Malayalam actor Mohanlal, who has been slammed on social media over the performance of his music band Lalism at the inauguration of the National Games, has said he would return the hefty fee he had charged, reports NDTV. 

Mohanlal and his band had been under fire for allegedly giving a poor performance despite heavily charging the Kerala government. Since Saturday, when the inauguration of the National Games took place, his official blog has been flooded with criticisms. There were even allegations that the performance was lip-synced.

In a letter to the state government, Mohanlal wrote he had been "pained by the strong criticism" and wishing to stay out of controversy, was ready to return the Rs. 1.63 crore fee.

Mohanlal further said he had undertaken the performance after he was approached by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and state sports minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.