Vinayakan calls his ‘Kalamkaval’ role a gift from Mammootty
Vinayakan explained that Mammootty himself had suggested his name for the role, something he considers a rare stroke of luck.
Vinayakan explained that Mammootty himself had suggested his name for the role, something he considers a rare stroke of luck.
Vinayakan explained that Mammootty himself had suggested his name for the role, something he considers a rare stroke of luck.
Actor Vinayakan says his role in ‘Kalamkaval’ is nothing short of a gift from Mammootty. Calling it one of the biggest blessings of his career, he described the character as subtle and grounded, not loud or exaggerated in any way. The actor opened up about his experience in an interview shared on the Mammootty Kampany YouTube channel. The crime-investigation drama ‘Kalamkaval’ is directed by Jithin K. Jose.
Vinayakan explained that Mammootty himself had suggested his name for the role, something he considers a rare stroke of luck. He said it was an honour to act opposite Mammootty in a film of this scale and noted that working with him was far easier than people assume. According to Vinayakan, Mammootty’s experience and clarity made the process smooth, and he personally guided Vinayakan through dialogue delivery and performance detailing. Vinayakan had already been exploring the body language of his character, but the finer nuances of his dialogues, he said, came together once Mammootty arrived on set. He credited Mammootty’s vast experience for shaping those moments, stating that the senior actor’s suggestions on how much to say, what to emphasise and where to hold back were invaluable.
When asked whether he plays a hero or a villain in ‘Kalamkaval’, Vinayakan clarified that both his character and Mammootty’s share similar layers. He said that while each character has its own truth, his own role belongs to the system, whereas the other character represents an extreme version of a different kind of freedom. His response hinted that the film holds more complexity and suspense than what appears on the surface.
Vinayakan also addressed why he tends to disappear from public spaces between films. He said his priority is always the craft and business of cinema. Interacting with people, processing everything around him or speaking on public platforms does not come naturally to him, and personal challenges make such appearances difficult. To avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary problems, he chooses to stay away from public events. He added that it is not a lack of interest but an inability to navigate those situations comfortably.
The actor shared that he often spends time in Goa during breaks. The anonymity there allows him to ride his scooter, move around freely and enjoy a calmer atmosphere. While a few may recognise him, the people there maintain a respectful distance, which he appreciates. He contrasted this with Kerala, where he feels caught between expectations and scrutiny. Vinayakan said he values privacy deeply and hopes to maintain that personal space while continuing to focus on meaningful work in cinema.