‘4 The People’ trend – Why the film is getting love in 2025 and its cult status | Malayalam Movie News
Two decades after its release, Jayaraj’s 2004 Malayalam film ‘4 The People’ is enjoying an unexpected second life in 2025. Social media timelines, particularly on X, are flooded with nostalgic posts and excited rediscoveries of the vigilante thriller that once turned heads for its audacity.
A 2004 film finding fresh relevance
The story following four college students who take the law into their own hands to fight corruption, feels eerily relevant today, as debates over governance, accountability, and youth-led activism dominate India’s political discourse. Many online users call it “ahead of its time,” pointing to how its central message mirrors current frustrations with systemic issues.
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
Style, sound, and storytelling that still feel fresh
Back in 2004, ‘4 The People’ broke the mould with its slick pacing, stylish cinematography, and high-energy soundtrack by Jassie Gift. The chartbuster “Lajjavathiye” became a cultural phenomenon, and even now, fan edits and reels featuring the song are racking up views on Instagram and YouTube. Viewers are finding that the film’s combination of social commentary and youthful swagger hasn’t aged — if anything, it feels more impactful in today’s climate. Film buffs on platforms like IMDb praise its raw energy and note how it influenced later vigilante dramas across Indian cinema.
“I believe there is an audience for a slightly more nuanced film” – Director Jayaraj
Mollywood director Jayaraj is surely one of the unique filmmakers who doesn’t love to remain in a comfort zone. From drama to horror, the ace director who made ‘Four the People’ has indeed placed his hands on every genres.In an exclusive chat with ETimes, the filmmaker said, ““I believe there is an audience for a slightly more nuanced film. Films where everything is not so obvious to you (audience), or every thought of the character is not spelled out.”Talking about his film ‘Oru Perumgaliyattam’, Jayaraj said, “‘Oru Perumgaliyattam’ also goes into that category. In this (Mollywood) industry, we feel there is also space for this kind of cinema.”
A cult revival
The film’s current wave of popularity is also thanks to accessibility. Available on Amazon Prime and YouTube, 4 The People is reaching audiences who either missed it the first time or are eager to revisit it. Regional cinema enthusiasts frequently list it alongside other iconic early-2000s films that shaped an era. This year marks the movie’s 21st anniversary, and media retrospectives — along with fan campaigns — have only intensified the buzz. From memes celebrating its dialogues to posts lauding Bharath, Arun, and Jayaraj’s vision, the film has transitioned from a hit of its time to a cultural reference point.In 2025, ‘4 The People’ isn’t just a film remembered fondly — it’s a story reinterpreted through the lens of a generation still wrestling with the same questions it asked 21 years ago.
