Dulquer Salmaan 'deserved' Kerala State Award for Kammatti Paadam, Vinayakan explains why

Kalamkaval actor Vinayakan said he is from a similar background depicted in Kammatti Paadam, so it is easier for him to embody the character than Dulquer Salmaan, who is far removed from this world.

Dulquer Salmaan, Vinayakan in Kammatti Paadam

Malayalam actor Vinayakan is gearing up for the release of Kalamkaval, which would see him in the lead role of a cop, with Mammootty set to play the anti-hero. Vinayakan has also starred alongside Mammootty’s son, actor Dulquer Salmaan, in Kammatti Paadam which went on to fetch him his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. But Vinayakan recently spoke about DQ in the film, stating that the Kaantha actor deserved to win an award for his performance in the film and explained why.

Vinayakan on Dulquer Salmaan

Kammatti Paadam is a 2016 Malayalam film, which featured Vinayakan as Gangadharan/Ganga, while Dulquer Salmaan was seen as Krishnan. The film revolves around a slum area in Kochi, Kammattippaadam, and the problems of the marginalised community living there who are forced to move out. During a recent interview with Club FM, Vinayakan said that he is from a similar background depcited in the movie, so it is easier for him to embody the character than Dulquer who is far removed from this world in real life.

“The best acting performance I have seen of Dulquer is in Kammatti Paadam. Because I live in those situations, while Dulquer's lifestyle is totally different from that of the character in the film. I really feel Dulquer should have got the award, when you think like that (perspective). Dulquer has toiled the hardest for the movie. My character and that of Balan (played by Manikandan R Achari).. We are well connected to that terrain. Dulquer comes from a completely different world, but he fully immersed himself in this film,” Vinayakan remarked. Noted director Rajeev Ravi helmed Kammatti Paadam, streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

On the other hand, the upcoming Kalamkaval will see Vinayakan facing off with Mammootty’s character. Mammootty had earlier called Vinayakan the true hero of the movie, while stating that viewers would find it difficult to like his character. Kalamkaval releases in theatres on December 5, 2025.

Also read: Kalamkaval star Mammootty says you may not like my character but makes this promise to audiences

Kalamkaval FAQs

Q. Is Dulquer in Kalamkaval?

A. Currently, there is no confirmation on whether Dulquer Salmaan will appear in Kalamkaval, starring Mammootty. But the actor had earlier said that the first collaboration between him and his father Mammootty would be in the Lokah franchise.

Q. Who is the hero of the movie Kalamkaval?

A. Mammootty had called Vinayakan, who plays a cop, as the hero of the movie Kalamkaval. The megastar will be playing a gray-shaded role.

Q. Is Mammootty a villain in Kalamkaval?

A. Mammootty is said to play a gray-shaded role in Kalamkaval. But whether he would be portrayed as a vile villain in the upcoming movie remains to be seen.

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