Kamal Haasan at Keraleeyam 2023: A message about Kerala for the entire nation

Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan was one of the high-profile guests to attend the inaugural event of Keraleeyam 2023, a week-long cultural festival coinciding with Kerala Formation Day celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram. 

"I am going to speak in English. You will understand what I am saying (in Malayalam). But, I want the rest of the nation to understand what I am saying and why I am saying this about our Kerala," Kamal explained during his 10-minute speech.

The Vikram star recalled the pivotal influence of Malayalam cinema on his artistic journey during his formative years. "Kerala holds a very special place in my life and journey. The people of this state have always been generous in embracing my art," he said. 

Kamal made his Malayalam debut as a child artist with Kannum Karalum. He was just seven or eight years old when he acted in the 1962 movie, which was also the directorial debut of late veteran filmmaker KS Sethumadhavan. 

"The film industry in Kerala has played a critical role in shaping the cultural landscape of this state as well as my own outlook towards cinema," he added. 

During the early days of his career, Kamal did a slew of Malayalam films. It's noteworthy that he established himself as a leading man in Malayalam cinema before he found similar success in the Tamil film industry. 

"The movies you make, we make, not only captivate audiences worldwide but also play a critical role in addressing pertinent social issues. This commitment to social narrative reflects the state's progressive and socially conscious ethos. I have tried to emulate the same in my artistic career," he added. 

Kamal also expressed his joy after learning that one of his Malayalam movies, Madanolsavam, would be featured at the cultural festival. 

"I was 21 when I did that film. Now, I fondly remember director Shankaran Nair, Salil Chowdhury Saab, and all the technicians of the film, who gave me so much independence and freedom to be part of the filmmaking process, allowed me to improvise and in the process learn," he recalled. 

At Keraleeyam 2023, Kamal also shared the seat with Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal.