Actor Alencier Ley Lopez’s protest gesture at the 48th Kerala state film awards function on Wednesday had triggered a fresh row, as many thought this was in protest against Mohanlal's presence as the chief guest.

Alencier has now denied the allegations.

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Alencier told a website that his action was never intended to offend Mohanlal in any manner.

“I have only immense respect for Mohanlal. I didn't protest against him. Rather I just wanted to indicate how nobody is safe in our established social set-up. I didn't aim anything else other than pointing two fingers at him,” Alencier was quoted as saying.

Alencier, who won the award for the best character artiste, stood at his seat and made gestures like taking aim at Mohanlal with his fingers, while the star was delivering his speech.

It was not clear if this 'gun act' was a novel protest by him. By the time Alencier tried to reach the stage, the police and other guards gently dissuaded the award winning actor.

Mohanlal chose to remain calm and just smiled.

Earlier, many artistes had opposed inviting the superstar for the function.

A petition submitted to the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had pointed out that inviting a chief guest other than the CM for the function would be an insult to the award-winners.

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