Mammootty, Mohanlal saved by THIS superstar during a major controversy: Alleppey Ashraf

Mammootty and Mohanlal are two legendary actors in Indian cinema who have successfully sustained their stardom for over four decades. While many contemporaries faded away, these two stars continue to reign in Mollywood. However, controversies involving both of them have been rare in their illustrious careers. Actor and director Alleppey Ashraf recently shared an intriguing incident where a superstar from another language came to their rescue during a challenging time.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Alleppey Ashraf Kandathum Kettathum, the filmmaker opened up about a controversy involving Mammootty, Mohanlal, and the renowned cultural figure of Kerala, Sukumar Azhikode.

Alleppey Ashraf’s words:

The controversy began during a dispute involving legendary actor Thilakan. Sukumar Azhikode had criticized the industry’s treatment of Thilakan, and Mohanlal responded by stating that Thilakan was like family to them and the actions taken against him were purely disciplinary. There is no need to listen to someone outside the family (referring to Azhikode). This response escalated the situation.

The issue further intensified when Sukumar Azhikode criticized a jewellery advertisement featuring Mohanlal and Hema Malini. In the ad, Hema Malini was seen wearing a necklace that extended to her chest, and Mohanlal was shown complimenting the necklace, saying it looked good. This portrayal drew criticism from Azhikode who said that if Malini had a brother, Mohanlal would be beaten up because of this gesture. He added that Mohanlal should stop making money through endorsements of jewellery brands. But Mohanlal defended himself, saying, “This is my profession, and no youngster has gone astray after watching the ad.” He also took a sharp dig at Azhikode, saying, “Writing 40 books doesn’t make someone the greatest person in the world, he should have a quality of soul.”

In response, Azhikode launched sharp criticism against Mohanlal. He also targeted Mammootty, claiming he was worried about losing his stature. Azhikode further mocked them, saying elderly actors should stick to playing elderly roles.

The fans of both actors reacted strongly, even burning effigies of Azhikode. Despite the backlash, Azhikode continued his criticism, even mocking Mohanlal during a public event, showing his own hair and saying, “This is my hair, not something I bought from a shop.”

A defamation case was eventually filed against Mohanlal. Sukumar Azhikode also wrote to the then Defence Minister AK Antony, questioning Mohanlal’s honorary Lieutenant Colonel title. After receiving no response, he wrote another letter, alleging illegal wealth accumulation and tax evasion by both Mammootty and Mohanlal. This led to income tax raids at the residences of both stars.

Despite their influential connections, neither actor could find immediate support. It was Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi who stepped in to help. At the time, Chiranjeevi was serving as a Union Minister. He approached Sonia Gandhi directly, explained the situation, and convinced her to intervene. Within moments, Sonia Gandhi took action, resolving the crisis.

Eventually, Azhikode and Mohanlal patched up before his death in 2012.