Actor-filmmaker Mohanlal had to cancel his show in Sydney on Saturday night after failing to secure his Australian visa in time.

In a video message posted by the organisers on Saturday, the actor expressed regret over missing the show, saying he did not know how to explain the situation. Speaking in Malayalam, he said, “I don’t know how to express my grief. I am in a very sad situation. It has been almost 50 years since I entered the film industry. Perhaps, I am the actor from India who has performed in the most number of shows.”

The 66-year-old added that he was unaware of what had caused the delay in the visa process. “For the first time in my life, I did not get my visa. I don’t know how it happened. It could be a technical or clerical mistake or an AI-generated issue. I am taking all the blame on myself. I am telling you that it is my fault. I am very sorry about it,” he said.

Kayal Events, the organizers, also posted a note on Instagram announcing that the event had been postponed. They clarified that Mohanlal’s visa had not been rejected and remained under consideration by the relevant authorities.

They added, “All other artists are already in Sydney but the event cannot proceed without the main artist. Further details, including the new event details and ticket holder options, will be updated.”