Veteran actor Mammootty on Sunday spoke briefly about the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, expressing hope that humanity would prevail amid escalating violence in the region. He was addressing a gathering while inaugurating a programme marking 50 years of filmmaker T V Chandran’s career in cinema. Referring to the hostilities abroad, Mammootty said that while conflict and rivalry are common even within the film industry, real-world wars carry far graver consequences.

“There have been discussions, disputes and even battles in cinema. Sometimes one side wins, sometimes both sides lose. Even now, a war is taking place outside. We do not know who will win. I hope that humanity wins,” he said. His remarks come against the backdrop of rapidly rising tensions in West Asia. The United States and Israel on Saturday launched strikes on Iran. Tehran has since responded by firing missiles at Israel and at locations in the Middle East where US forces are stationed.

The Bramayugam actor will next be seen in Mahesh Narayanan’s multistarrer Patriot, which reunites him with Mohanlal after a long gap. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 23 and features Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist. Mammootty is also currently shooting for auteur Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Padayaatra, marking his reunion with the veteran filmmaker after 32 years.