Mammootty reveals why he took a risk on ‘Kalamkaval’, admits, 'No one else would make this film'

Mollywood icon Mammootty recently opened up about his decision to bankroll the crime thriller ‘Kalamkaval’ under his own production banner. The actor revealed that the film’s unusual premise and morally complex lead made it a tough sell for conventional producers. Directed by debutant Jithin K Jose, the film not only garnered critical acclaim but also performed strongly at the box office.Speaking about the challenge, Mammootty shared that stepping into the shoes of a psychopath was far from a safe casting choice. “I started my production company to make films that I like, and which no one else are ready to make. No other producer will agree to cast me in such a role, so I produced it myself,” he said, highlighting his commitment to unconventional storytelling.Reflecting on his long-standing career, the veteran star stressed the importance of constantly evolving as an actor. “At the end of the day, I am an actor. You cannot perform the same kinds of roles a hundred times, it has to be different. Our society has 1.5 billion people… in Kerala, everybody is a character. I want to do them all, but it’s not possible,” he remarked.‘Kalamkaval’ also features notable performances by Vinayakan, Rajisha Vijayan and Gibin Gopinath. Backed by Mammootty Kampany, the film’s music is composed by Mujeeb Majeed. Released on December 5, 2025, it later found a wider audience on SonyLIV after its theatrical run, with distribution handled by Wayfarer Films. The narrative follows a serial killer targeting women, loosely inspired by the Cyanide Mohan case, blending psychological depth with investigative drama.Mammootty is now gearing up for his next big release, ‘Patriot’, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. Originally planned for an April release, the film will now hit theatres on May 1. The project boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban, Revathy and Darshana Rajendran.Notably, the film marks the reunion of Mammootty and Mohanlal on screen after nearly two decades. Talking about the film’s essence, Mammootty emphasised substance over stardom. “The film actually is driven by its content… it has a story and it has a plot. We want people to be prepared to watch this movie. We have very strong and bold female characters. This is not a film made on formula, it will be a formula-making film,” he stated.Sharing his thoughts on the industry’s growth, Mammootty expressed optimism about Malayalam cinema gaining international recognition. “Now that the language barrier is gone, I hope Malayalam cinema becomes international and reaches as many people as possible,” he said. The actor was last seen in a cameo in ‘Chatha Pacha’, while ‘Kalamkaval’ remains his latest full-fledged lead performance ahead of ‘Patriot’.