The Malayalam film industry and cinephiles across the nation have been abuzz with discussions about megastar Mammootty's latest cinematic venture. The focal point of this conversation is his daring portrayal of a villain in the recently released film 'Kalamkaval'. The role has not only captivated audiences but has also drawn significant attention and admiration from fellow actors in the Indian film fraternity.
Round Table Revelation: Dhruv Vikram Initiates the Praise
The topic gained prominence during a recent high-profile actors' round table discussion organized by The Hollywood Reporter India for 2025. Actor Dhruv Vikram, known for his work in Tamil cinema, steered the conversation towards Mammootty's performance. He revealed that the last movie he watched in a theatre was 'Kalamkaval', and he was profoundly impressed.
Dhruv expressed his amazement that a superstar of Mammootty's stature and legacy agreed to embody such a dark and intense character as a serial killer. He highlighted that many established actors often hesitate to take such creative risks, fearing it might affect their image. Vikram's comments underscored the rarity and bravery of Mammootty's choice, which he found personally inspiring.
Rukmini Vasanth's Playful Yet Profound Tribute
The discussion took an interesting turn when actor Ishaan Khatter posed a question to 'Kantara' fame actress Rukmini Vasanth. He asked if she now felt confident enough to take on negative roles, referring to her earlier expressed apprehensions about playing such characters during promotions for 'Kantara: A Legend – Chapter One'.
Rukmini Vasanth responded with a smile and a statement that quickly became the talk of the town. She said, "That's Mammootty sir. I am Rukmini." This playful yet profound reply was an indirect but powerful compliment to the legendary actor's unparalleled skill. She implied that the ability to breathe authentic life into a terrifying villain, as Mammootty did, is a masterclass in acting that sets him apart.
Why Mammootty's Role is a Landmark Decision
The round table participants delved deeper into why this role is considered a landmark. Kalyani Priyadarshan recalled Mammootty's longstanding belief that writers should craft characters freely without tailoring them to fit his image. This philosophy allows for more authentic and challenging roles.
Director-actor Basil Joseph added a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail. He shared that Mammootty was not initially considered for the serial killer role. In a surprising twist, it was Mammootty himself who suggested the role reversal. He proposed that he could play the negative character, while actor Vinayakan could be cast as the hero. This suggestion highlights Mammootty's commitment to the script and his lack of concern for conventional star positioning.
The consensus among the young actors was clear: Mammootty's decision to play a ruthless antagonist at this stage of his career is a masterstroke that challenges industry norms and sets a new benchmark for artistic courage.
Box Office Success and Audience Reception
While the artistic merits are being debated, the film is also achieving solid commercial success. According to reports from the Sacnilk website, 'Kalamkaval' has collected approximately Rs 34.80 crores from the Indian box office within 14 days of its release. The movie continues to maintain a decent level of occupancy in theatres, indicating sustained audience interest driven by both the star power and the compelling narrative.
The combination of critical acclaim from within the industry and strong box office numbers proves that audiences are ready to embrace stars in unconventional, grey-shaded roles. Mammootty's 'Kalamkaval' performance is not just a character in a film; it is a statement that continues to resonate and inspire conversations about artistry and risk-taking in Indian cinema.
