Mohanlal-Pinarayi Vijayan interview: Kerala CM says news does not affect him, fears only party

The highly anticipated episode of Iruvar: An exclusive conversation between actor Mohanlal and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was telecast at 6 pm on Thursday. The discussion offered a rare glimpse into the Chief Minister’s personal life, childhood, inspirations, and thoughts on politics and society.

Childhood memories and family reflections

Vijayan opened up about his early years in rural Kerala, sharing a tragic family history. “I was the fourteenth child my mother gave birth to. Eleven of my older siblings died young, leaving only my two elder brothers and me,” he revealed. He also reflected on personal losses: “My mother's demise was a shock. The demise of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan shattered me,” he said.

Recalling his school days, Vijayan mentioned that astrology once influenced his education. “Someone checked my horoscope and said I could study only as far as I flunk. That’s how my early learning proceeded,” he noted. He also shared memories of sports, initially enjoying football before switching to cricket, with some childhood teammates reaching state-level competitions. “My old friends are still friends today,” he added.

Vijayan highlighted the influence of music and literature on his upbringing. His mother sang traditional songs, and he later read works such as Ramayana, Anna Karenina, Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, and Thakazhi’s Kayar, which shaped his life philosophy.

Politics, public image, and guidance for youth

On politics, Vijayan addressed his reputation as a stern leader. “Only fear party,” he said when asked about fear, signalling strong allegiance to party principles. He clarified that he bears no hatred towards opponents and remains unaffected by media coverage. “People try to brand me as hot-tempered, but this does not influence me, nor have I ever sought to correct anyone regarding this image,” he stated.

Vijayan advised young people to stay cautious and avoid traps in today’s modern world, stressing the importance of parental guidance. On law enforcement, he suggested that cases of police lockup brutality should be investigated by the CBI. He also shared lighter personal tastes, noting his liking for action films and Mohanlal’s Amrutham Gamaya as a favourite.

Mohanlal, who said he has known Vijayan for 30 years, guided the conversation with his characteristic charm.

Viral teaser

The programme follows a teaser earlier this week that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The title Iruvar recalls Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam, which fictionalised the political rivalry and friendship between M. G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi, portrayed by Mohanlal and Prakash Raj.

The new version, however, pairs the actor with Kerala’s sitting Chief Minister.

The one-minute 15-second teaser had carried the tagline “Kandum Mindiyum” (meet and chat)… Iruvar (duo). Its description read: Janangal nenchileṭiya, janangaley nenchileṭiya randu per—“two whom people took by heart and who took people to heart.” It was released on Tuesday via the Kerala government’s official social media handles and Mohanlal’s verified accounts.

Secrecy, timing and political reaction

The broadcast comes amid opposition allegations that the government is carrying out extensive public relations activity ahead of upcoming assembly. Mohanlal had previously interviewed former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, making this his second high-profile political conversation.