Drug case director and Mammootty: Hareesh Peradi’s explosive Facebook post goes viral!

Actor Hareesh Peradi has launched a scathing attack on Malayalam superstar Mammootty, questioning the ethics of his latest film collaboration. The controversy erupted following the announcement of Mammootty’s upcoming project, Mattancherry Mafia, directed by Khalid Rahman. Peradi’s criticism stems from Khalid Rahman’s prior arrest in a high-profile hybrid cannabis case, as the actor took to Facebook to draw a sharp contrast between Mammootty’s recent cautious behaviour during a public visit and his professional choices in the film industry.

In his social media post, Peradi referenced a specific incident during Mammootty’s visit to Wayanad Township. Reportedly, the veteran actor was hesitant to be seen extensively with a local public worker, allegedly remarking, "Wouldn't the locals think I came for you?" Peradi used this instance to highlight what he views as a double standard, asking why Mammootty, who was ready to collaborate again with a director arrested in the hybrid cannabis case, did not feel that the locals would think he was promoting drug use. "I don't know. I don't know which is right," Peradi wrote.

Despite the brewing controversy, expectations for the film remain exceptionally high as this project marks the reunion of Mammootty and Khalid Rahman after their critically acclaimed hit, Unda. The film features a star-studded cast including Asif Ali and Naslen K. Gafoor, and is produced by Khalid Rahman and B. Rakesh under the banner of Plan B Motion Pictures and Universal Cinemas. The script is penned by a team including Niyog Krishna, Suhas, Sharaf, and Tasreeq Abdul Salam.

The director, Khalid Rahman, was previously embroiled in legal trouble when he was arrested by the Excise Department in connection with the possession of hybrid cannabis. While the film industry has largely rallied behind Rahman, Peradi’s comments have reignited a public debate regarding the social responsibility of superstars and whether professional collaborations implicitly endorse a collaborator's personal or legal history. Neither Mammootty nor the creators of Mattancherry Mafia have officially responded to Peradi's remarks.