Actor Mammootty faces online criticism after images circulated showing him wearing a tilak at a National Awards event. In response, fellow actor Harisree Yousuf addresses the backlash and defends Mammootty, arguing that public discussion should not turn harsh or derogatory.
Yousuf also comments on the broader tendency to mix religion with online arguments. He says religion should be viewed as a force that makes people better, promoting unity and respect rather than division. He highlights Mammootty’s wider public contributions, including philanthropic work, as part of what he considers a more balanced way to assess the actor.
The outlets focus on different aspects of the same incident: one reports the criticism and Harisree Yousuf’s defense alongside his remarks about religious inclusivity, while the other emphasizes Yousuf’s critique of dragging religion into online disputes. Both frame the response as a call for a less inflammatory discussion.
