THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — An Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that the Kerala government spent ₹11.21 lakh to produce a high-profile televised interview between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
The interview, titled ‘Iruvar’ (The Two), was telecast across all major Malayalam channels last month. While it captured significant public attention as a rare media appearance by the CM with a cultural icon, it is now at the center of a political firestorm regarding the use of public funds for perceived “image-building.”
1. RTI Findings: Outsourced Production
The RTI response, provided to Rijo Vallamkulam of Pathanamthitta, clarified the financial and logistical nature of the production:
- Production Cost: A total of ₹11.21 lakh in government funds was sanctioned for the project.
- External Resources: Despite the high cost, the RTI confirmed that no government systems (such as the Public Relations Department’s equipment or staff) were utilized for the actual filming or editing, indicating the work was outsourced to a private production entity.
2. Opposition Allegations: “Taxpayer-Funded Campaign”
Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan launched a scathing attack on the LDF government on Tuesday, characterizing the interview as a political advertisement disguised as journalism.
- Misuse of Funds: Satheesan argued that interviews with “political aims” should not be funded by the state treasury. “The CM must return that money to the treasury,” he demanded.
- Broader PR Spending: The opposition leader further alleged that the LDF has spent “thousands of crores” over the last six months on election-oriented PR, claiming that government-funded hoardings are being systematically converted into CPI(M) campaign materials.
3. Government Silence
As of Wednesday morning, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has not issued an official response to the RTI findings or the opposition’s demand for a refund. Proponents of the interview have previously suggested that such interactions are a legitimate way for the head of state to communicate government achievements to a wider audience through popular cultural figures.
Cost Breakdown: ‘Iruvar’ Interview
| Item | Details |
| Total Expenditure | ₹11,21,000 (Taxpayer Funds) |
| Participants | CM Pinarayi Vijayan & Actor Mohanlal |
| Production Source | Private (No govt. systems used) |
| Opposition Demand | Full refund of costs by the CM |