Mammootty extends olive branch to Thilakan

Alappuzha (Kerala), Feb 27 : Malayalam superstar Mammootty Saturday tried to make peace with Thilakan by saying he never called for a ban on the veteran actor in the industry and is willing to work with him.

"I have nothing against Thilakan and will certainly act with him. The issue with Thilakan will be resolved by AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes) soon. We never called for a ban of Thilakan. We will make no public statements in this regard and we are not interested in a media trial either," Mammootty said.

Thilakan is in dispute with various film workers' organisations, including the AMMA, for his utterances against some superstars and select directors.

He replied to a show-cause notice from the AMMA, saying he has done no wrong and the question of an apology does not arise.

The dispute led to a public slugfest with both sides taking a dig at each other.

Noted critic Sukumar Azhikode slammed superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal and asked them to stop acting and endorsing jewellery brands.

Azhikode said the two superstars should call it a day and remarked that if both of them come without make up, many people will faint.

To this AMMA president and comic actor Innocent retorted that if Azhikode is to endorse jewellery brands then people who buy it will return them.

Mammootty, trying to bring peace between two sides said since Thilakan expressed his inability to appear before AMMA March 1, then the movie association will give a new date set according to the actor's convenience.

"Thilakan is an elder statesman of our fraternity and instead of keeping away from AMMA, he should be the guiding force to all of us," said Mammootty.

Reacting to Mammootty's statement, Thilakan said: "Honestly I have nothing against Mammootty and Mohanlal and I do respect their talents. I will talk to Mammootty if he calls me."