Kochi, July 23: Malayalam film star couple Dileep and Manju Warrier are likely to file a joint divorce petition in their bid to lessen the cumbersome legal process, sources said here Wednesday.

The 45-year-old Dileep June 5 filed a divorce petition, seeking dissolution of his marriage with his 35-year-old wife.

However, the two failed to appear at the family court here Wednesday for the divorce proceedings.

A huge crowd gathered near the court building Wednesday morning hoping to catch a glimpse of the star couple, but had to return disappointed.

Sources close to the actor couple said the case has now been posted for Aug 16.

They said that on that day, the two were likely to file a joint divorce petition, so that they can legally separate in six months.

The two were married in 1998, after which Manju Warrier called time on her film career, while Dileep's career went on.

Following differences of opinion, the two have been living separately for some time now. Their teenaged daughter lives with Dileep.

Warrier, an experienced danseuse, recently re-launched her dancing career. Her new film "How Old Are You" released this year, and has been a huge commercial success.

The actress began her career in 1995, and in a short span of four years acted in 20 films. In 1999, she called time on her career, after marrying Dileep. (Bollywood Country Report)