‘I don’t know how to speak at public events’: Vinayakan opens up ahead of Kalamkaval release

Actor Vinayakan has described his role in the upcoming film Kalamkaval as a “great fortune” in his life, revealing that director Jithin K. Jose guided him so meticulously during filming that it felt as if his hands and feet were metaphorically tied. Vinayakan stars alongside Mammootty in the film.

Responding to a host’s question about whether his character is his usual “loud” type, Vinayakan said, “It's very easy for me to act loudly. But to act with restraint is difficult. I felt like Jithin tied my hands and feet and made me act, telling me, ‘Brother, you don't have to do anything. Just do as we say.’” He added that he appreciated the director’s approach of giving instructions while keeping him in check throughout the shoot.

Vinayakan also clarified that both he and Mammootty have equally significant roles in the film, emphasising that their characters are very different from each other.

“Acting opposite Mammootty in such a big film is one of the greatest fortunes in cinema. For Mammootty himself to suggest my name for the film is the fortune of a lifetime. It’s very easy to act with him. He helped me a lot with the dialogues, and I thank him for that,” Vinayakan said.

When asked why he, who began his career as a dancer, rarely performs on stage, Vinayakan explained that he finds it difficult to maintain eye contact with people. He also revealed that he has never seen himself as a celebrity, even to this day.

Commenting on his absence from public events outside films, he said, “I only focus on cinema and its business, and I cannot handle public forums. I don’t know how to speak at public events. Even if I’m interested, I can’t. Two out of ten people will provoke me, and given my nature, I might say something that becomes an issue. So it’s better to stay at home.”

Kalamkaval marks the directorial debut of Jithin K. Jose, who gained attention for writing the story of the Dulquer Salmaan-starrer superhit Kurup. The film, produced by Mammootty Kampany, was originally scheduled for release on 27 November but has been postponed to 5 December. It will be distributed in Kerala by Wayfarer Films and is scripted by Jishnu Sreekumar and Jithin K. Jose. Kalamkaval is the seventh film produced under the Mammootty Kampany banner.