The character of Sethumadhavan in the film Kireedam draws inspiration from a chilling tale in Chalakudy, located in Kerala's Thrissur district. The script, crafted by the late K. Lohithadas, encapsulates the story of a carpenter who unwittingly became embroiled in a violent altercation with the notorious rowdy Keshavan. Late Lohithadas and Kireedam movie producer Dinesh Panicker have shared insights into this connection in past media interviews. The Chalakudy link has gained particular relevance following the demise of Mohanraj.

Chalakudy tale

A story has circulated throughout Chalakudy about Keshavan—a notorious rowdy whose name alone instilled fear in the hearts of many. Known for his violent deeds, he had killed several people and harmed countless others. Just the mention of Keshavan sent shudders through the community.

In the nearby village of Muringoor, a carpenter from Thiruvananthapuram had built a new life for himself with his wife, two daughters, and a son. Renowned for his skill, he was a diligent worker. Each evening, he would unwind by purchasing a bottle of toddy, a local alcoholic beverage, along with some snacks for his children before heading home, often humming a cheerful tune as he walked. Despite never having encountered Keshavan, the carpenter had heard enough chilling stories about him to keep his distance.

One fateful day, after finishing some work in Chalakudy, the carpenter decided to treat himself to a couple of glasses of toddy before returning home. Typically, he would buy his drink from a shop in Muringoor, but he thought that enjoying it in Chalakudy would make the walk back more pleasant. He entered a quiet shop, relishing his first glass of toddy paired with spicy snacks. As he lit a beedi, he sensed a sudden shift in the atmosphere—the patrons around him became silent and stood up in unison.

Confused, the carpenter glanced towards the entrance but was too preoccupied with his drink to pay much attention. Just as he was about to pour another glass, a man at the counter hurled the contents of his drink at the carpenter's face. Stunned and wiping his eyes, he saw a figure standing before him holding an empty pot. A mix of anger and sadness surged through him. In a swift reaction, he seized a mallet from his work bag and struck the intruder with all his might.

The man collapsed, and as the carpenter processed what had just transpired, he heard the crowd erupt in shouts, “Keshavan has fallen! Rowdy Keshavan has fallen!”

A wave of realisation washed over the carpenter; he had just knocked out the very man whose reign of terror had gripped the locality of Vellikkulangara and had even assaulted a policeman.

Before the crowd could react further, the carpenter disappeared into the shadows. When dawn broke, his rented house stood wide open, the unfinished dinner left to be scavenged by stray dogs. In the dead of night, the carpenter and his family had fled, seeking safety from the repercussions of a moment that would forever alter their lives.

Tale and movie Kireedam

The Keshavan-carpenter tale laid the groundwork for the characters of Sethumadhavan and Keerikkadan Jose in the movie Kireedam. This story illustrates how Sethumadhavan, thrust into a violent confrontation, becomes a mirror to the shadows of Keshavan’s legacy, embodied by Keerikkadan Jose. When Keerikkadan Jose fell, society placed a crown of notoriety upon him—a burden that Sethumadhavan also had to bear. Ultimately, Sethu became a murderer, his actions shattering dreams and securing a life marred by violence.

Mohanraj's portrayal of Keerikkadan Jose became iconic, resonating deeply with audiences and leaving an indelible mark on a generation of Malayalis. The unforgettable moments of Keerikkadan Jose standing tall against Mohanlal’s character illustrated the profound complexities of their fates.