Ever since filmmaker Major Ravi officially announced his new project titled Pahalgam Op Sindoor, speculation that Mohanlal will headline the film has set off a wave of discontent among the veteran actor’s fans. The hashtag #BoycottMajorRavi began trending on X (formerly Twitter) soon after the announcement, with several users expressing disappointment and frustration over the possibility of the actor reuniting with the director.
The upcoming film, inspired by the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Indian military operation, was announced on Sunday through social media after a traditional pooja ceremony for its script at the Mookambika Temple. It is produced by Presidential Movies International Pvt Ltd. While the makers have not confirmed any casting details, reports indicate that Mohanlal is expected to play the lead. The speculation gained ground following a post in May by Anup Mohan of Presidential Movies hinting at a collaboration between the two.
A section of fans, however, has reacted strongly to the news. One fan wrote, “Heavy backlash has already begun on social media for the upcoming Lalettan – Major Ravi film, even before its official announcement. This time the criticism isn’t coming from outside — it’s from within the #L fan base itself. Not surprising at all.”
Another user said, “I’ve decided not to watch the upcoming M-Ravi Mohanlal film in theatres, and I won’t be sharing or promoting any pre-release content related to it on my timeline. Among all his friends, M-Ravi proved to be the worst of all time! Pathetic!!”
Several others voiced similar concerns, with one post reading, “For the first time, I want an L film to be bombed in box office and quality wise. Won’t be watching this.” Another emotional appeal from a self-professed fan read, “We are the ones who stayed together even when you were broken. I request you laletta please leave this movie even though you remember us. I want to see more good films from you. Go find something new... not the old trash. With love your ardent fan.”
Some expressed frustration over the director’s style, with a user writing, “We can’t spend money, buy tickets to watch shit. L is in the best form of his life - this will lead to another bad phase. Don’t try to please right-wing, @Mohanlal. You will lose a huge left fanbase and neutral educated base, see what happened to Akshay Kumar.”
There were, however, a few neutral voices calling for restraint. One post read, “I don’t understand. Operation Sindoor was one of the proudest moments in Indian history. I get it that no one trusts his filmmaking but I don't think he'll dare take a subject like this and deliver a half-baked stuff.” Another user added, “If Major Ravi can give us a Picket 43, he is welcome, otherwise no - it’s time to stop.”
Major Ravi, a retired Army officer, is best known for his military-themed films. His debut Keerthichakra, which starred Mohanlal, earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay and went on to become one of Malayalam cinema’s defining war dramas. However, their later collaborations such as Kurukshetra, Kandahar, Karma Yodha and 1971: Beyond Borders received mixed to poor responses from both critics and audiences.
The director has also been a contentious figure within the industry, with his public remarks often drawing attention. Earlier this year, his comments about Empuraan during its release led to a backlash from sections of the fan community.
Pahalgam Op Sindoor is said to be based on the April 2025 attack in Pahalgam, where militants targeted tourists, killing 26 civilians. The incident led to India’s counteroffensive, Operation Sindoor, involving precision strikes across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Mohanlal, who was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army of India in 2009 after the release of Kurukshetra, became the first Indian actor to receive such an honour for his onscreen portrayal of military personnel and his contribution to cinema highlighting the armed forces.
Despite the growing online debate, the team behind Pahalgam Op Sindoor has not issued any clarification regarding the cast. An official confirmation from Mohanlal or his representatives is awaited. If finalised, the project would mark the actor’s sixth collaboration with Major Ravi.