The heated discussion between CPI leader Pannyan Raveendran and CPM leader E P Jayarajan through social media has taken many by surprise because the war of words was nothing close to a political debate, but over the revered Malayalam actor Mohanlal's winning a special mention at the National Awards.
In a social media post, Pannyan said that there was nothing to appreciate Mohanlal for his acting in Pulimurugan. This attracted a reaction from CPM leader and former minister Jayarajan who criticised Pannyan without mentioning his name.
He said, "Mohanlal is Malayalam’s pride. I pity those who reacted against Mohanlal’s National Award, belittling him." To this, Pannyan counter-reacted, saying he did not want to react to statements of people who do not have the patience to listen.