Expressing his support for Dutt on his Facebook post, Mohanlal wrote that his colleague and friend Sanjay had been a reformed citizen over the last 20 years.
"Dutt is a good citizen, a loving family man and a person who has braved adversities to come out stronger and better," Mohanlal said.
"He certainly deserves our compassion and help to put this chapter behind him once and for all. I sincerely hope and pray that he is shown the leniency he truly deserves and is granted a pardon," Mohanlal said.