Mohanlal to return money after opening ceremony flop show

Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who came under fire for a lackluster performance in the National Games inaugural ceremony, on Monday decided to return the money given to him by the state government for the event.

The national award-winning actor said here that he was very upset about the widespread criticism he has received and also unhappy with the allegations being overpaid for the musical show 'Lalism', which his band performed at the Games inauguration.

"I have no complaints against those who trivialize my weeks-long dedication and hard work which I put in for the success of the show. But I am very particular that my fans and admirers should have no suspicion about me with regards to the issue," Mohan Lal said in a statement.

The performance of the band, in which Mohanlal himself sang a number of songs along with some well-known singers, invited wide criticism not only from film and music circles but also from the political fraternity.

Mohanlal said it was no longer needed to drag his name into the controversy as he was ready to give back about Rs two crore to the government.

"I hope all the controversies will be settled by this," the release added.