Mohanlal defends praying for Mammootty at temple amid criticism
What's the story
The Malayalam film industry is now tangled in a controversy after actor Mohanlal offered prayers at the Sabarimala temple for his friend and fellow actor Mammootty.
The incident took place on March 18, just before the release of L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran.
A receipt from Devaswom office, which showed Mammootty's birth name Muhammed Kutty and birth star Visakham, went viral on social media, inviting criticism from some quarters.
Support and criticism
Critics questioned religious insensitivity; Javed Akhtar defended the duo
While some lauded Mohanlal's gesture as an epitome of friendship, others slammed it as an act of religious insensitivity.
O Abdullah, a journalist and former editor of Madhyamam newspaper, voiced his disapproval in an audio message. He said, "If it were with Mammootty's knowledge, he should seek forgiveness. He should apologize to the Muslim community. It was a serious lapse from his end."
Meanwhile, Javed Akhtar defended the duo, highlighting their friendship and criticizing the narrow-mindedness of their critics.
Twitter Post
Read Akhtar's post
I wish every Mamooty of India had a friend like Mohan Lal and every Mohan Lal had a friend like Mamooty . It is obvious that their great friendship is beyond the understanding of some Small , narrow minded , petty and negative people but who cares .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 26, 2025
Defense and support
Mohanlal defended his actions; Mammootty's team dismissed health rumors
Defending his actions, Mohanlal said, "What's wrong in praying for him? He is doing well. He had a minor health issue, but that's normal for everyone." He also said Mammootty had wished him success for L2: Empuraan.
Meanwhile, rumors of Mammootty suffering from cancer were quashed by his team, who said he was just on vacation and would soon start shooting for a Mahesh Narayanan directorial.
He was last seen in the crime-comedy Dominic and the Ladies' Purse.