Actor Mammootty seems to be the latest high-profile victim of an online hate campaign that has taken the social media landscape by storm. The attacks, which are described as “communally loaded,” have centred around the actor’s official name, Mohammad Kutty, and have drawn an immense wave of condemnation from political figures across the spectrum, as well as from the general public, for their “odious” nature.
What initially began as a personal dispute between a filmmaker and her husband has escalated into a major social media controversy, unexpectedly placing Mammootty at the heart of a “religiously schismatic” debate. The turning point appears to revolve around Mammootty’s critically acclaimed role in the 2022 film “Puzhu,” which portrays the complex issues of caste prejudice. In the movie, Mammootty plays an upper-caste police officer who is resentful of his sister’s love marriage to a man from a lower caste.
The controversy was sparked by a relative of the filmmaker, who informed an online news channel that Mammootty should have ideally declined the role, as it portrayed a particular community in a negative light. This comment led to an upsurge in online vitriol directed at Mammootty, pulling in diverse opinions and resulting in vehement reactions from various quarters.
Both the ruling front and the Opposition have rallied behind the award-winning actor, accusing the Sangh Parivar of stirring communal tensions in the Malayalam film industry. Revenue Minister K. Rajan stated that Mammootty was being targeted for his religion, just like other film industry stalwarts who had been trolled by Hindu majoritarian elements. Mr. Rajan remarked that previous targets included director Kamal (referred to as Kamaluddin) and Tamil Superstar Vijay (addressed as Joseph Vijay). However, he emphasized that such divisive rhetoric had very few takers in Kerala, known for its harmony and inclusivity.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty also stepped into the fray, posting a picture of himself with Mammootty and lauding the three-time national award winner as “Kerala’s pride.” Sivankutty’s gesture was echoed by politicians across the board. AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal pointed out that art transcends religion and politics, condemning the Sangh Parivar’s attacks on Mammootty. Similarly, KPCC president K. Sudhakaran criticized the Sangh Parivar’s attempt to alienate the actor based on his religious background.
Interestingly, Mammootty also received somewhat nuanced support from BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan. Rather than blaming the actor, Radhakrishnan directed his ire at the film’s director and scriptwriter for the controversy. He argued that by opting to produce such a film, they had made Mammootty vulnerable to online harassment. Additionally, Radhakrishnan suggested that the film industry should ostracize those who use cinema as a platform for petty personal vendettas.
Radhakrishnan was unequivocal in his praise for Mammootty, reminding everyone that the actor had been a dominant force in Malayalam cinema for nearly 50 years and had portrayed characters from various religious and caste backgrounds. Associating Mammootty with any radical ideology was described by Radhakrishnan as utterly abominable.
The public’s response to the attacks has mirrored the political reaction. Netizens have taken to social media to express their support for Mammootty, sharing his body of work and applauding his performances across different genres and roles. Many pointed out that Mammootty’s career has not only been marked by critical success but also by an unwavering commitment to portraying diverse and socially relevant characters.
In an era where the digital space has become a battlefield for ideologically driven narratives, the widespread support for Mammootty serves as a reminder of the collective strength of communities standing against divisive tactics. The actor’s fans and supporters argue that singling out Mammootty for his religious identity not only undermines his contributions to cinema but also attempts to polarize an industry acclaimed for its inclusivity and social commentary.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the solidarity shown towards Mammootty by politicians, colleagues, and the public at large underscores a united front against online hate and communal division. The message is unequivocal: art and artists must be celebrated for their universal appeal, not ostracized based on their personal beliefs or the roles they choose to portray.
