Stars do everything on a different plateau, with a tinge of glamour and pomp, whether it is anti-war cries or compassion to the agonies of victims. True to the cosy and costly style pertinent only to matinee idols, Malayalam movie artistes led by mega star Mammootty joined the chorus of anti-war protesters worldwide, in a star fete held at Kozhikode on April 04 to extend sympathy to the war victims.

Almost all the cine artistes, with a few exceptions like Mohanlal, descended on a colourful night 'Ammayodoppam', under the aegis of the Malayalam Movie Artistes Association (AMMA). Though organised to raise funds for their association, the four-hour show had anti-war themes in bits, especially when the war scenes of flames, bombardments and booming guns were recreated in a hi-tech environment on the three-tier hydraulic stage.

Mammootty deplored the war in a hard-hitting speech at the beginning of the show. Leading comedians propped up a skit mocking profusely at the gluttony of America while AMMA secretary and mega star Mammootty delivered his 'super dialogues' against US-led war. However, at the end of the happy mix of dances, songs and skits, the Association went wealthier by several lakhs of rupees even as thousands after purchasing tickets for Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 1,000 returned home having denied entry while a few others got cane bashing. Three cops sustained injuries in stone -pelting.

''When people are protesting out in the streets, organizing human chains and boycotting multinational goods, why are they making a mockery of the cause by holding a star fete before the elite classes who can afford to buy tickets at huge prices? Let them come out and register their protests,'' said Basheer, summing up the public mood after he was denied entry despite having a ticket.