Mammootty’s Kalamkaval: The Chilling True Story of Cyanide Mohan Explained

The new Malayalam thriller “Kalamkaval” is gripping audiences. Starring Mammootty, the film delves into a serial killer narrative. It draws direct inspiration from a terrifying real-life case.

The film’s antagonist is based on the notorious “Cyanide Mohan.” This was a former school teacher turned serial killer in Karnataka. His crimes shocked the nation in the 2000s.

The Investigation That Unraveled a Serial Killer

The real case began with a missing woman in 2009. A 22-year-old woman named Anita disappeared from Barimar, Karnataka. Her community initially suspected an inter-religious elopement.

Police prioritized the case amid rising tensions. They traced the missing woman’s mobile phone activity. This led them to a disturbing chain of contacts.

Each missing woman’s phone was used to contact the next victim. This pattern pointed to a calculated predator. Investigators initially suspected a trafficking ring.

The breakthrough came from a critical mistake. The killer gave one victim’s phone to his nephew. Police traced the active device and detained the young man.

From Teacher to Killer: The Cyanide Mohan Method

The suspect was Mohan Kumar, a former school teacher. His arrest in October 2009 revealed horrific evidence. Police found jewelry, multiple phones, and cyanide-laced tablets.

His method was chillingly systematic. He posed as a potential husband to lure single women. After gaining their trust, he would take them to secluded places like bus stands.

He promised marriage and engaged in intercourse. Afterwards, he gave them a tablet, claiming it was an oral contraceptive. The pill was actually laced with deadly cyanide.

He stole their gold jewelry and belongings after they died. This was his primary motive for the murders. The sheer number of victims made the case infamous.

The Lasting Impact of a Notorious Case

Cyanide Mohan was ultimately convicted for the murder of 20 women. He initially received the death sentence in several cases. The Karnataka High Court later commuted this to life imprisonment.

He will spend the rest of his life in jail. The case exposed glaring vulnerabilities in society. It showed how trust could be weaponized for horrific crimes.

The film “Kalamkaval” adapts this dark chapter for cinema. It takes creative liberties while capturing the essence of the investigation. The real story remains a sobering lesson in criminal psychology and investigative persistence.

The film “Kalamkaval” brings the terrifying true-crime story of Cyanide Mohan to a new audience, reminding us that reality can sometimes be the most unsettling story of all.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who was Cyanide Mohan in real life?

Cyanide Mohan was a former school teacher named Mohan Kumar. He became a serial killer in Karnataka, murdering multiple women after fake marriage promises. His method involved using cyanide-laced pills disguised as contraceptives.

How was Cyanide Mohan finally caught?

He was caught after a major investigative error. He gave a victim’s mobile phone to his nephew, which police traced. This led them directly to Mohan Kumar and a stash of evidence from his crimes.

What was Cyanide Mohan’s punishment?

He was convicted of murdering 20 women and initially given the death penalty. The Karnataka High Court later reduced his sentence to life imprisonment. This means he will remain in jail for the rest of his life.

How did he learn about using cyanide?

He learned about cyanide from a cellmate during a prior jail stint. The cellmate was a jewellery worker who described an accident involving the poison. This gave Mohan the knowledge to execute his deadly plan.

Is Mammootty’s character based on a real police officer?

The film “Kalamkaval” is inspired by true events but uses creative license. Mammootty’s investigating officer character is a cinematic creation. It embodies the collective effort of the real police team that solved the complex case.