Telangana CM Revanth Reddy (right) targeted Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (left) with the famous line “Nee po mone Dinesha” from the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam blockbuster Narasimham.
Kerala polls: Revanth Reddy takes on Pinarayi, with a Mohanlal punchline
In a separate poll rally, senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh hit out at ruling LDF government, saying “God was not secure in God’s own country”, referring to the Sabarimala case
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday (April 1) took a swipe at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, using one of Mohanlal’s popular Malayalam punchlines during a United Democratic Front (UDF) campaign roadshow in the Nemom constituency.
Addressing party workers, Reddy invoked the famous line “Nee po mone Dinesha” from the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam blockbuster Narasimham, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Tweaking it to target the Kerala CM, he said, “Nee po mone Vijaya.”
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“Your time is over. Your expiry date is over. You don't have any time to continue. Now, the UDF's time has come,” Reddy said during the roadshow.
He expressed confidence that the Congress-led UDF would come to power in Kerala and ensure development in the state.
What does the dialogue mean?
“Nee po mone Dinesha” is an iconic dialogue from the Mohanlal-starrer movie Narasimham. In this 2000 blockbuster film, Mohanlal, who plays the character of Poovallil Induchoodan, delivers this punchline as a signature comeback.
While the literal translation means ‘you go, my boy, Dinesha’, the dialogue is widely used in everyday conversation as a catchphrase to dismiss or sportingly threaten someone.
Recently, during the promotions of Drishyam 3, Mohanlal’s upcoming film, the actor spoke about his interpretation of this iconic line, which remains a staple for memes and reels among Malayalam audiences.
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He said that “Nee po mone Dinesha” is a very beautiful dialogue that carries a powerful message about facing life with courage and responsibility. “It conveys the idea that whatever comes my way, I will face it. It carries the thought that I am responsible for all my actions.”
The popularity of the line also led to the creation of the song “Po mone Dinesha” in the 2014 Mohanlal film Peruchazhi.
The Assembly elections in Kerala are scheduled for April 9.
‘God not secure in Kerala’
In a separate political broadside on the poll-bound state, senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attacked the ruling LDF government, remarking that “God was not secure in God’s own country.” Referring to the Sabarimala gold loss issue, he alleged that the LDF betrayed Lord Ayyappa for a few pieces of gold.
Singh, speaking at a public meeting in the Paravur Assembly constituency, said that just like Judas betrayed Jesus Christ, the LDF had betrayed Lord Ayyappa.
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He also accused both the LDF and the UDF of betraying the people of Kerala, dividing society, “destroying” the state’s economy, and failing to fulfil their promises to the public.
The Defence Minister, during his election campaign speech, further alleged that the word “front” in both LDF and UDF stands for a “front of corruption.” He added that LDF represents “loot, division and failure,” while UDF stands for “untrustworthy, dishonesty and fraud.”