Mohanlal-Pinarayi Vijayan interview cost Rs 11.21 lakh, says RTI reply

Thiruvananthapuram: Fresh details have emerged indicating that govt funds were used for an interview conducted by actor Mohanlal with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, triggering political reactions.According to information obtained by a Thiruvalla native Rijo Vallamkulam through Right to Information (RTI) Act from information and public relations department, a total of Rs11.21 lakh was spent on the production of the interview, titled ‘Kandum Mindiyum Iruvar'. RTI response states that the entire expenditure was met from govt funds, though it also clarifies that no govt systems were used during the production process. The interview was filmed over two days at Cliff House, the official residence of the chief minister, and focused on both his political journey and personal life. Its teaser earlier sparked widespread discussion. The development has drawn criticism from the opposition, which termed the programme a ‘PR stunt.' Responding to the criticism, CPM maintained that the interview was a result of the personal rapport between Mohanlal and the chief minister. The project was executed by a team led by filmmaker T K Rajeev Kumar. Sources indicate that the idea for the interview was first discussed during a meeting between Mohanlal and the chief minister in Thiruvananthapuram, with the actor readily agreeing to the proposal. Notably, Mohanlal conducted a similar interview with former chief minister Oommen Chandy ahead of the 2011 assembly elections.