'Let's always stand with cinema'; Mohanlal extends support to Antony Perumbavoor, shares note

KOCHI: Film producer Antony Perumbavoor had recently come forward against producer G. Suresh Kumar’s statement and announcement of a strike in the film industry. Actors Prithviraj, Aju Varghese, and Unni Mukundan had expressed their support for Antony. Now, actor Mohanlal has also extended his support by sharing Antony’s post with the caption, "Let’s always stand with cinema."

Earlier, the Kerala Film Producers' Association had taken a stand against Antony Perumbavoor in the ongoing dispute within the film industry. The association stated that it was wrong of Antony to publicly question G. Suresh Kumar through social media. They also criticized Antony for making a public statement without attending the association’s meeting, emphasizing that the strike decision was made only after a joint discussion.

The association is now trying to meet Antony Perumbavoor directly to discuss the issue. Previously, Suresh Kumar had also come forward with sharp criticism against Antony. However, Film Producers' Association Joint Secretary Sandeep Senan clarified that the conflict is between actors and producers, not within the association. He added that there is no internal division in the association and that it is the actors who are opposing the organization's decision.

Antony Perumbavoor publicly voiced his disagreement yesterday over the Producers' Association’s decision to halt film shoots from June 1 as part of the strike. He strongly criticized association president G. Suresh Kumar for allegedly announcing the strike under pressure from other organizations.

Antony wrote on Facebook that a production strike would not benefit the film industry. He stated that decisions like closing theatres and halting shoots should be made through proper discussions within the organization, not by individuals. If the decision was made based on someone else's influence, then Suresh Kumar should have the honesty, responsibility, and maturity to recognize the truth and correct it. He also urged association leaders, led by President Anto Joseph, to take necessary steps to rectify the situation.