Entertainment Desk
Last Updated: 21 Mar 2026, 10:35 am IST
A deleted scene from ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ featuring Mohanlal and Manju Warrier has finally been released.
Summer in Bethlehem
A long-hidden deleted sequence from the 1998 Malayalam hit ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ has been released 28 years after the film first reached cinemas. The nine-minute scene was published on YouTube through producer Ziyad Koker’s channel and has immediately sparked fresh discussion among fans.
Deleted footage surfaces after 28 years
The newly revealed material revisits a key emotional stretch of the film, showing Aami and Dennis returning home after visiting Mohanlal’s character, Niranjan, in prison. It then follows the family persuading Aami, played by Manju Warrier, to continue with her marriage.
Before Niranjan faces execution, Abhirami is seen tying the thali around Dennis’ neck at Niranjan’s request. After leaving the prison, Dennis recounts the incident to Aami’s family and even offers to remove the thali. But Jayaram’s character and others urge Ami to accept the marriage and move forward.
The deleted scene culminates with Niranjan appearing once more in a dream-like sequence, telling Ami she should live with Dennis. This material, originally intended to bridge the prison wedding and the film’s climax, was removed due to concerns over pacing and audience engagement.
Why the director cut the emotional sequence
Director Sibi Malayil has explained that the scenes were designed to provide logical continuity for the sudden prison wedding. However, producer Ziyad Koker advised removing them after early screenings, fearing audiences would lose interest once they realised Mohanlal’s character had died.
Sibi Malayil had earlier said the team feared the emotional ten-minute stretch, which included a second appearance by Mohanlal, might make viewers restless. The crew tested a version of ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ without the sequence, and despite worries about a noticeable jump cut, the tighter edit played smoothly. Later efforts to restore the footage for re-releases were unsuccessful because a clean negative could not be located.
Fans divided over the new reveal
The release of the deleted scene has led to a flurry of reactions online. Some viewers say the added material gives richer insight into Niranjan’s character, while others feel the heightened melodrama does not align with the film’s tone.
The newly released footage arrives after the film’s 4K re-release on 12 December, which returned the classic ensemble to cinemas. The cast includes Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, Kalabhavan Mani, Janardhanan, Augustine, Sukumari, Mayuri and Rasika, with Mohanlal in a pivotal extended cameo.
Written by Ranjith, ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ is remembered for its lively narrative, emotional arcs and enduring soundtrack by Vidyasagar. Songs such as “Oru Raathri Koodi” and “Ethrayo Janmamay” remain iconic and have been eagerly welcomed back in remastered form.
About ‘Summer in Bethlehem’
Directed by Sibi Malayil, the film follows Dennis (Suresh Gopi) and Ravi Shankar (Jayaram) as they try to uncover the identity of a mysterious admirer amid family gatherings in a hill-station home. Manju Warrier’s Abhirami stands at the heart of the film’s emotional core, with Mohanlal’s Niranjan adding dramatic depth in the final act.
Published: 21 Mar 2026, 10:35 am IST
Subscribe to our NewsletterGet Latest Mathrubhumi Updates in EnglishFollow
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.