Mammootty criticised over tilak, Malayalam actor Harisree Yousuf slams critic

Malayalam superstar Mammootty faced online backlash after accepting a traditional tilak on his forehead during a welcome ceremony in Gujarat, where he arrived to receive his Best Actor trophy at the 72nd National Film Awards. A social media user, identified as Abbas, termed the gesture a religious offence, prompting actor-comedian Harisree Yousuf to hit back at the criticism and defend the veteran star.

Emphasising the need to look beyond religious divides, Yousuf condemned the narrow-minded reaction and highlighted the secular nature of cultural hospitality in India.

Slamming the critic for targeting Mammootty over permitting the tilak, Yousuf described the commenter as a "frog in a well" for reducing a customary greeting into a communal issue. "Mammootty is an artist. I am also a small-time artist. We artists do not have narrow-minded thinking. We think a little more broadly," Yousuf said in a video message. "This person felt that it was a huge offence... people like you, who carry only 'religion' in their minds, will think like this."

Explaining that applying a tilak is standard hospitality extended to guests at major events and hotels, the comedian questioned the practice of invoking faith to insult public figures. He highlighted Mammootty's extensive contributions to cinema and society, including funding free heart surgeries for children and bringing national acclaim to Kerala. "You abused a person who is respected and admired by Malayalis across the world... look at the good things that person does for our society," Yousuf said.

Drawing parallels between different acts of faith — such as applying a tilak, making the sign of the cross, or bowing in prayer — Yousuf asserted that all expressions of devotion are directed towards the same Creator. Rebuking communal ideology, he remarked that such regressive mindsets belonged in a "Taliban" regime rather than a secular nation like India. "Religion is necessary, but what is religion for? It is not for human beings to fight with each other. Religion is meant to make human beings better," he concluded, urging social media users to stop stoking communal discord.

Harisree Yousuf is a recognised face in Malayalam cinema and stage performances, with notable credits in films such as Meow, Ini Utharam, and Amar Akbar Anthony.

At the 72nd National Film Awards, Mammootty won the Best Actor award, sharing the top honour with Hindi film actor Kartik Aaryan. While Mammootty earned the accolade for his compelling performance in the Malayalam drama Bramayugam, Aaryan secured his first National Award for his portrayal of a paralympic gold medallist in the sports drama Chandu Champion. The win marked Mammootty's fourth National Film Award for Best Actor, further cementing his legacy as one of Indian cinema's most celebrated stalwarts.

The prestigious ceremony also saw actor Yami Gautam win the Best Actress award for her performance in the political thriller Article 370, while filmmaker Nag Ashwin earned the Best Director accolade for his sci-fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD.