Court Dismisses 18-Year-Old Legal Case Against Mohanlal and Antony Perumbavoor
In a significant legal development, the Kozhikode Fifth Additional Sessions Court has officially closed an 18-year-old criminal case against acclaimed actor Mohanlal and prominent producer Antony Perumbavoor. The court's decision brings finality to a prolonged legal dispute that had been pending for nearly two decades.
Judicial Review Finds No Merit in Allegations
Presiding Judge Janice Stephen conducted a thorough review of the case and determined that the criminal revision petition filed by director and advocate K. A. Devarajan lacked legal foundation. The court affirmed the earlier decision of the lower court, concluding that the allegations presented in the complaint were without substantive basis.
The original complaint, filed in 2007, alleged that Mohanlal and Antony Perumbavoor had accepted a cheque for Rs 30 lakh from Devarajan on March 29, 2007, for a proposed film titled 'Swapna Malika.' The complainant claimed that despite receiving the funds, the actor and producer failed to provide the promised assistance for the film project, alleging fraudulent behavior.
After examining all available evidence and legal arguments, both the lower court and the sessions court determined that the complaint lacked sufficient grounds to proceed. The judicial review found no credible evidence supporting the allegations of cheating or financial misconduct.
Complainant's Demise and Continued Judicial Process
While the case remained under judicial consideration, the original complainant, K. A. Devarajan, passed away on April 15, 2025. Despite this development, the court proceeded with its examination of the case documents and previous court orders. The judicial review confirmed that the lower court's initial dismissal of the case was legally sound and appropriate.
The court's decision represents a complete exoneration for both Mohanlal and Antony Perumbavoor, who have maintained their innocence throughout the lengthy legal proceedings. This ruling effectively clears their names of all charges related to this particular matter.
Mohanlal's Current Professional Focus: Drishyam 3
As this legal chapter closes, Mohanlal remains actively engaged in his professional commitments, most notably the highly anticipated film 'Drishyam 3.' The actor's previous project, the pan-Indian film 'Vrusshabha,' received mixed responses from audiences, making the upcoming Drishyam installment particularly significant for his career trajectory.
Co-star Asha Sarath, who plays a crucial role in the film, recently shared insights about the project during an interview with Club FM. When questioned about whether the film would maintain the dramatic intensity of its predecessors, Sarath responded enthusiastically, stating, "Obviously. We are all supposed to be stunned by it, isn't? It is a type of movie that makes us sit on the edge of our seats."
The actress expressed profound satisfaction with the film's final outcome, noting that completing the project brought her immense personal joy. Sarath emphasized that audiences would fully comprehend her emotional response only when experiencing the film in theaters, describing the conclusion as particularly powerful and tension-filled.
Industry Implications and Future Expectations
This legal resolution removes a longstanding cloud from the careers of both Mohanlal and Antony Perumbavoor, allowing them to focus entirely on their current professional endeavors. The film industry has closely monitored this case given the stature of the individuals involved and the duration of the legal proceedings.
With expectations running high for 'Drishyam 3,' the film represents a crucial moment in Mohanlal's illustrious career. Industry observers anticipate that the legal clearance will enable both the actor and producer to channel their energies fully into their creative projects without the distraction of ongoing litigation.
The court's decision underscores the importance of thorough judicial review and the necessity of substantial evidence in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving prominent public figures. This ruling serves as a reminder that allegations, regardless of their duration in the legal system, must meet established legal standards to proceed through the judicial process.
