Latest news with #PrakashVarma
Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mohanlal's stylist was worried his viral jewellery ad would get trolled, actor was confident it would work
Mollywood star Mohanlal left everyone pleasantly surprised when he featured in a jewellery ad recently that challenged gender norms in a subtle manner. The ad for Vinsmera Jewels soon went viral, with people loving how graceful the usually macho star looked. Talking to TOI, his stylist Shanti Krishna candidly spoke about the apprehensions while shooting for the ad she thought would be trolled. Mohanlal in a still from the viral jewellery ad by his Thudarum co-star Prakash Varma. Mohanlal's stylist thought viral ad would be trolled Shanti told the publication that while shooting for the ad she was 'extremely tense' as it's easy to attract trolls these days. 'We're living in a time where anything and everything is trolled, and I was really nervous. When I shared my worries with Mohanlal sir, he simply told me to treat it as a piece of art and give it my best. Those words truly lifted my spirits.' Saying that watching Mohanlal perform was like 'pure magic', the stylist says that Mohanlal was game to do the ad despite her apprehension. 'To witness Mohanlal sir perform is always a joy, but this time it was pure magic. I'm sure only he has the mettle to pull off something like this. He was incredibly attentive to every detail, from his nails to his eye movements; he was simply magical in every frame,' she said. Shanti also mentioned that it was a 'challenge' to style Mohanlal in the Prakash Varma ad, the filmmaker who was Mohanlal's co-star in Thudarum. She mentioned how they chose an outfit that wasn't 'overtly feminine' yet would highlight the jewellery. Recent work After a disappointing 2024 with Malaikottai Vaaliban and Barroz 3D, Mohanlal delivered two back-to-back hits with L2 Empuraan and Thudarum. L2 and Thudarum have even broken records, becoming the highest-grossers in Malayalam cinema. He has numerous films lined up, including Hridayapoorvam, Drishyam 3, Patriot and Vrrushabha.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mohanlal's stylist on the viral jewellery ad: Despite being the epitome of manliness, only he has the mettle to pull off something like this
Mohanlal's recent jewellery ad, praised for its graceful portrayal of femininity, has captivated audiences and critics alike. Stylist Shanthi Krishna reveals the challenges of creating the look, emphasizing Mohanlal's charisma and attention to detail. His reassuring words boosted her confidence. Director Prakash Varma's praise further validated her work, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the ad's success. Not just his fans, even his critics are raving about Mohanlal 's viral jewellery ad. Widely hailed as the epitome of macho charm, Mohanlal has stunned everyone with his graceful portrayal of femininity on screen, leaving audiences thoroughly impressed. We spoke to none other than his stylist, Shanti Krishna, the creative mind behind the standout looks that have garnered so much praise for the celebrated ad. 'It was a challenge for me too, to choose an outfit that wouldn't appear overtly feminine, yet would highlight the jewellery effectively. And this was for none other than Mohanlal, who is widely regarded as the embodiment of masculinity in cinema. After a detailed discussion with Prakash sir, we settled on a collarless shirt. It was first styled under his suit, and later took center stage during the Carawan sequence,' she said. The stylist revealed that she was extremely tense, and it was Mohanlal's reassuring words that gave her the confidence to trust her instincts and go ahead with her choices. 'We're living in a time where anything and everything is trolled, and I was really nervous. When I shared my worries with Mohanlal sir, he simply told me to treat it as a piece of art and give it my best. Those words truly lifted my spirits. And having a director like Prakash Varma also made a huge difference; it eased so much of the pressure. I'm certain the ad turned out the way it did only because of these two incredible artists,' she added. Shanti Krishna, who has been Mohanlal's stylist for the past year and a half, shared that his charisma was unparalleled in this project. 'To witness Mohanlal sir perform is always a joy, but this time it was pure magic. I'm sure only he has the mettle to pull off something like this. He was incredibly attentive to every detail, from his nails to his eye movements, he was simply magical in every frame,' the fangirl in Shanti speaks. Shanti is thrilled by all the appreciation the ad has received, but there's one compliment in particular that truly took her to cloud nine. 'After the project, Prakash sir called me and said that the final outcome exceeded his expectations. What more could I ask for? I'm truly humbled by his words and all the appreciation I've received. Thank you,' Shanthi concluded.
The Print
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Mohanlal embraces his feminine side—in a jewellery ad that redefines masculinity
Instead, the ad focuses on strong visual storytelling, showing Mohanlal gracefully embracing his feminine energy by adorning himself with jewellery. The powerful visuals need no voiceover, no tagline, and no melodrama to make its point. The latest campaign for Vinsmera Jewels breaks away from all the familiar tropes of traditional jewellery ads. There isn't any ideal daughter, blushing bride, proud father or monologues on feminism. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is earning applause on social media for his standout performance in a new jewellery commercial. It's a refreshing shift from the usual gendered storytelling in jewellery advertising. Directed by filmmaker Prakash Varma, the commercial opens on a film set. Amid the hustle and bustle of introductions, Mohanlal slips away with an intricate jewellery set and heads to his vanity van. As the crew begins a search for the missing jewellery, the camera cuts to Mohanlal, who is seen wearing the necklace, rings, and bracelet, paired with a black shirt and trousers. He admires his features in the mirror as traditional music plays in the background. When the director enters Mohanlal's van, shocked, the actor simply bursts into laughter. An unconventional approach The commercial struck a chord with the audiences, who praised Mohanlal for putting up a quiet act of rebellion. The video has clocked over 2.3 million views and over five thousand comments on YouTube. Rather than seeking approval, the plot of the advertisement focuses more on self-acceptance. After all, the biggest battle is not the one we fight against the world, but the one that we fight with ourselves. And that is where the commercial succeeds over traditional jewellery marketing. It stirs emotions instead of delivering monologues, because visuals have a long and lasting impact. It didn't go for the tried and tested backdrops of weddings. Basically, it was totally unconventional and that is what took the audience by surprise. Also, the brand isn't promoting a product in your face. It's simply putting out the thought that beauty isn't about conformity, but about embracing what speaks to your soul, and jewellery is just a medium for it. Also read: CEAT to Bajaj Insurance—Shubman Gill is new poster boy of ads. Why it can also hit his brand Double standards At first glance, the flood of praise under Mohanlal's recent video might make you believe that society is finally embracing the LGBTQ+ community. But scratch the surface, and the reality is anything but progressive. One influencer rightly pointed out the hypocrisy: when a regular creator wears jewellery or dresses femininely, trolls are quick to tear them apart. But when superstar Mohanlal, who is known to be a macho Malayalam actor, does the same, it becomes 'iconic.' To this, internet users were quick to issue clarification stating that they don't celebrate the ad's message, instead they just applaud Mohanlal's acting spectrum. One user wrote, 'He's an actor. He's done mighty masculine roles like Mangalassery Neelakandan. People are praising his range of acting.' While another said, 'I don't know about others, but trust me homie, I hate that f*****g ad and you equally from the bottom of my heart.' These reactions are testament to the fact that we still have a long way to go in embracing fluidity, when it isn't wrapped in stardom. That said, one cannot unsee that the ad has sparked a larger conversation — about beauty, gender, performance, and the weight of public perception. Whether seen for its message, the rebellion, or simply Mohanlal's acting, the commercial dares to ask a quiet question in a noisy world: Who defines beauty and why? And, maybe that is what makes it unforgettable. Not because it shouts, but because it doesn't have to. Brand: Vinsmera Jewels Creatives: In-house Director: Prakash Varma Views are personal. (Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Caught in the act-of being himself?
There are some ads you remember for the punchline. And then there are ads you remember for the pause before the punchline. The new Vinsméra Jewels film starring Mohanlal is one such ad. An exquisite departure from commercial conventions, and a masterclass in storytelling that needs no voiceover, no tagline, and certainly no gendered drama. This is not just a jewellery ad . It's a moment. There is no grand narrative. No words. Just Mohanlal. A Moment, or a Message The film opens with Mohanlal stepping out of his car and walking into what seems to be a jewellery shoot. 'We've shot this in fashion photography style,' says Prakash Varma . We are introduced to the model, bedecked in a diamond set. Mohanlal glances, intrigued. But the next shot is unexpected, and unapologetic. The jewellery has vanished. A hush falls over the crew as they scramble to find it. Cut to Mohanlal, alone in his vanity van, wearing the missing set- necklace, bracelet and the ring. He's entranced. He lifts and drapes the pieces on himself, admiring the shimmer in gentle silence. He begins to move- slow, deliberate, reverent. Traditional music creeps in. Without warning, Varma opens the door. The room brightens with Mohanlal's laughter, warm, unrehearsed, delightful. No guilt. No explanation. Just the joy of discovery. Traditional jewellery ads often align with ritual- weddings, lineage, family, gendered expectations. Women are the heroes; men are patrons. Background music swells. Taglines cement the emotional ballast. This ad does not conform to any of those. There's no bridal drama, no gifting angle, no conventional crescendo. Instead, it offers something rarer, a private moment of indulgence, with a man rediscovering beauty for himself. When Mohanlal places the necklace around his neck, it's not theft. It's reclamation. It's permission. It's a quiet rebellion. Call it a psychological reset. The ad is in no way demanding approval. It's practicing acceptance. What We See When No One's Watching In psychology, there's a concept called the 'true self,' the version of us that exists beyond social scripts. Most advertising relies on the opposite: the 'ideal self,' which is aspirational, curated, and deeply rooted in societal validation. But this ad chooses the former. It lets Mohanlal, one of Indian cinema's most masculine icons, experience something typically coded as feminine. It does not ridicule. It does not justify. It simply reveals. It reminds us of the childlike wonder we carry, before gender roles script our likes and dislikes. Before blue is for boys and pink is for girls. Before beauty becomes a performance instead of a pursuit. What Mohanlal does in this ad is what many of us do when we are alone in front of a mirror, we try on things not meant for us, just to see. Just to feel. And when caught, instead of shame, he laughs. A full-bodied, authentic laugh. As if saying, what's the harm in joy? The Ad that Stole Nothing and Gave Back Everything There's an elegance to what's left unsaid. In not explaining why Mohanlal tried on the jewellery, the ad refuses to moralize or box the moment into activism or agenda. It neither deconstructs gender nor does it sermonize fluidity. Instead, it leaves the viewer with a feeling, of lightness, of acceptance, of curiosity. This is rare in Indian advertising, where sentiment often leans heavily on either tradition or tokenism. Jewellery ads in particular tend to fall into predictable tropes- the bride, the heirloom, the proud father, the romantic proposal. These images, though culturally rich, become repetitive and restrictive over time. But here, the only tradition is transcendence. The only emotion is delight. It's easy to say that this is an ad about men wearing jewellery. But that would be oversimplifying it. This is an ad about removing labels. About the right to admire. The right to desire. The right to indulge. Jewellery, after all, is not about gender. It's about the senses. The way a necklace feels against the skin. The way light dances on cut glass. The quiet power of adornment. Why should this belong to only one half of the population? Reimagining Masculinity Interestingly, in literature and myth, men have always worn jewellery- kings, warriors, gods. From Krishna's peacock feather to Mughal emperors' rings, ornamentation was not gendered, it was revered. It is only in modern industrial cultures that men's accessories shrank to a watch and a wedding band. This ad quietly repossesses that lineage. It allows a man to admire, without needing to provide. To wear, without needing to own. To enjoy, without needing to explain. That's a big leap. Not for the world. But for the self. In many ways, this ad is not about breaking boundaries. It's about dissolving them. In a world obsessed with storytelling, sometimes the best stories are the ones we do not tell it. It just shows. And smiles. And is remembered. Like Mohanlal's final laugh. Unburdened. Unexpected. Unforgettable. The Psychology of Permission What this ad gives us is permission. That too through silence. It is what psychologists call a "liminal space"- the in-between moment where transformation is possible. Mohanlal, in his private joy, makes us rethink our conditioning, must beauty be gendered? Must adornment follow norms? Must indulgence be earned? In many ways, this is an ad that says- feel first, think later . And for that reason, it achieves what marketing often chases but rarely lands, it creates affect before argument. In other words, you do not need to believe in the message to feel its warmth. Culture Crafting, or Consumer Targeting: In breaking this boundary, the brand has more than selling its product, it has sold an idea. That beauty is not about fitting in, but about owning what moves you. This is not niche. This is not 'woke advertising'. This is timeless. It connects with everyone who has, at some point, stopped in front of a mirror, held something beautiful against their skin, and whispered to themselves, 'Why not?' A Note to Marketers It's time to drop the script. Consumers today are more than data points. They are searching for meaning, softness, freedom. Ads that dictate rarely connect. Ads that allow space, for ambiguity, for pause, for feeling, tend to linger. This film by Prakash Varma does not shout. It does not chase virality. But it will be remembered. Because it gave people permission to feel something they did not know existed, and needed. And that is the true shimmer of a great brand moment. So next time you see someone admiring something they are 'not supposed to,' do not interrupt. Let them have their Mohanlal moment.
Hans India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Mohanlal dazzles in gender-fluid avatar for jewellery brand
In a bold and unconventional move, Vinsmera Jewels has turned heads across the nation by choosing Malayalam superstar Mohanlal as the face of their latest campaign — not as the usual masculine brand ambassador, but as a hero embracing a gender-fluid persona. The celebrated actor appears in the new ad flaunting the brand's jewellery with elegance, challenging the long-held tradition of featuring only women in jewellery advertisements. Directed by acclaimed ad filmmaker Prakash Varma, the advertisement subverts norms and expectations with a narrative that's both playful and progressive. In the ad, Mohanlal plays a fictional version of himself who slyly steals jewellery from a film set, only to lock himself inside his vanity van and adorn himself with the sparkling gold and diamond pieces. It's a refreshing departure from the hyper-masculine portrayals that dominate media, and a powerful statement on fluid expression and breaking gender norms. This daring campaign is drawing comparisons with the strategies of other leading jewellery brands like Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold, and Jos Alukkas — all of whom also feature male brand ambassadors. However, none have dared to explore such a bold, inclusive, and gender-defying concept in their promotions. Vinsmera's campaign, led by Mohanlal, is setting a new precedent. What makes this effort all the more compelling is the fact that Mohanlal, one of the most respected and versatile actors in Indian cinema, chose to lend his image to such a path-breaking concept. Known widely as the 'Complete Actor,' Mohanlal once again proves why he deserves that title — his willingness to experiment and take creative risks is winning hearts across demographics. The ad's director Prakash Varma, who recently made his acting debut as the antagonist in the Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum, brings a nuanced vision to the commercial. His unique storytelling approach helped elevate the concept beyond a simple marketing gimmick into a thoughtful commentary on identity and self-expression. Unsurprisingly, the ad has gone viral on social media, with netizens and fans alike showering praise on both Mohanlal and Vinsmera Jewels for their courage and creativity. Hashtags like #Mohanlal, #VinsmeraJewels, and #BreakingNorms are trending, with users applauding the actor's bold choice and hailing the campaign as a much-needed breath of fresh air in brand storytelling. In a time when many leading men in Indian cinema cling to hypermasculine and action-heavy roles, Mohanlal's move is being celebrated as not only brave but revolutionary. He has once again proved that acting is not just about fitting into molds — it's about breaking them. With this ad, Vinsmera Jewels hasn't just marketed their product — they've made a statement. And thanks to Mohanlal, that statement is echoing across the country with resounding applause.
