CPM-CPI tiff takes a filmy turn

Kochi: The CPM and CPI are at loggerheads over a host of issues since the LDF assumed power exactly a year back. They include Mahija's protest, the unnatural death of two Maoists and, most recently, the Munnar evictions. The latest is two top leaders from Kannur - CPM central committee member E. P. Jayarajan and former CPI secretary Pannyan Raveendran - locking horns over superstar Mohanlal.

What provoked Mr Jayarajan was Mr Raveendran's remarks against Mohanlal getting the national award for his performance in Puli Murugan saying it had overshadowed the remarkable achievement of Surabhi, the best female actor. Mr Jayarajan took to Facebook on Sunday to congratulate Mohanlal saying all the Keralites are proud of him. He then took a snipe at Mr Raveendran, a film enthusiast and small-time actor: "I saw some adverse remarks by some lowly persons. I feel pity for them."

"We all know how he acted in Panchagni, Vasthuhara and Bharatham. More than 3.5 crore people watched Puli Murugan which itself is an achievement," he went on. "The stage is set for a multi-crore movie based on MT Vasudevan Nair's Randamoozham with Mohanlal in the lead. At this juncture, people will attack those who criticise him."