In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, a young male actor has stepped forward, accusing prominent filmmaker Ranjith of sexual assault. The actor has filed an official complaint against Ranjith, bringing more attention to the issue.
The incident allegedly took place in Bangalore, where Ranjith invited the actor to a hotel under the pretense of an audition. According to the actor, he was asked to strip and was subsequently assaulted. Initially, he believed he was attending a legitimate audition but quickly realized the true nature of the situation.
Following the incident, the actor reported the case to the Director General of Police (DGP). The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now expected to look into the matter. The actor also revealed that the following day, Ranjith offered him money.
This accusation comes in the wake of the recently released Justice Hema Committee report, which highlights widespread sexual harassment and exploitation within the Malayalam cinema industry. The committee, led by Justice K. Hema, along with veteran actress Sarada and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, was established by the Kerala government after a high-profile actress assault case in 2017.
The report has ignited significant criticism of the Kerala government for its handling of the situation. Since the report’s release, numerous actors, including women and now a male actor, have come forward to share their own experiences of harassment, implicating well-known figures in the industry such as director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh.
There has also been political backlash, with criticisms aimed at the Kerala government for its delayed response to the findings of the Hema Committee report. Some have accused the government of attempting to shield influential figures within the film industry.
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