Legal Action Against Superstar Mohanlal

Veteran Malayalam writer and orator Sukumar Azhikode said he was taking legal action against superstar Mohanlal for his remarks that Azhikode suffers from "hallucinations" and demanded an apology. 

The 84-year-old said the first step of a defamation case has been set in process with a legal notice being served on Mohanlal.

"My counsel has sent a notice saying that if Mohanlal does not render an apology to me in a week’s time for his statement that I suffer from hallucinations, then legal steps would be taken up vigorously," said Azhikode.

This move can be seen as a response for a legal notice served on the writer in June by AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) for allegedly belittling them.

"When I got the notice from AMMA, I took legal advice and was told that their defamation case will not hold good… Mohanlal’s statements made publicly on TV channels has hurt me a lot," said Azhikode.

The war of words between the duo broke out when Azhikode came in support of thespian actor Thilakan who was served a show cause notice by AMMA early this year. Azhikode’s siding with Thilakan has upset AMMA.

The first salvo was fired by Azhikode in February when he criticised Mohanlal, saying the actor has grown old and should limit himself to roles matching his age and figure.

He also added that Mohanlal should stop making money by endorsing jewellery.

Mohanlal hit back in March, by saying that Azhikode must be suffering from some "hallucination", and he considered Azhikode’s statements as some "aged uncle’s joke". He also said that it was not for Azhikode to decide whether he should stop acting.

"The defamation filed by AMMA is to come up in court next month," Azhikode said.

Azhikode in 1986 retired as Pro-Vice Chancellor of Calicut University. He is well known for his oratorical skills. (IANS)