Left-leaning Cyber Handles Target Malayalam Megastar Mammootty After His Meeting With DYFI-SFI leaders
CPM leader Jayarajan condemns online attack against Megastar, says issue settled long ago
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A cyber attack by some left-leaning social media accounts against Malayalam megastar Mammootty has annoyed the CPM. The backlash came after Mammootty invited leaders of the CPM-led DYFI and SFI to his home for a meeting. The student and youth leaders saw the meeting as an acknowledgement from the superstar for their contributions to the progressive movement and shared pictures on social media. However, this didn’t sit well with a section of Left-wing supporters online, who recalled an insult to CPM leader K Rafeeq earlier this year.
The incident occurred in March, 2026, during Mammootty’s private visit to the newly built rehabilitation township in Kalpetta, Wayanad, established by the LDF government for families displaced by the devastating Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in 2024. Wayanad district secretary K. Rafeeq, who had led volunteer efforts in disaster relief and rescue operations, was also present for another program involving a top CPM leader.
He accompanied Mammootty around the township, helping manage the crowd. At one point, Mammootty told Rafeeq not to follow him everywhere, saying, “Why are you always standing beside me? People might think I came at your party’s behest.” He then asked him to step aside.
The video went viral, drawing sharp criticism of Mammootty, particularly from Left-leaning social media users who saw his comment as disrespectful toward a party leader involved in relief efforts. Mammootty reportedly later called Rafeeq to explain that he hadn’t meant any insult and had spoken privately out of concern their joint appearance might be politically misunderstood. Rafeeq confirmed the issue was settled.
Following a recent wave of cyberattacks, senior CPM leader P Jayarajan stepped in to address the situation. In a Facebook post, he condemned the attack against Malayalam cinema’s pride, Mammootty, and mentioned that the Wayanad issue had been amicably resolved the same day.
He also pointed out that the strong personal bond between Rafeeq and Mammootty is well known to the public. Certain groups, however, are deliberately reviving a resolved misunderstanding for their own gain, repeatedly targeting and insulting the veteran actor.
Turning a visit by SFI and DYFI leaders, invited by Mammootty, into a controversy shows a narrow political mindset. The leaders were actually keen to meet him. Those engaging in character assassination while claiming to represent the Left are not practising true Left politics, he said.
Jayarajan urged people swayed by false propaganda to step away from it, adding that the needless cyber attacks against Malayalam’s legendary actor should come to an end.
Mammootty shared the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards with Kartik Aaryan. Mammootty received the award for “Bhramayugam,” while Kartik won for “Chandu Champion.”
The 75-year-old actor has won four National Awards for Best Actor and appeared in over 400 films during a cinematic career spanning more than 45 years.
