CPI(M) Will Also Reach Out to Mammootty Despite Social Media Backlash, Says Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

CPI(M) Kerala state secretary M.V. Govindan has said the party will maintain cordial relations with Malayalam superstar Mammootty and continue engaging with him despite the social media criticism surrounding the actor’s association with Left youth leaders.

Clarifying the party’s position, Govindan said the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) were not alone in seeking interaction with prominent personalities. The CPI(M), too, was willing to engage with Mammootty.

Describing the actor as a globally recognised artiste, Govindan said past criticism of him by party members should be viewed constructively.

“Mammootty is a great actor known across the world. There may have been occasions when we criticised him, but such criticism should be viewed as constructive,” he said.

Govindan added that the party had decided to interact with people across political affiliations and saw no reason to refuse a conversation with the actor if he was willing.

The controversy gained attention after DYFI state secretary and MLA M. Vijin shared a photograph with Mammootty, describing him as “a 25-year-old with 50 years of experience”. The post drew criticism from sections of Left supporters, with some questioning the leaders’ association with the actor.

The debate also revived references to an earlier episode involving CPI(M) Wayanad district secretary K. Rafiq and Mammootty during the actor’s visit to the district for relief-home activities.

Govindan’s remarks signal that the party’s state leadership does not intend to let the online backlash affect its engagement with the actor.

Mammootty also continues to serve as founder chairman of Kairali TV, the CPI(M)-backed television channel.