Cinema VinesOn July 23, 2026, Malayalam film icons Mammootty and Manju Warrier joined a growing chorus of Indian cinema personalities in backing the student protest that has been unfolding at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The demonstration, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began on June 20 and has drawn attention to the alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination paper.
Mammootty, who was recently honored as Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards, used his social‑media platform to urge the nation to heed the concerns of its youth. In his post he stated, “The youth are the true treasure of our nation. Listen to their voices. Protect them. Empower them.” The veteran actor’s message underscores a broader call for safeguarding the interests of students amid the controversy.
Manju Warrier echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “humanity should prevail over politics.” She added, “Our youth have the right to ask questions, raise concerns and expect meaningful dialogue. Trust in the examination system must be protected across India. Faith in our educational system can only be strengthened through transparency, accountability and fairness.” Warrier further stressed that “Merit must prevail. Truth must matter. Our students deserve hope, not fear, and a future built on fairness.”
The protest has attracted support from a wide array of Malayalam film figures, including Joju George, Santhy Balachandran, Gouri Krishnan, Baby Jean, Aashiq Abu, Indrajith Sukumaran, Meenakshi, Kunchacko Boban, Siju Sunny, Rahman, Vinay Forrt, Kalidas Jayaram, Naslen, Nikhila Vimal, Grace Antony, Deepa Thomas, Vismaya Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Rima Kallingal. Notably, Tovino Thomas and Vismaya Mohanlal faced social‑media backlash after voicing their support for the agitation.
The CJP’s demands include accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, comprehensive reforms to the examination system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest has seen clashes between demonstrators and police, and several opposition parties have expressed solidarity with the students’ grievances.
