Chiranjeevi and Sridevi's Classic ‘Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari’ returns to theaters in 3D

Chiranjeevi and Sridevi’s iconic Telugu film Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari is set to make a grand return to theaters in both 2D and 3D formats on May 9, 2025, as part of its 35th anniversary celebration. The re-release marks a special occasion for Vyjayanthi Movies, which has spent years restoring the film for this momentous occasion. “My father (producer C Ashwini Dutt) thought it would be the perfect time to re-release the film on its anniversary,” said Swapna Dutt, co-producer of Kalki 2898 AD and several other successful Telugu films.

Originally released on May 9, 1990, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari faced a turbulent start with a major cyclone hitting undivided Andhra Pradesh. However, the film gradually gained momentum, eventually becoming a blockbuster. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, the fantasy drama tells the story of Chiranjeevi as a guardian to four children, and Sridevi as the daughter of Lord Indra, who embarks on a quest to retrieve her lost ring, essential for her return to Indralok.

The resurgence of re-releases in Telugu cinema has become a significant trend in recent years, particularly after the pandemic. The goal is to reignite the joy of collective theater experiences, tapping into nostalgia while enticing a new generation of audiences. Films like Mahesh Babu’s Pokiri, SS Rajamouli’s Simhadri starring NTR Jr., and Pawan Kalyan’s Kushi have also made waves with their re-releases.

Re-releases not only allow filmmakers to reconnect with their past but also give fans an opportunity to relive their favorite films on the big screen. For younger audiences, it's a chance to experience these timeless classics in their full glory. The re-release of Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre’s Manmadhudu in 2021 is a prime example of this nostalgic charm, with audiences enthusiastically quoting Brahmanandam's memorable lines.

One of the key elements behind these re-releases is the meticulous restoration process. For Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, a good quality print was hard to find, as many old prints were either lost or damaged. However, after years of searching, the production house found a usable print in 2021 from a theater in Vijayawada. Prasad Laboratories took charge of restoring the film, which involved cleaning, digitizing, and converting the movie to 4K format for theatrical release. For the 3D version, Prime Focus led the conversion, a challenging task since the film was not originally shot in 3D.

Tickets for the re-release have been selling fast, especially among those who grew up watching the film. Swapna Dutt is hopeful that a younger generation will also appreciate the film. “I’m excited to introduce it to my five-year-old daughter. While these classics are available on digital platforms, there’s something special about watching them together in a theater," she shared.

Vyjayanthi Movies had previously re-released Indra, starring Chiranjeevi and Sonali Bendre, to a fantastic reception. With the re-release of Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, fans can now relive the magic of this cherished classic in a new format, bringing a sense of joy, nostalgia, and cinematic wonder back to the big screen.