Mammootty: My character in Kalamkaval is not a good soul

Malayalam superstar Mammootty has just given his first major interview since his health scare, which kept him out of action for months together. He has resumed shooting activities and is now prepping for his next release, Kalamkaval, which hits theatres on December 5, 2025. The neo-noir crime film by debutant Jithin K Jose, has been widely rumoured to be based on the infamous serial killer Cyanide Mohan, with Mammootty said to be playing the man who is currently serving life imprisonment for having killed over 30 women by giving them cyanide pills.

Mammootty on the limitations as a hero and the need for variety

The team, though, has vehemently denied this inspiration, although cyanide is an integral part of the narrative, as revealed by Mammootty in a special interview for his banner, which is backing the film. At the very onset, the actor sought to set the record straight on whether or not he is the villain of the tale. When asked if he was the hero or villain, he responded saying he was neither. “You are talking to an actor, he said, adding that there are protagonist roles that do not demand heroism and antagonists who can be major characters in certain tales. “If you start categorizing them, chances are that you will miss out on good roles,” he reasons, citing the example of Brahmayugam.

“After a period of time, when you graduate to senior roles, you need to have more choice and then, you’ll get variations. As a hero, you are tied down by limitations, which is not really the case with villains. Yes, these limits are being rewritten, but not in conventional cinema. In Kalamkaval, people think I am playing the villain; I’m not. I’d say my character is not a good soul,” Mammootty explains.

Also Read: Kalamkaval trailer: Mammootty builds a sense of dread by asking, "What gives you the pleasure of killing?"

When he heard the story of Kalamkaval, the actor was given the choice to pick any of the two main roles. “The minute I heard it, I said I would be doing the ‘other side’; the other role,” he smiles. The film has 21 female characters on board, all of who have a connect to the man Mammootty plays. This, of course, begets the question if the film is based on Cyanide Mohan? “There is no connection to Cyanide Mohan, but cyanide is being used in the film. It could be a story like that, though. There are definitely inspirations from real life, but not from Cyanide Mohan,” he explains.

FAQs

Q. Who is the villain in Vinayakan film, Kalamkaval?

A. The villain in the Vinayakan movie Kalamkaval is said to be played by Mammootty.

Q. What is Mammootty suffering from?

A. Mammootty is suffering from health issues. Some reports claim he is suffering from cancer, though his team has dismissed this as rumours. Industry colleagues have confirmed that he has recovered and will return to his acting commitments soon.

Q. Has Kalamkaval's release been postponed?

A. Yes, Kalamkaval's theatrical release was postponed to December 5.