6. Guru (1997) – Releasing Late 2026

Guru is a rare philosophical fantasy drama directed by Rajiv Anchal and written by C. G. Rajendra Babu, featuring Mohanlal in one of his most introspective and spiritually challenging roles.

The film explores themes of illusion, belief systems, and perception through a surreal storyline. It holds the distinction of being India’s official entry to the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film, the first time a Malayalam film received this honour.

Ilaiyaraaja composed the haunting score, performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, the first instance of a complete Indian film score recorded abroad. With its rich visuals and meditative tone, Guru will return in late 2026.

7. Devaasuram (1993) – Releasing End of 2026

The film that started it all. Directed by I. V. Sasi and written by Ranjith, Devaasuram gave Malayalam cinema one of its most iconic characters—Mangalassery Neelakandan, played with fire and nuance by Mohanlal.

The story of two feuding feudal lords, Neelakandan and Mundackal Shekharan (Napoleon), is grounded in real-life events and remains a benchmark for intense character-driven drama.

With music by M. G. Radhakrishnan and a powerful background score by S. P. Venkatesh, the film’s legacy lives on to this day. It was shot at the majestic Varikkasseri Mana, now a pilgrimage spot for fans. As the final re-release of the campaign, Devaasuram will grace theatres at the end of 2026.