It takes a man who’s not just full, but overflowing with himself, to add an ‘ism’ to his name and start a movement, or rather a music band, unless of course the name was coined by later generations. Then, it is not that surprising when it comes from an actor who likes to call himself ‘The complete actor’. ‘Lalism’ (or Lalisom), Mohanlal’s own band, is the latest assault on the Malayali ears (and eyes), which promises to add to the misconceptions on rock music that the average audience here still holds. Ever since the purveyors of pop culture in the state realised that rock music has become a ‘thing’, they have been milking the thing and churning out things which could at best be called glorified ganamela troupes.

We knew doomsday was closer when they started a reality show for music bands and we were treated to bands named after various junctions and other nostalgia-inducing objects like ‘thoni’, ‘kindi’ and ‘puzha’. Now, bands in Kerala better start looking for greener, grassier pastures, for you guys now have a self-appointed Godfather in a man, who at other times endorses perfectly legitimate businesses like Mata Amrithanandamayi, Malabar Gold and other real estate groups.

‘Lalisam- the lal effect’ is Mohanlal’s own music band which will expectedly have a guitarist who will stop in the middle of a solo to menacingly tie-up his mundu, a drummer who rolls up his moustache accompanied by a double pedal attack and a song with a chorus which goes ‘Po mone dinesha’. And of course, the man himself in the middle lip syncing to glory, surrounded by item girls who will all look admiringly at the man who’s rolling on 60.

In his own words — “I wish to give back to all, the support that they extended to me, through music, and the show would have images of my films and also my life” <ente thala-ente full figure-alert>

The news is that this band, which has no experience of playing anywhere before, are expected to be the star attraction of the National Games opening ceremony this month end. All that a small cost of Rs.2 crores, in a state where veteran bands are still asked to play for free and for valuable ‘exposure’. So, you were telling me that there’s no money in being a musician in this part of the world? Precisely. Don’t be a musician. But, do start a band. Because, that’s where the money is, for those who know how to make it. Not the music, just the money.

Lalism Promo song trailer — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYujfSnJuk4

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