The week-long event will have seminars, exhibitions, art fairs, and cultural shows from 10 am to 10 pm. Entry is free for all.
The actors taking a selfie with the CM Pinarayi Vijayan at the Keraleeyam event. (Keraleeyam2023/ X)
As part of the Kerala Formation Day celebrations, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the week-long cultural fest — Keraleeyam — at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, 1 November.
“Keraleeyam” aims to highlight Kerala’s progress, achievements, and cultural heritage to the world.
It was a star-studded event attended by Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Shobana, and Manju Warrier.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Keraleeyam is an opportunity for the people of Kerala to announce to the world their pride and happiness in being Keralites. ‘Keraleeyam‘ will be an annual affair to mark the achievements of that particular year.”
Kamal Haasan speaking with CM Pinarayi Vijayan. (Keraleeyam2023/ X)
Tamil actor Kamal Haasan, popular as “Ulaganayagan”, was all praise for the state of Kerala. He shared a good connection with Kerala in the early years of his career.
The actor said, “Kerala has a special place in my life, and the people have always been generous. I have two careers in my life. One as an artist and another as a people’s representative. Every time I visit Kerala, I learn something new and get inspired.”
He also recalled, “I was seven or eight years old when I did my first film in Malayalam — Kannum Karalum (1962), which marked the first directorial venture of my favourite filmmaker Mr Sethumadvan sir.”
Mammootty, Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan at Keraleeyam event. (Supplied)
The veteran actor said the Malayalam film industry played a critical role in shaping the cultural landscape of the state as well as his outlook towards cinema.
“Movies that we make or you make also play a key role in addressing important and social issues. This commitment and social narratives reflect the state’s progressive and socially conscious ethos,” Kamal Haasan noted.
He said he tried to emulate the same in his artistic career. “I have been informed that one of my movies, Madanolsavam (1978), will be showcased during this event. Thank you!”
The actor added, “I was 21 when I did Madanolsavam. I fondly remember director Shankaran sir, Saleel Chaudhary sir and all the technicians who gave me so much freedom to improvise and allowed me to be part of the filmmaking process.”
About his political journey, Kamal Haasan said he turned to Kerala to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for advice when he decided to venture into active politics in 2017.
“My people-centric politics draws inspiration from Kerala’s development model. When I called for the strengthening of local bodies in Tamil Nadu, I was hoping to emulate the miracle of Kerala’s decentralised governance championed by the People’s Planning Campaign of 1996,” he revealed.
He added, “More states have struggled to attain real governance, and Kerala stands as a beacon of inspiration. I hope the rest of India will also emulate it.”
Kamal Haasan also lauded Kerala for successfully and sensibly dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mammootty, Mohanlal at Keraleeyam event. (Keraleeyam2023/ X)
Mohanlal, who was present at the event, said he was happy that Thiruvananthapuram was selected to host “Keraleeyam”.
The Malayalam actor spent his childhood and college days in the city as his family resided in the capital city.
Mohanlal said that he knew every nook and corner of the city. He also announced that he was proud to be born a Malayali.
He underscored the need to do more pan-Indian films in Malayalam and requested the respective government departments to offer the necessary help to the filmmakers in this regard.
Shobana at the Keraleeyam event. (Keraleeyam2023/ X)
Mammootty opined that “Keraleeyam” is a novel concept that identifies Kerala as a model for oneness and peace.
“We all belong to different castes, politics, and religions but we all like to be known as Keralites. ‘Keraleeyam‘ puts forward the message that our dreams and ideas are all the same,” he added.
“Keraleeyam” will showcase the “Best of Kerala” with seminars, exhibitions, art fairs, and cultural shows.
The cultural programmes will begin with a dance performance by actor Shobhana.
The public will have access to various venues from 10 am to 10 pm from Thursday, 2 November, and entry to all venues, including the film festival, is free.
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