The two superstars of Kerala, Mamooty and Mohanlal, recently created a stir in the film and political circles by becoming the board directors of the soon-to-be-launched, CPM-backed satellite channel 'Malayalam'. Despite their assertion that the channel had nothing to do with the CPM, the contrary has been amply proved by the Congress. And unfortunately, Mohanlal is facing a severe backlash from his fans due to this.

His fans belonging to the BJP and Congress (I) have started off a silent but visible form of protest by tearing down posters of their idol. Wall writings have also sprung up in many parts of the State asking Mohanlal to withdraw from the channel 'filled with tainted money'.

A worried Mohanlal when contacted said that he has not taken any decision on this issue and will definitely not withdraw succumbing to the pressure from his fans. The superstar said his distributors had informed him about posters of Narasimhamam and Life Is Beautiful being burnt down in some areas but said he would take a decision only after talking to various politicians who are in touch with him.

Mohanlal's close sources feel that the increasing resistance from his anti-CPM fans might force him to withdraw from the channel. In fact, he wants to come out of this controversy as soon as possible and concentrate on his films they say. He also fears that the Asianet (now owned by Zee) and Surya, the Malayalam channel of Sun, might target him for his involvement in the CPM channel.

But the pro-CPM directors like Shaji N Karun, P T Kunjikrishnan, Lenin Rajendran and the superstar Mamooty, who's also on the board, are of the view that Mohanlal should not resign and instead counter the protest.

Mohanlal's brother-in-law Suresh Balaji and his childhood friend and director Priyadarshan are flying to Kochi to discuss the issue with Mohanlal. However, Mohanlal is left with only two options either to immediately withdraw from the channel's board or fly off to US, where he has a series of stage shows lined up, and take a decision only after coming back. Meanwhile, CPM has started its State committee meeting to discuss the issue. According to sources, CPM may ask the superstar to withdraw from the channel and save him from further trouble as he wants to avoid being given a communist tag. Indiainfo has managed to get the names of the shareholders of the new channel. Ex MP K P Aravindakshan, ex MLA Kliyodekode Krishnan Nair and P T Kunjumohamed MLA and a few businessmen with CPM leanings comprise the shareholders. Other businessmen who have no links with CPM and who are on the list are Empee Distilleries' Purushothaman, Kavitha Theatres' Anoop and Architect Ramesh.

Fortunately, the other superstar Mamooty has escaped the ire of protesters' as none of his films are currently showing in the theatres. Moreover, everybody is aware of the fact that he was an active member of the CPM's youth and student wing.

Political pundits are now also predicting that within no time Mohanlal will go on the CPM campaign trail in the coming elections and later join the party. And if that is true, Mohanlal should take a lesson from veteran Malayalam actors who have earlier jumped into politics and burnt their fingers. Late Prem Nazir, the first superstar of Kerala, had joined the Congress and drew a blank in the elections. Directors Lenin Rajendran of CPM and actor Murali suffered the same fate.

And even if Mohanlal nurses no political ambitions, can he afford the ire of his fans over the issue?