In an exclusive conversation with Timeline, renowned actor Kishore, shared his thoughts on his latest project, the Malayalam supernatural thriller Vadakkan.

As the film makes its debut, Kishore’s reflection on the movie and his concerns about the growing trend of politically charged films in Indian cinema give us deeper insight into both his craft and his personal values.

Directed by Sajeed, Vadakkan is a supernatural thriller that delves into the mythological aspects of Dravidian folklore, offering a thrilling ride for viewers.

When asked about his decision to take up the role, Kishore, who plays the character of Raman Perumayan, a paranormal investigator, expressed his genuine excitement for the project. “I couldn’t say no to this project,” Kishore revealed. “Not only yes, but I couldn’t say no.”

One of the personal connections that drew him to Vadakkan was the film’s title. As someone originally from the northern part of Kerala, Kishore felt a personal resonance with the character.

“I’m also from the north of Kerala,” he mentioned, adding that he hails from a region near the border of Kerala and Karnataka. This geographical connection, along with the intriguing supernatural genre of the film, made him feel closer to the story.

He explained how the horror-thriller genre naturally intrigued him, highlighting its universal appeal. “It’s a wonderful genre, and it doesn’t need a star. The genre itself will give an audience. That is a big advantage,” said Kishore.

With the film now released on March 7, 2025, audiences can see him dive into a role that blends suspense, mystery, and ancient myth, underlined by stellar technical work, including cinematography by Keiko Nakahara and sound design by Oscar-winning Resul Pookutty.

While Kishore is a respected figure in the entertainment industry, his conversation with Timeline took a serious turn as he opened up about a concerning trend he’s noticed in recent films: the rise of movies that are subtly or overtly used to Aspread political agendas.

“I’ve been in the industry long enough to notice a growing trend,” Kishore remarked. “Films are now being used to manipulate public opinion, often with hidden political messages.”

He pointed to controversial films like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files, which, he believes, are prime examples of how cinema is being weaponized for political purposes.

Kishore made it clear that the issue isn’t just about storytelling. “These films aren’t just about storytelling; they are designed to push an agenda,” he stressed.

Also, read| Exclusive: Actor Kishore On Why He Signed For Vadakkan

“They create narratives that aim to divide people along religious and political lines.” He expressed his concern that such films are intentionally crafted to stoke fear, hatred, and distrust between communities, which can have a dangerous impact on public sentiment.

Kishore was particularly vocal about The Kerala Story, a film that has stirred considerable debate due to its portrayal of alleged forced conversions of women to Islam.

“A political party promoted this film, which was riddled with false information about Muslims,” he explained. “It wasn’t just a film, it became a tool for political propaganda.” The actor criticized the way the film generalised an entire community and fueled misconceptions.

“The problem with films like The Kerala Story is that they play with facts and reality to create a narrative that divides people.

It’s not about truth; it’s about creating a weaponised story that furthers a particular political agenda,” he added.

According to Kishore, these films not only fail to present a complete picture of the events but also propagate narratives that stir up religious and political conflicts.

“These movies portray entire communities in a negative light, making them easy targets for hate and distrust,” he pointed out.

Also, read| Exclusive: Cinema Is Being Used To Spread Propaganda, Says Actor Kishore

When asked whether films have the power to influence people, Kishore’s response was decisive. “Absolutely, films can influence people,” he affirmed.

“That’s why there is a concerted effort to use cinema as a vehicle for spreading agendas, particularly those that spread hatred and division.”

He expressed his belief that cinema, with its wide reach and emotional appeal, holds tremendous power to shape public opinion, making it all the more essential for filmmakers to handle sensitive topics responsibly.

“The responsibility lies with the filmmakers to ensure that the stories they tell do not mislead the audience or spread misinformation,” Kishore remarked.

“While cinema should reflect society and provoke thought, it should not be weaponized to spread hate or misinformation.” He emphasised the importance of ethical filmmaking that focuses on truth and social consciousness rather than political manipulation.

Kishore also spoke fondly of Malayalam cinema, which he believes has consistently produced films that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

“The audience in Malayalam cinema is incredibly discerning, and that’s why the industry has produced so many thought-provoking films,” he said.

Kishore’s career, spanning several years and multiple industries, has seen him work on a diverse array of films. From his notable roles in Puli Murugan, Thiruvambadi Thamban, and Kannur Squad to his upcoming role in L2: Empuraan, the actor has never shied away from choosing roles that challenge him both artistically and socially.