Malikappuram, a purely Hindu devotional movie about a trip to Sabarimala Temple, has triggered the wrath of communists and radical Islamist Keralites the world over. RSS/BJP supporters, who updated positive reviews of the movie on social media, are being subjected to vile cyberbullying. Incidentally, C Praglesh, a local writer and leader from Malappuram associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) affiliated Yuva Kala Sahithi, too, had to bear the brunt for praising the movie. 

Praglesh is also the local editor of CPI’s mouthpiece Janayugam and the CPI Ponnani Area Secretary. After watching the movie, the communist writer posted his appreciation on Facebook. This did not go well with other Hindus in Name Only (HINO) communists and Islamists. The trolling began in earnest. 

Criticizing Praglesh’s post, Bhagwan Rajan, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) supporter and a tea stall owner on Naranipuzha Road, Ponnani, came forward with a counter note. Soon, both CPM and CPI supporters locked horns with each other through social media.

Things escalated fast, and there was an attack on Sobha Light and Sound, an establishment owned by Praglesh in Eramangalam Centre. At night, miscreants indulged in violence and arson. Equipment and welcome boards designed for local temple festivals were destroyed in the fire at night.

Praglesh noticed the damage when he opened the shop on the morning of January 2, Monday. A complaint has been lodged with the Perumbadappu police. Ponnani Taluk media persons and the Vannerinad Press Forum demanded an investigation and action against the culprits. Incidentally, Vannerinad Press Forum is a pro-leftist organization, and there are allegations that their complaints are mere eyewash. 

The movie Malikappuram was released on 30 December, and local artist Nadirshah who saw the film, said that Unni Mukundan, the Malikappuram star, had prepared a feast for the audience. He noted that he attended the second show of the movie Malikappuram at a theatre near Edappally in Ernakulam and posted his appreciation. 

“My friends and I liked it because they were not intellectuals”, Nadirshah said. “A really feel-good movie. (Don’t mix politics and religion in this, take it as the opinion of an average moviegoer),'” Nadirshah wrote. He, too, was attacked by both communist and Islamist cyber goons. 

After appreciating the film, which is going ahead with great audience response, Nadirshah was subjected to cyberbullying. Someone commented, “Bhai, is this (Nadirshah’s post) a psychological move to get ‘Sanghi’ love?” Nadirshah’s reply was immediate and brutal. He replied, “Bhai, a true communist will say things confidently and with aplomb.” This reply locked up any more of such negative comments. 

Earlier, Nadirshah was the only one from the Mollywood film industry to congratulate actor and BJP leader Suresh Gopi when his movie was released. Both have also helped struggling mimicry artists with financial support during the Covid shutdown period.

When will Kerala Hindus be able to stand up for their thoughts and rights? Do we need a Communist Muslim to show us how to handle criticism aimed at our Bhagwans and openly express our devotion to Ayyappa Swamy? It also indicates that HINOs are yet to understand that they are digging their own grave.

Malikappurathamma Devi temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. Bhagwan Ayyappa’s Brahmacharyam ends when no Kanni Ayyappa (first-timer devotee) comes to Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

Malikappuram is one of the rare Malayalam movies produced around a Hindu devotional theme. The rest are usually communist propaganda or pro-Abrahamic ones. Incidentally, Malikappuram has good ratings (under the circumstances) of around 8/10. Encouraged by its initial response, the producers are working on its Tamil dubbing, which should be ready soon.