Over 20 victims, a serial killer: Why is Mammootty’s Kalamkaval being linked to Cyanide Mohan?
03 December 2025, 08:13 PM IST
Kalamkaval’s teaser showing Mammootty as a psychopathic killer revives interest in Cyanide Mohan’s crimes, charges, media portrayals, and character-inspiration debates.
Cyanide Mohan-Mammootty
Malayalam superstar Mammootty’s upcoming film Kalamkaval, directed by debutant Jithin K Jose, is generating buzz as audiences speculate whether his character is inspired by the notorious serial killer Mohan Kumar Vivekanand, better known as Cyanide Mohan. Interestingly, the pre-release teaser hints at him playing a psychopathic killer who takes pleasure in murder, while actor Vinayakan appears as a police officer probing the disappearance of several women.
The parallels have renewed public interest in Mohan’s crimes that shook Karnataka in the 2000s.
Who is Cyanide Mohan?
Mohan Kumar Vivekanand was born on April 6, 1963, in Kanyana village, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, to daily-wage labourers Maielappa Mogera and Tukru. He began his career as a government school teacher in 1984, but frequent suspensions for misconduct marked his professional life. Married three times, Mohan had two children each with his second and third wives, neither of whom knew about the other or his criminal activities.
What crimes did he commit?
Between 2004 and 2009, Mohan targeted unmarried women from economically disadvantaged families. Posing as a government officer, he lured victims by feigning community connections and proposing marriage. He would take them to distant cities, spend a night with them, and then administer cyanide pills disguised as contraceptives near public toilets. After the victims collapsed, he stole their jewellery and fled.
Mohan is believed to have killed 20 women using this method, maintaining a chillingly consistent pattern. He often returned home afterward, continuing life with his wives while evading suspicion.
What were the charges against him?
Mohan was arrested on October 21, 2009, following the murder of Anitha Mulya, which triggered intensified police investigations. He confessed to at least 20 murders, leading to his conviction in multiple cases. Initially sentenced to death in five cases, two of the death penalties were later commuted to life imprisonment. On June 24, 2020, he was convicted in his 20th case and is currently serving life imprisonment at Hindalga Central Prison, Belagavi.
How has his story been adapted in media?
Cyanide Mohan’s crimes have inspired multiple adaptations. Amazon Prime’s 2023 web series Dahaad features a character, Anand Swarnakar, reflecting Mohan’s modus operandi, although the series changes many details, including location and profession. Both depict the calculated manipulation and use of cyanide to avoid leaving forensic traces, highlighting the disturbing psychology of the killer.
Is Mammootty’s character in Kalamkaval based on him?
Speculation is rife that Mammootty’s role draws inspiration from Mohan. While the actor has clarified that there is no direct connection, he admitted that real-life incidents like Mohan’s crimes could have influenced the film’s creators. The teaser hints at a serial killer narrative, leaving audiences eager to see if the character mirrors the infamous “Cyanide Mohan” in motive or method.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get Latest Mathrubhumi Updates in English
Follow
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
