The whole Dileep-AMMA controversy is not dying a slow death any time soon. And the recent target of all the outrage is the new AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes) President Mohanlal. The actor has been under the fire for having led the move to reinstate actor Dileep in the organisation, Dileep had been expelled from the organisation, immediately after the news of his arrest in the Malayalam actress assault case came out. However, after 84 days in jail, the actor got bail and some of his colleagues were clamouring to bring him back. However, the decision was met with nationwide outrage, with some of the female members of the organisation resigning.

Mohanlal later had a press conference where he tried to put out justifications for the decision, but reporters were quick to find loopholes in his defense. Now the superstar has been chosen as the chief guest for Kerala State Awards Distribution 2018.

However, the decision has been met with criticism fro over 100 Malayalam artistes. Celebs like Prakash Raj, Rima Kallingal, Rajeev Ravi, Dr Biju, Bina Paul, Geetu Mohandas, Prakash Bare, Sajitha Madathil, Sruthi Hariharan, Siddharth Siva and others have issued a joint statement addressing the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan.

The statement read, "The Kerala state film award is the highest recognition given by a state for creative work in cinema. It is the highest honour that Malayalam cinema artistes get from their own land. Therefore this award should be given to them in an atmosphere suited to them receiving the honour.

"The stage should host a simple function where the Chief Minister presents the awards in the presence of the Cultural Minister. Bypassing the Chief Minister and the award winners and inviting a chief guest is not only improper but also belittling the achievement of the award winners."

"When the chief guest is an actor whose films too have been part of the fray for the awards, this would really be belittling for the award winners. We are reminding you to not allow such a practice in the state film award function. The chief guests should only be the Chief Minister, Cultural Minister and award winners. Failing that and inviting another chief guest does not give a good message. Such a practice should not be allowed in any year.”

It remains to be seen if the committee will heed their request.

Actor-producer Dileep is considered as a prime accused in abetting the kidnap and sexual assault of a Malayalam actress in 2016. Though he maintains his innocence against the allegations, the Kerala police firmly believe that he is guilty.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2018 11:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).