In a political climate shaped by optics and messaging, it’s rare to see Kerala’s most celebrated film icon step into the role of interviewer rather than interviewee. That’s exactly what unfolded when Mohanlal sat down with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Cliff House, the CM’s official residence.
A teaser of the conversation is scheduled for release Tuesday evening across social media and television platforms, with the full interview set to air later on major channels.
For decades, Mohanlal — a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award — has fielded searching questions about his films, fame and public life. This time, however, he took the lead, posing the questions himself.
Sources indicate the actor spent two days in Thiruvananthapuram for the project. The first was dedicated to outlining discussion themes, followed by the formal interview on the second day. The wide-ranging conversation reportedly explores Vijayan’s personal background, political journey and the performance of his government.
The optics are striking. A Phalke laureate interviewing a sitting chief minister on the cusp of an election season is certain to spark political interpretations. Opposition parties have already accused the government of intensifying its public relations outreach as Kerala approaches the polls. The involvement of one of the state’s most influential cultural figures is likely to deepen that debate.
The format is not entirely new territory. Mohanlal previously conducted a similar interview with former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Images of Mohanlal and Vijayan together at Cliff House have quickly gone viral, heightening public curiosity about the exchange. Whether the interview shifts political narratives or remains a headline-grabbing media event, it has already achieved one outcome: when the superstar asks the questions, Kerala pays attention.
Interestingly, around this time last year, Mohanlal found himself on the other side of the conversation, interviewed by Kerala’s Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian during a cultural programme in Chengannur.
