Kochi: A day after a section of film fraternity in Kerala urged the state government to drop a "star guest" from the state film awards distribution ceremony, veteran filmmaker and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal has alleged political motive behind the move.

The move was widely perceived as an attempt to keep actor Mohanlal, who is believed to have been invited as the chief guest of the function, away from the high-profile event. The plea submitted to the chief minister has not mentioned Mohanlal by name, but it was clear who the target was.

Kamal on Tuesday said he would not oppose it if the government decides to invite Mohanlal to the function. "It is up to the chief minister and the government to take a call on who should be invited," he said.

Mohanlal had come under severe criticism ever since the new AMMA general body led by him made a sly but failed attempt to re-induct actor Dileep into the actors' body.

At a meeting held here recently to chalk out the conduct of the state film awards, culture minister A K Balan is said to have unilaterally declared that Mohanlal had agreed to be the chief guest at the awards function. The minister had reportedly secured Mohanlal's consent at a meeting held between the two at the minister's residence on July 13, the day the actor received the Keshavadev Award from the minister.

Interestingly, Mohanlal on Monday denied receiving any invitation to attend the function.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday actor Prakash Raj denied signing the letter against inviting Mohanlal to the function.

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