In Kerala, so-called secularists seem unable to tolerate genuine camaraderie between Hindus and Muslims. The moment such bonds are displayed, they rush to criticize, spread negativity, and retreat to their usual divisive stance—one that sustains their ideology and relevance by maintaining strict religious boundaries.

A recent example of this was Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, a staunch Sanatani, visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple, where he conducted a special “Usha Pooja” and prayed for the well-being of his close friend and fellow actor Mammootty, who has been dealing with health issues.

This heartfelt gesture between two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest icons became widely discussed. Though such religious offerings are usually private, a receipt for the puja, featuring Mammootty’s real name, Muhammad Kutty, and his star sign Vishakham, surfaced on social media. The image quickly went viral, with most people appreciating the bond between the two actors.

However, some radical leftists reacted with hostility, displaying religious intolerance and accusing Mohanlal of wrongdoing. Shockingly, they portrayed his prayer as blasphemy, forcing him to explain a simple act of goodwill. This raises a troubling question—where is Kerala headed?

One of the most vocal critics was journalist and Islamic scholar O. Abdulla, a former editor of the Malayalam daily Madhyamam, which is known for its radical views and opposition to the BJP and RSS. In a social media post, Abdulla condemned Mohanlal and Mammootty, stating, “If Mohanlal did this with Mammootty’s knowledge, then Mammootty must repent (Tauba). He must apologize to the Islamic community.”

This statement left many people baffled—what exactly was the crime here? Abdulla later released a voice message reinforcing his stance, said, “Mammootty has committed a grave offense. If Mohanlal performed the puja purely based on his faith, then Mammootty is not at fault. However, if Mammootty had requested the offering, that would be unacceptable, as prayers should only be made to Allah. Seeking blessings elsewhere is forbidden in Islam and has been since the time of the Prophet.”

He further insisted that Mammootty must clarify his stance to the Islamic community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, urging religious scholars to intervene.

This raises a serious question—does Abdulla believe Kerala is governed by Sharia law? Are we living in Afghanistan or Pakistan? His comments sparked backlash, with many questioning how someone could promote such a divisive mindset. While some defended his statement on theological grounds, others called for legal action against him for disrupting Kerala’s communal harmony.

Mohanlal’s Response

Addressing the controversy, Mohanlal stated in a recent interview,: “Prayers are personal. Mammootty is my dear friend, and I prayed for him. The chit I gave at the temple was leaked, which is how people found out about it.” He reassured everyone that Mammootty’s health condition was minor and nothing to worry about.

Is Free Speech For Leftists Just A Tool To Push Their Narrative & Sustain Religious Intolerance?

Critics and social activists raise concerns about the limits of religious freedom in India’s Constitution. While it guarantees the right to practice one’s faith, does it permit individuals like Abdulla to impose their beliefs on others? With a significant social media following, he promotes a divisive ideology that many support. If such narratives go unchecked, what kind of society are we fostering?

Perhaps realizing the growing backlash, Abdulla quietly removed his post. But should individuals like him be allowed to sow discord without consequences? The spread of inflammatory and reckless rhetoric on social media must be addressed. It is crucial to hold such figures accountable before they further threaten India’s secular and pluralistic foundations.

Mohanlal’s Prayer for Mammootty at Sabarimala Triggers Controversy in Kerala

Mohanlal and Mammootty are the undisputed superstars of Malayalam cinema. Their healthy rivalry has produced several high-quality movies in the industry over the last two to three decades.

At the same… pic.twitter.com/87W9ueP8Za

— Anand #IndianfromSouth (@Bharatiyan108) March 25, 2025

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The post Kerala’s ‘Secular’ Leftists Display Religious Intolerance Over Mohanlal’s Prayer To Sabarimala Ayyappan For Mammootty’s Health appeared first on The Commune.

A significant controversy has erupted after CPI(M) member Mohammed Sharshad Baniyandy accused Malayalam superstar Mammootty of being a “Jihadi.”

In a recent interview, the Chennai-based businessman alleged that his estranged wife, Ratheena PT, and scriptwriter Harshad conspired to produce an anti-Hindu and anti-“upper-caste” film starring Mammootty. According to a report by the Pioneer, Ratheena was allegedly coerced by Mammootty into directing a film that portrays Hindus in a negative light using the caste angle.

The film at the center of this controversy is the 2022 Malayalam release “Puzhu,” in which Mammootty portrays an “upper-caste” IPS officer who harbors animosity towards his sister for marrying a Dalit man. Sharshad claimed, “Puzhu generated some controversy in Kerala, but the producer profited greatly. Ratheena was originally working on a different script but was directed by Mammootty to take on the Puzhu project. She had intended to create a light-hearted entertainer, but Mammootty’s influence changed the course of her project.”

He further accused the film’s writer, Harshad, of being an “Islamic extremist.”

Sharshad also stated that Mammootty was supposed to work on another script by Ratheena, but the Puzhu project was hurriedly initiated instead. He expressed his concerns about his wife’s involvement in her first major film, claiming it misrepresented upper-caste characters. Sharshad suggested that his estranged wife was influenced by “external interventions” that planted the controversial idea. Reports indicate that Ratheena secured a restraining order against Sharshad in a domestic violence case.

Mammootty, who has been the chairman of the CPI(M)-backed news channel Kairali TV since 2000, is well-known for his close association with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In 2007, Mammootty attended a conference of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and remarked that if DYFI-CPI(M)’s youth wing had been active in Gujarat, the 2002 riots would not have occurred. This comment led to backlash from both the BJP and Congress, with demonstrators tearing down his posters. Pinarayi Vijayan defended Mammootty, stating that the CPI(M) would “resist attempts to silence him.”

Following Sharshad’s allegations about Mammootty’s supposed links to Jihadi organizations, both CPI(M) and Congress leaders defended the actor. CPI(M) MLA KT Jaleel, a former minister and past president of the banned Islamist group SIMI, criticized the RSS-BJP for the “Jihadi” accusations against Mammootty. Additionally, Kerala ministers V Sivankutty and K Rajan, along with Congress leader KC Venugopal, voiced their support for the actor amid the social media uproar. CPI(M) leaders hailed Mammootty as a pride of Kerala and accused “Sangh Parivar politics” of being behind the online attacks on the actor.

(With inputs from OPINDIA)

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The post Mammootty A Jihadi Working Hand-In-Glove With CPI-M Claims Close Associate, Allegedly Coerced ‘Puzhu’ Filmmakers To Project Hindus In Bad Light appeared first on The Commune.