MUMBAI: Following a huge public outcry, mostly through social media over the dismal debut performance of superstar Mohanlal's new music band Lalisom, Mohanlal told the Kerala government that the money collected would be returned.

In an email to State Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, the actor said that following the wide criticism he will return the money that he took as expenses for staging the event.

"The events that unfurled after the event has pained me and I wish with me deciding to return the money, the issue will end," says the superstar in his mail.

The band right from the time it started its programme on 31 January night at the inaugural ceremony of the 35th National Games came under flak for its unprofessional presentation and the issue went viral in the social media.

Legislators cutting across political affiliations attacked the organisers for squandering public money.

Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday night, Radhakrishnan said that he has been informed about the mail from Mohanlal.

"I feel that a person like Mohanlal should not have been haunted like this because, Mohanlal, the multifaceted personality that he is, comes once in a lifetime only. Now the government will look into his letter," he said.

A day before the opening ceremony, Mohanlal had said that the speculations in the media that he had taken Rs 2 crore for the show was baseless and the truth was that he had only charged for the expense while his appearance was for free.