As reported earlier today, the church set of the upcoming Malayalam movie 'Minnal Murali’ was on Sunday demolished by members belonging to two right-wing groups. The vandalism has reportedly cost a heavy monetary loss to the makers.

On Monday, the film's hero Tovino Thomas said that the erection of the church set was carried out by the makers of the film after securing "rightful permissions from the concerned authorities". He added, "And as we were about to start shooting in this set – which was built on a considerable cost, the whole country went into lockdown, following which our shoot was paused, just like all others’. It is during this prevailing uncertainty that this contractual set was destroyed by a group of racialists yesterday. The reasons they cite for this unceremonious act are not understood to our senses till now. We’ve heard of movie sets being vandalised by religious fanatics in Northern parts of India. Now, it’s happening to us right here."

'Mahanati' and 'Kanulu Kanulanu Dochayante' actor Dulquer Salmaan has taken to Twitter to express solidarity with Tovino Thomas. "So sorry to hear about this Tovi! Some don’t seem to realize the effort, emotions talent and cost that go into building and creating something. Supporting you and Sophia ma’am and the rest of the team! Lots of love," Dulquer wrote.

It has caused us a lot of distress, and even more of anxiety. We have decided to go ahead with the legal proceedings. #MinnalMurali pic.twitter.com/myYXNWnm1n

— Tovino Thomas (@ttovino) May 25, 2020