Srinivasan claims he heard Mammootty insist on 'Megastar' title; Anchor disputes the account

A new controversy has emerged in Malayalam cinema after veteran actor and screenwriter Srinivasan claimed that Mammootty insisted on being called "Megastar." Srinivasan made this remark during a promotional event for Bala’s upcoming film, sparking significant discussion online.

“Malayalam cinema is unique in that it has a ‘Megastar’ position. In other industries, it’s just ‘Superstar.’ Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal—they’re all just superstars. Only here do we have a ‘Megastar,’” Srinivasan remarked. He went on to recall an incident at a Dubai stage show where Mammootty reportedly instructed the host to introduce him as “Megastar Mammootty.”

The claim quickly gained traction on social media, leading senior UAE-based journalist Isaac John Pattaniparampil to respond. Isaac, who was working in the media during the 1987 stage show in Dubai, contradicted Srinivasan’s account, saying it was he who first coined the term “Megastar” for Mammootty.

Isaac explained that Mammootty’s films were highly successful at that time and the headline "Megastar" was used for the first time in a local publication after the event, eventually sticking as a title for the actor. He clarified that he didn’t know Mammootty personally when he wrote it and feels it’s inaccurate to suggest Mammootty demanded the title.