For veteran comedic actor Innocent, President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and more recently the left wing candidate for the Chalakkudy constituency in this year’s Lok Sabha elections, it’s back from the ‘real’ world of politics to the ‘reel’ world of cinema. The actor, after a hard and controversial campaign, is back to doing what he does best – entertaining the fans- as he joined the set of Johnny Antony’s Bhaiyya Bhaiyya.
He plays the role of a contractor in the flick, which has been scripted by Benny P Nayarambalam and stars Kunchacko Boban and Biju Menon in the lead roles. National award winner Suraj Venjaaramoodu is also part of the project with a pivotal role.
During the campaign, the opposition had raised the question of his undue influence over the voters because of his celebrity status and had in fact, petitioned the Election Commission to authorize removing the actor’s movie posters and banning the screening of any of his movies in theatres or on television till the elections concluded. The popular comedian’s troubles did not stop there as Mohanlal got in to some hot water as well, for supporting him openly, while he still bore the title of Lt. Col. In the Territorial Army.
Once the elections were over however, another pandora’s box of allegations followed the cancer survivor as the crisis in Mollywood began and in the course of things, Liberty Basheer – the president of the Film Exhibitors Federation – stated point blank that Innocent was the root of all issues and if anyone deserved to be banned, it was him.
Phew! But as the saying goes ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’ and Innocent, to his credit, kept his eye on the prize and maintained his calm through all the fuss like a real leader.
Now, while waiting for the result of the elections to be declared on May 16, the actor has chosen to go about his business like any professional.
Dare we say he would make a fine politician? May 16 will soon tell us…
