Is Mammootty the villain in Kalamkaval? What’s the film’s connection to Cyanide Mohan? Megastar answers burning questions

Only in SCREEN | The actor who aspired to become Marlon Brando but ended up being Mammootty instead: An exploration of the Malayalam megastar’s grey roles

Mammootty decodes Kalamkaval’s meaning

Ever since the movie’s announcement, many have been wondering what the term Kalamkaval means. During the conversation, Santhi and Mammootty decoded it, revealing its connection to a ritualistic performing art popular in southern Kerala. When asked if it was linked to the battle between Goddess Bhadrakali and the asura Darika, the megastar confirmed this and noted, “It’s a ritual organised during a festival (Kaliyoottu). On this occasion, the person dressed as Bhadrakali runs around searching for Darika. This ritual is popular in only a few temples in the southern districts of Kerala. Our movie also features a symbolic Bhadrakali in search of a Darika.”

Mammootty in Kalamkaval. (Credit: Facebook/@mammoottykampanyofficial)

Is Mammootty’s character inspired by Cyanide Mohan?

Reacting to speculations that his character is inspired by notorious serial killer Mohan Kumar alias Cyanide Mohan, Mammootty stated that there is no direct connection between the two. The actor, however, mentioned, “The character does use cyanide, yes. Though there’s no connection to Cyanide Mohan’s life, one could say that Kalamkaval is based on one such person. Many similar people have been caught over the years. Every movie is a mix of real incidents and fiction, right? So, the makers of Kalamkaval may have also been inspired by certain real-life incidents.”

Considering that Mammootty has been leading by example in choosing challenging roles, thus consistently pushing his boundaries as an actor and inspiring both his contemporaries and successors to shed their inhibitions, Santhi also asked him how he cultivated such levels of bravery that has helped him swim against the tide. Mentioning that one won’t land remarkable and unconventional roles without showing courage, the megastar maintained that his primary aim has always been to satisfy the actor within him.

Kalamkaval trailer and release date

“I don’t think I do them out of courage alone, but desire. I don’t want to ignore the actor in me. I want to ensure he earns a position and is properly fed. I want to satisfy him. It’s the actor in me that I give the most importance to. The rest (superstardom) came afterwards. Though I don’t have any disrespect to any of that, my ultimate preference is the actor in me,” he added.

Also starring Vinayakan in a key role, Kalamkaval is directed by debutant Jithin K Jose. Bankrolled by Mammootty Kampany, its story and screenplay have been crafted by director Jithin along with Jishnu Sreekumar. The movie features cinematography by Faisal Ali, music by Mujeeb Majeed, editing by Praveen Prabhakar, and production design by Shajie Naduvil. Kalamkaval will hit the screens on Friday, December 5.