Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty Over Social Media Attacks

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday publicly apologised to Malayalam superstar Mammootty for the abusive online attacks the actor faced following his recent visit to the newly constructed Wayanad Model Township . Speaking at a public function, Vijayan called it “ extremely unfortunate ” that the actor was insulted online and added, “If the great actor of Malayalam cinema has felt hurt or distressed due to such a campaign, especially if any persons associated with the CPI(M) were involved, I publicly apologise to him.”

The controversy emerged after Mammootty reportedly expressed displeasure at Wayanad district secretary K Rafeeq accompanying him during his personal visit on Saturday. Concerned that being seen constantly with political leaders could spark misconceptions, the actor made a private remark which was later circulated online, escalating into a social media row. Reports suggest that some left-leaning social media handles allegedly targeted the actor following the incident.

Vijayan clarified that Mammootty had visited the township on his own initiative , without informing the government or any political party, intending only to see the project and interact with residents . The CM highlighted the actor’s reputation for humanitarian and social engagement , noting that he had travelled from Chennai to Kozhikode early in the morning before proceeding to Wayanad. He emphasised that turning the visit into a controversy was unnecessary, as Mammootty’s intentions were entirely positive .

After the backlash, Rafeeq posted on Facebook , urging an end to debates and confirming that Mammootty personally clarified he never intended to insult him.

During his visit, the ‘Amaram’ actor toured completed houses at the township, recently inaugurated by Vijayan, and praised the collective compassion of Kerala’s people for landslide survivors. The Wayanad Model Township , constructed at Elton Estate , has provided new homes to 178 families displaced by the July 30, 2024, Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide , marking a major rehabilitation milestone. Mammootty lauded the township as a reflection of Kerala’s social capital and humanitarian spirit .

The visit, intended purely to observe a model project , unintentionally became the centre of political and social media debate, prompting the CM’s public apology and clarifications by local leaders.