Nivin brings Umesh back with ‘Oru Vadakkan Selfie’ dialogue; audience applauds as Premam star recalls Aju Varghese scene

Actor Nivin Pauly took the audience down memory lane by quoting a popular dialogue from Oru Vadakkan Selfie at an event in Kochi, drawing loud applause.

Nivin was speaking at the inauguration of Project Zero, a vigilance initiative launched with public participation to fight corruption. He also led those gathered at the event in taking an anti-corruption pledge.

Referring to Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Nivin recalled his character Umesh and the dialogue he delivers to the character played by Aju Varghese. He quoted the line about a friend who had unnecessarily encouraged him and pushed him into trouble several times, before jokingly clarifying that he was not suggesting Aju would actually say such a thing. The remark drew loud applause from the audience.

Nivin also recalled Action Hero Biju, asking the audience whether they had watched the film, which prompted an enthusiastic response. He said he had played a police officer who worked for people and society, patiently listened to their problems and acted according to the law.

“Society exists on the belief in the law. The moment that belief is lost, society also begins to slowly break down,” Nivin said.

Speaking about corruption, he said it was not limited to money changing hands. Denying opportunities to individuals and students, creating the impression that those who take shortcuts will succeed regardless of merit, and believing that money and power can overcome a lack of merit were also forms of corruption, he said.

“All this creates the feeling that there is no point in taking the honest path,” Nivin said, adding that he believed Project Zero could help bring about a change.

Nivin also spoke about the younger generation, saying they question things, demand evidence and seek accountability.

“Law and authority must move forward in the way the new generation expects,” he said.

The actor also revisited his early days in cinema by delivering a dialogue from the skit he performed during the audition for his debut film Malarvaadi Arts Club. The dialogue, too, received loud applause from the audience.