Movie buffs will recall director Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar (1997), a fictionalised story of political rivalry and friendship between M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and M. Karunanidhi, played by Mohanlal and Prakash Raj. Fast forward to 2026, and it’s no longer Mohanlal and Prakash Raj on screen—but Mohanlal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a teaser that has already gone viral.

The one-minute 15-second clip, titled Iruvar: An exclusive conversation between Mohanlal and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, carries the tagline: “Kandum Mindiyum” (meet and chat)… Iruvar (duo). Its description reads: Janangal nenchileṭiya, janangaley nenchileṭiya randu per—“two whom people took by heart and who took people to heart.” The teaser was released Tuesday on both the Kerala government’s official social media and Mohanlal’s verified accounts.

Candid moments at Cliff House

The teaser opens with Mohanlal arriving at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Cliff House, followed by shots of the two walking through the mansion’s courtyard and interacting with a pet dog.

During snippets of conversation, Mohanlal notes someone told him Pinarayi’s favourite films are Rajinikanth’s. The Chief Minister says he enjoys action sequences generally. When asked if he has enacted a cinematic scene in real life, Pinarayi replies he has not.

On another occasion, Mohanlal asks whether Pinarayi has ever felt regret. When Mohanlal asks whether he remembers any dialogues from his films, Pinarayi says: “I remember several lines, including those like Dinesha and Dasan,” prompting Mohanlal to laugh.  A standout moment comes when Mohanlal recites: “Ente Keralam, angade Keralam, namude Keralam” (my Kerala, your Kerala, our Kerala), earning applause from the Chief Minister.

Filming secrecy and political buzz

Filming reportedly took place under strict confidentiality at Cliff House at Pinarayi’s request. Mohanlal spent two days on the project: one day discussing topics, the second day filming after the Monday legislative assembly session.

Directed by T.K. Rajeev Kumar, the full interview’s release date is not yet announced. The teaser arrives amid opposition allegations that the government is running extensive PR ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Political attention now centres on how opposition parties will respond, given Mohanlal’s participation.

Mohanlal has previously interviewed former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, making this his second high-profile political conversation.