Mammootty recently found himself at the centre of social media criticism after a video from the National Film Awards ceremony showed him receiving a traditional welcome with a tilak. While several fans congratulated the actor on his win, some questioned the gesture because of his faith. Filmmaker-actor Harisree Yousuf has now defended Mammootty, calling out the criticism.

Mammootty criticised for applying tilak

In a video shared by the Statue of Unity page, Mammootty is seen dressed in a white shirt and cream-coloured pants. He is welcomed with a bouquet, after which a woman applies a tilak on his forehead and drapes a tricolour shoulder cloth around his neck. While several comments congratulated the actor on his win, some criticised him for allowing a tilak to be applied despite being a Muslim.