The Malayalam film industry is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny after director Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested on Tuesday night in connection with an attempted sexual assault. Following his arrest in the Idukki district, a local court on Wednesday ordered the filmmaker to be sent to 14-day judicial custody.
The case stems from a formal complaint filed by an actress who worked on one of his recent projects. She alleged that Ranjith invited her into a private caravan on a film set, where he then attempted to sexually assault her. According to Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, the incident was witnessed by several individuals as it occurred during an active shoot. He noted that the survivor was deeply traumatised by the ordeal, requiring psychiatric treatment and counselling before she felt able to come forward.
Ranjith is accused under different sections of the law, which include sexual assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement and use of obscene gestures. While on his way to Ernakulam Sub Jail after undergoing a medical examination, Ranjith told reporters that he was innocent of the charges brought against him. He further stated that the charges against him were false and that he would prove his innocence in court. Ranjith is currently preparing his bail application.
The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) is quick to act in the matter, recommending the suspension of Ranjith’s membership in both the directors’ union and the writers’ union. This was confirmed by their general secretary, B Unnikrishnan, even though no prior complaint was filed by Ranjith against any of the female crew members.
This is not the first time Ranjith is accused of misconduct. In 2024, Ranjith was forced to resign as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after being accused of misconduct by another actor. While Ranjith is currently under investigation, the police have made it clear that such behaviour in the workplace will not be tolerated.
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