Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal will inaugurate the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2026) in Thiruvananthapuram. Scheduled from January 29 to February 1 at Kanakakkunnu Palace, the seventh edition will host over 400 global speakers, exploring the theme “The Paradox of Pace” through literature, art, and cultural dialogue.
The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) has steadily evolved into one of South India’s most influential cultural gatherings, a space where literature, art, and ideas converge to spark dialogue and reflection. In 2026, the festival returns to Thiruvananthapuram with renewed energy, promising four days of vibrant discussions, performances, and creative exchange. This year’s edition will be inaugurated by none other than Malayalam megastar Mohanlal, whose presence adds a unique dimension to the festival, bridging the worlds of cinema and literature in a celebration of storytelling.
Mohanlal’s association with MBIFL 2026 is more than ceremonial. As one of Kerala’s most beloved cultural figures, his career has been deeply intertwined with narratives that resonate across generations. His inauguration of the festival underscores the shared heritage of literature and cinema, two art forms that have long influenced each other in Kerala. For audiences, it is a moment of pride, as the state’s most iconic actor lends his voice to an event that celebrates the written word. For the festival, it is an opportunity to expand its reach, drawing cinephiles alongside bibliophiles, and reinforcing the idea that stories—whether told on screen or on paper—shape collective consciousness.
From January 29 to February 1, the historic Kanakakkunnu Palace will transform into a cultural hub, hosting more than 400 speakers from across the globe. Writers, poets, journalists, artists, and thinkers will gather under one roof to deliberate on the theme “The Paradox of Pace.” In a world where speed defines progress yet simultaneously erodes reflection, the festival seeks to pause and interrogate the contradictions of modern life. The theme resonates deeply with contemporary realities—where technology accelerates communication but diminishes attention spans, where convenience coexists with disconnection, and where the rush of modernity often leaves behind the richness of tradition.
The choice of Mohanlal as the inaugurator is symbolic in many ways. Cinema in Kerala has long been intertwined with literature, with many films drawing inspiration from novels, short stories, and plays. Mohanlal himself has portrayed characters rooted in literary imagination, bringing to life complex narratives that reflect Kerala’s social and cultural fabric. His presence at MBIFL 2026 is a recognition of this shared heritage of storytelling. It also highlights the festival’s commitment to bridging art forms and celebrating creativity in all its manifestations.
The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters has always been more than just a literary gathering. It is a platform for dialogue, where diverse voices engage with pressing issues of our time. The 2026 edition promises to continue this tradition, with sessions that explore the intersections of literature, politics, society, and technology. Eminent speakers such as Jeet Thayil, Scott Dylan Ezell, Nelofar Currimbhoy, T. Padmanabhan, N. S. Madhavan, and E. Santhosh Kumar are among those expected to participate, each bringing unique perspectives to the discussions. Their presence ensures that the festival will not only celebrate creativity but also provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.
The venue itself adds to the festival’s charm. Kanakakkunnu Palace, nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, has witnessed centuries of history and now stands as a symbol of Kerala’s cultural resilience. During MBIFL, its sprawling grounds will be filled with book stalls, art installations, and performance spaces, creating an atmosphere where literature spills beyond the confines of discussion halls into everyday experience. Visitors will not only listen to conversations but also immerse themselves in the sensory delights of art, music, and food, making the festival a holistic celebration of culture.
The theme “The Paradox of Pace” is particularly relevant in Kerala, a state that has embraced modernity while holding firmly to its traditions. The festival’s curators have envisioned sessions that reflect this duality—conversations on how technology reshapes storytelling, debates on the sustainability of cultural practices in a fast-paced world, and reflections on how communities can preserve identity amidst global homogenization. The paradox is evident in everyday life: while a teenager in rural Kerala may become a social media influencer overnight, an elderly storyteller may struggle to find listeners for folk tales. MBIFL 2026 seeks to bridge these worlds, offering a space where both voices are heard and valued.
Mohanlal’s inauguration is expected to draw unprecedented attention to the festival. Fans from across Kerala and beyond are likely to throng the venue, eager to witness their idol in a new avatar—as a patron of literature. This convergence of popular culture and intellectual discourse is precisely what makes MBIFL unique. It refuses to confine literature to ivory towers, instead bringing it into the public sphere where it can engage with diverse audiences. Mohanlal’s involvement is a reminder that literature is not isolated from society but deeply embedded in its cultural fabric.
Over the years, MBIFL has hosted some of the most distinguished voices in global literature, and the 2026 edition continues this legacy. The presence of international speakers ensures that the festival remains a global dialogue, connecting Kerala to the wider world. Yet, it also remains rooted in local realities, celebrating Malayalam literature and giving space to regional voices. This balance between the global and the local is what makes MBIFL distinctive, and Mohanlal’s inauguration further emphasizes its commitment to celebrating Kerala’s cultural identity while engaging with universal themes.
The festival is also expected to attract young audiences, particularly students and aspiring writers. For them, MBIFL is not just an event but an inspiration—a chance to interact with established authors, to discover new ideas, and to find encouragement for their own creative journeys. Mohanlal’s presence will undoubtedly add to this excitement, making literature accessible and appealing to a generation that often gravitates towards cinema and digital media. By positioning literature alongside popular culture, MBIFL 2026 hopes to ignite curiosity and foster a new wave of readers and writers.
As the countdown to January 29 begins, anticipation is palpable. The announcement of Mohanlal’s inauguration has already generated buzz across Kerala’s cultural circles, with discussions on how this collaboration between cinema and literature will shape the festival’s narrative. For Mathrubhumi, the organizer, it is a moment of triumph, as the festival continues to grow in stature and influence. For Kerala, it is a celebration of its rich cultural heritage, a reminder that storytelling remains at the heart of its identity.
MBIFL 2026 is not just another edition of a literary festival; it is a statement about the role of literature in contemporary society. By choosing “The Paradox of Pace” as its theme, it acknowledges the complexities of modern life and invites participants to reflect on them. By inviting Mohanlal to inaugurate it, it bridges art forms and expands its reach. By hosting over 400 speakers, it ensures diversity of thought and richness of dialogue. And by situating itself in Kanakakkunnu Palace, it grounds itself in history while looking towards the future.
In the days to come, as Thiruvananthapuram prepares to welcome writers, artists, and audiences from across the world, the city will once again affirm its place as a cultural capital. Mohanlal’s inauguration will be the curtain-raiser to four days of celebration, reflection, and dialogue. MBIFL 2026 promises to be a festival where pace slows down, where stories find space, and where culture is celebrated in all its glory. For Kerala, it is a reaffirmation of its identity as a land of letters, cinema, and creativity—a place where stories continue to thrive.
Discover more from Creative Brands
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
