Kochi, 08 March (H.S.):

Actor Mammootty has come under intense cyber criticism following an incident that occurred during his recent visit to the Mundakkai–Chooralmala township project in Wayanad. A video circulating on social media shows the actor asking CPM Wayanad district secretary K. Rafeek to step aside while walking with him during the visit, triggering heated debates online.

According to reports, the controversy began when Mammootty, who had arrived to visit the township area, was accompanied by CPM leaders including K. Rafeek. During the walk, Mammootty reportedly asked Rafeek to move aside, saying that if he continued to walk alongside him, people might misunderstand that the actor had come to the township as part of a political engagement on behalf of the leader.

“You walking with me all the time may create the impression that I have come here for you,” Mammootty was heard saying in the video clip that later surfaced on social media. The footage, which was recorded during the visit on Saturday afternoon, began circulating widely online later that night.

The video sparked a wave of reactions, particularly from left-leaning social media handles, many of whom criticised the actor’s conduct. Some users argued that Mammootty should have shown greater courtesy and respect while addressing a political leader. Comments questioning the actor’s behaviour quickly spread across online platforms, with critics stating that public figures must maintain basic etiquette while interacting with others.

However, sources close to the actor said Mammootty had intended the visit to be strictly private and non-political. According to them, he had travelled from Chennai solely to see the township project and had deliberately avoided informing the media about the visit. They added that the actor did not invite any political leaders to accompany him and had wished to keep the visit informal.

Those close to Mammootty also said that CPM leaders were already present at the township site and began accompanying the actor during the visit while managing the crowd. It was in this context, they said, that Mammootty requested Rafeek to move aside to avoid giving the impression that the visit had political undertones.

Notably, CPM national general secretary M. A. Baby had visited the township shortly before Mammootty’s arrival. As a result, several party leaders, including Rafeek, were already present at the site.

The incident has since ignited a broader discussion on social media about celebrity conduct, political optics, and the sensitivities surrounding public appearances in politically charged environments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman