Mohanlal and Producer Antony Perumbavoor Get Clean Chit in 18-Year-Old Case

A case filed against Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and producer Antony Perumbavoor has been quashed by the Kozhikode Additional Fifth Sessions Court. A report in Mathrubhumi News states that the court dismissed a criminal revision petition filed by K A Devarajan, who had accused the two of cheating in connection with a proposed film titled Swapna Malika.

Devarajan had alleged that Antony Perumbavoor had taken ₹30 lakh from him in 2007 towards the making of the film, which eventually never materialised. Devarajan was also expected to direct the project. The court ruled that the petition did not hold merit and quashed the case. Although Devarajan passed away early last year, the proceedings continued until the court’s final decision. Neither Mohanlal nor Antony Perumbavoor has commented publicly on the case.

Meanwhile, attention has also turned to Mohanlal’s upcoming film Drishyam 3, which has reportedly been sold for a “shocking price.” Director Jeethu Joseph made the revelation on the sidelines of promotional activities for his recent release Valathu Vashathe Kallan. He stated that Panorama Pictures, which holds the Hindi remake rights, has now acquired the Malayalam version of Drishyam 3 outright.

“Instead of just the remake rights, they decided to buy the entire Malayalam film outright. When they contacted us, they first spoke to Antony Perumbavoor (of Aashirwad Cinemas). He later told me that Panorama had come forward with a price that was truly shocking,” Jeethu Joseph said.

Reports suggest that the acquisition ranks among the highest deals in the Malayalam film industry. The film completed shooting in Kerala on December 2. Producer M Ranjith, who backed Mohanlal’s earlier hit Thudarum, stated at a public event that the pre-sale figures for Drishyam 3 have reportedly closed at around ₹350 crore.

Starring Mohanlal as Georgekutty, Drishyam 3 wrapped filming last month and is currently in post-production.