The idea of intimacy, whether it's a physical display of affection or a deep emotional connection, is a complex one, especially when it involves individuals who are under public scrutiny. The display of affection, such as kissing in public, can be a simple act of love or a gesture of comfort but can quickly become a subject of discussion or debate when it involves public figures.

Forget the invincible, six-packed demigod. The classic Malayalam hero—think or Mammootty in their prime—was often a deeply flawed everyman. Mohanlal’s Kireedam is a tragedy about an aspiring policeman destroyed by his father’s expectations. Mammootty’s Mathilukal is a poetic prison romance where the beloved is never seen.