Mohanlal faces heat after Sabarimala puja for Mammootty on 'Empuraan' eve. Javed Akhtar weighs in. What is the row?

Mohanlal’s ‘Usha puja’ in Sabarimala for his actor-friend Mammootty has triggered a row as Malayalam superstar's L2: Empuraan hits theatres today.

Those criticising Mohanlal, a Hindu, have issues with him praying for Mammootty, a Muslim by faith, at a temple. Mammooty's faith doesn’t permit worshipping anyone other than Allah, they said.

On March 18, Mohanlal visited Sabarimala temple in Kerala ahead of the release of his Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial L2: Empuraan. After his visit, a puja offering receipt with Mammootty’s birth name, Muhammed Kutty, and his birth star ‘Visakham’ was viral on social media.

Receipt Leaked

The receipt was offered by the Devaswom office, hinting that Mohanlal had performed the ritual for Mammootty, who is reportedly not keeping well.

Several reports also claim Mammootty is currently being treated for cancer, however, his team has dismissed the claims.

Mohanlal's gesture was hailed by some, and criticised by others.

O Abdullah, an influencer and former editor of the ‘Madhyamam’ newspaper, is heard in an audio message saying that Mammootty should apologise if he had asked Mohanlal to offer prayers on his behalf.

Mohanlal’s faith in Lord Ayyappa

“If it was with Mammootty’s knowledge, he should seek forgiveness. He should apologise to the Muslim community. It was a serious lapse from the side of the actor. There is nothing wrong if Mohanlal had performed the offering without Mammootty’s knowledge,” he is quoted as saying by News18.

“Mohanlal’s faith in Lord Ayyappa must be that high. He may have done it based on that faith. However, if the offering was performed with Mammootty’s directive, then it is a great crime. According to Islamic beliefs, no one should offer anything to anyone except Allah,” Abdullah said.

Javed Akhtar joins in

Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar backed Mohanlal and Mammootty amid the row.

“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,” Akhtar said in a post on X.

About L2- Empuraan

L2: Empuraan clashes with Chiyaan Vikram’s Veera Dheera Sooran in Tamil, Nithiin-Sreeleela’s Robinhood in Telugu and Salman Khan’s Sikandar in Hindi.

The sequel also features Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh and Suraj Venjaramoodu.

Mohanlal - Mammootty Bond

Though rivals, Mohanlal and Mammootty are known for their friendship. After the row, Mohanlal said that Mammootty is like his brother.

“What’s wrong in praying for him? He is doing well. He had a minor health issue, but that’s normal for everyone. There is nothing to worry about,” he said. Mohanlal said the two have been working together for 45 years and have done over 55 films. “He’s like a brother to me. Our families are close. I was at Sabarimala, thought of him, and offered my prayers,” he said.

On March 26, Mammootty wished Mohanlal for L2: Empuraan, the sequel to Lucifer. "Best wishes to the entire cast and crew of Empuraan for a historic victory! Hope it crosses boundaries across the world and makes the entire Malayalam industry proud. Rooting for you, dear Lal and Prithvi," Mammooty said in a post on X.