Mammootty confirms his antagonist role in 'Kalamkaval'; Calls Vinayakan the true hero; Says his character 'Will be hard to like'

At the pre-release event of 'Kalamkaval', Mammootty opened up about his role in the highly awaited film, confirming the rumours that have been circulating for weeks.The megastar stated openly that while Vinayakan is the film’s protagonist, he himself plays the antagonist. “The hero of this film is Vinayakan, and I am also the hero… but the villain,” Mammootty said. He also noted that audiences might not find his character immediately likeable, admitting, “The character I play in this film may be very difficult for you to love or like.” Mammootty on the delay, the film and his risky characterSpeaking about the long-awaited release of 'Kalamkaval', Mammootty shared that the project is extremely close to his heart. “After quite some time, one of my films is releasing. This film got delayed a little for reasons you all know. This is a film I really wanted to do,” he said. Calling every film an experiment regardless of its budget, he added, “For me, it’s not the film that is the experiment, the biggest experiment is my character.”Mammootty also revealed that the role played by Vinayakan, a police officer, was originally offered to him. However, he believed Vinayakan would do greater justice to the character. “The hero of this film is Vinayakan. That’s how it has been shown on the poster. I am also the hero, but I am the villain,” he clarified. When approached for the role, Vinayakan had hesitated, wondering whether the team truly meant him for the part.Invited to the stage by Mammootty with heartfelt affection, Vinayakan humbly said, “I don’t know how to speak… you know that.” Mammootty replied instantly with humour and admiration: “You may not know how to speak, but you really know how to act.”Later, Mammootty described Vinayakan as “the mischievous kid in class whom everyone still loves,” hinting that although the 'Aadu' actor has been part of several controversies off-screen, there is a quality in him that everyone will adore.