Actor Mohanlal, producer Antony Perumbavoor exonerated in 2007 film dispute case

The Kozhikode Additional Sessions Court – V has dismissed a criminal revision petition against actor Mohanlal and producer Antony Perumbavoor regarding allegations linked to a 2007 film project.

While upholding a previous lower court verdict, Judge Jennis Stephen exonerated both of them on Friday (February 6, 2026), stating that the charges brought against them were devoid of merit.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor
| Photo Credit:
@antonyperumbavoor/Instagram

The legal proceedings originated from a private complaint filed by the late film director K.A. Devarajan. The dispute centred on the production of the film Swapnamalika, with the director making several serious allegations against the actor and his producer.

Devarajan alleged that on May 7, 2007, an advance payment of ₹30 lakh was made to secure Mr. Mohanlal’s services for the film. He further claimed that Mr. Mohanlal and Mr. Perumbavoor entered into a criminal conspiracy to avoid filming obligations despite having accepted the payment. The complaint also alleged that when the director questioned the delay, he was subjected to threats and physical intimidation by hired gangs.

In June 2023, the Kozhikode Judicial First Class Magistrate Court initially dismissed the complaint, labelling the accusations as groundless. The sessions court subsequently observed that the allegations lacked the necessary evidence to proceed with a criminal trial. Following the death of Devarajan, no legal heirs or representatives appeared in court to argue the case.

To ensure a fair judicial process in the absence of the petitioner, the court appointed an amicus curiae to review the arguments before the final dismissal. Advocate M.K. Dinesh appeared for Mr. Mohanlal and Mr. Perumbavoor in court.