Mohanlal Offers To Return Vintage Camera, To Skirt Row

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal who is courting controversy over the vintage camera, with which his first shot was taken, is willing to return the equipment. Sabu Cherian, chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), said that a controversy has been thrown up following reports that a person has approached a court seeking an inquiry into the handing over the camera to Mohanlal that has an archival value.

"Mohanlal wishes to stay away from any controversy and he is willing to return the camera to KSFDC. We have not taken this new issue up as we have no official knowledge of the so-called case that has been registered at a court here," said Cherian.

In December last year, at a public function Mohanlal had expressed his desire to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was also present, to have the possession of the camera which was with KSFDC. When Mohanlal asked for the camera, there was a mild protest from a few quarters who felt that it will set a bad precedent.

Later, the state government handed over the camera to him and it is being said that the then state Minister for Cinema KB Ganesh Kumar reportedly played an important role in fulfilling the actor's wish.

"In return, Mohanlal gifted KSFDC a working camera of the same brand. The camera with Mohanlal is a 1976 model equipment. Given the actor's contribution to the state by doing free advertisements for the government, many felt that it was a good gesture by the state government," said Cherian. "So far, we have not received any notice regarding the case. Mohanlal has made it clear that he doesn't want to create a controversy," Cherian added.

Mohanlal has worked in over 300 moves in his nearly four decades long acting career and has won four National Film Awards. Some of his well-known films are Vanaprastham, Bharatham, Manichithrathaazhu, Chithram and Kireedom.

IANS