THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — As Kerala hurtles toward the 2026 Assembly Elections, a highly polished television encounter between Malayalam cinema’s “Complete Actor” Mohanlal and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a firestorm. Titled “Kandum Mindiyum… Iruvar” (Seen and Spoken… The Duo), the broadcast is being slammed by critics as a desperate image-softening exercise—a “PR Stunt” straight out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2019 playbook.
A Scripted Symphony
The interview, directed by veteran filmmaker T.K. Rajeev Kumar, lacked the spontaneity of a journalistic inquiry. From the opening frames, it was evident that the dialogue followed a rigid “driver script.” Observers noted that both the superstar and the statesman appeared to be working off a pre-approved set of cues, effectively neutralizing any hard-hitting political scrutiny.
The Shadow of 2019: Modi vs. Akshay Kumar
The parallels to the infamous 2019 interview between PM Narendra Modi and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar are impossible to ignore. Much like that encounter at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the Vijayan-Mohanlal sit-down at Cliff House traded policy for personality.
| Modi/Akshay (2019) | Vijayan/Mohanlal (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Informal, Official Residence | Informal, Cliff House |
| Vibe | “Non-Political” Relaxation | Personal Anecdotes & Memories |
| Viral Hook | “Do you eat mangoes?” | “I love Rajinikanth & Action films” |
| Goal | Softening a “Strongman” Image | Softening a “Harsh” Image |
While Modi spoke of his tea-selling days and his lack of anger, Vijayan delved into his rural upbringing, his mother’s passing, and his love for classics like Anna Karenina and Thakazhi’s Kayar. In a moment that mirrored the “mango” question, Vijayan’s admission of being a Rajinikanth fan has already become fodder for social media memes.
Softening the “Iron Fist”
The timing of this media blitz is critical. Following the LDF’s disastrous showing in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections—where they were reduced to a single seat—internal party reports pointed to Vijayan’s “arrogance” and “unapproachability” as primary causes for the defeat.
The Chief Minister, often criticized for his abrasive body language in the Assembly and his public spats with the Governor, is clearly attempting to pivot. Addressing his “tough guy” persona, Vijayan told Mohanlal that media labels do not affect him and that he “only fears the Party.”
Opposition Fire: “Mundu-Uduppa Modi”
The Opposition has been quick to pounce, labeling the Chief Minister “Mundu-Uduppa Modi” (Modi in a Dhoti). They argue that while Modi’s interview was distributed via ANI as campaign material, Vijayan’s sit-down was produced by the Information & Public Relations Department (I&PRD) using taxpayer money.
”This is a blatant use of government funds to fix a damaged political ego,” claimed an Opposition spokesperson. “It’s a cinematic attempt to hide a decade of authoritarianism behind a superstar’s smile.”
The Rise of “Infotainment” Politics
Critics argue that such interviews mark a decline in serious journalism, turning politics into high-production entertainment. By using a beloved icon like Mohanlal—whose stature in Kerala rivals Akshay Kumar’s national reach—the administration hopes to bypass critical media filters and reach the voter’s heart directly.
As the election draws near, the question remains: Will the people of Kerala buy into this “softer” Pinarayi, or will they see through the cinematic smoke and mirrors?
