Ranjith Balakrishnan, a renowned filmmaker who is currently under police custody over alleged sexual assault charges, has faced another hurdle following the exit of his counsel, Mohammed Siyad, from the case. The update comes when his bail hearing is closer, following widespread criticism over Siyad’s connection with the film’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ranjith-sexual-harassment-case-why-malayalam-filmmaker-has-been-remanded-to-14-day-judicial-custody-1775044578855"> Ranjith sexual harassment case: Why Malayalam filmmaker has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody</a><h2>Mohammed Siyad steps away from the case</h2>Mohammed Siyad, on April 2, reportedly confirmed that he has decided to drop the case and has advised Ranjith’s family to appoint another lawyer for the upcoming proceedings. While speaking to OnManorama, Siyad said, "As the legal advisor to numerous production houses, I have been a member of several Internal Complaints Committees, including the ICC for the film cited in this case. It is important to note that the complainant never raised any allegations of harassment during the shooting, nor did she ever approach the ICC."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/priyanka-chopra-reacts-to-raghav-chadha-s-new-video-after-aap-replaces-him-1775297698262">Priyanka Chopra reacts to Raghav Chadha's new video amid his rift with AAP</a>&nbsp;The counsel's resignation came just hours after he filed a bail plea on behalf of Ranjith. As per the reports, the plea claims that the complaint has emerged from disagreements between the filmmaker and the actress during the shoot, leading to legal action.<h2>What's the controversy?</h2>The case stems from an alleged claim made by an actress who accused Ranjith of attempting to sexually assault her inside a caravan during a film shoot. Initially, the complaint was submitted to the film’s ICC, and then it was moved to the Kerala Police for further investigation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranveer-singh-s-dhurandhar-2-outperforms-baahubali-2-in-us-rana-daggubati-says-a-decade-later-but-it-s-still-very-good-1775297246776">Dhurandhar 2 outperforms Baahubali 2 in US; Rana Daggubati has this to say</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ernakulam, Keralam: Malayalam director-producer Ranjith, who was arrested following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed against him by a young actress, produced before the First Class Magistrate Court in Kochi <a href="https://t.co/jCOVknrFif">pic.twitter.com/jCOVknrFif</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2040310886980796820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/casting-director-mukesh-chhabra-explains-why-sara-arjun-was-his-pick-in-dhurandhar-opposite-ranveer-singh-1775287980386">Dhurandhar casting director Mukesh Chhabra explains why Sara Arjun was his pick</a>&nbsp;Her statement was recorded at a women’s police station, and authorities conducted a preliminary verification before proceeding with the arrest. Ranjith was taken into custody in Idukki district and later transferred to Kochi. Currently, he is remanded to 14-day police custody.&nbsp;Siyad’s role as both a legal representative and a former ICC member was the reason for further criticism from industry bodies, including the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). Reacting to the backlash, Siyad stated that there were no legal restrictions preventing him from appearing in the case but chose to step down to avoid further controversy.&nbsp;

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has faced another road block after his counsel Mohammed Siyad stepped away from the case after a widespread criticism. Read the details inside.

Ranjith Balakrishnan, a renowned filmmaker who is currently under police custody over alleged sexual assault charges, has faced another hurdle following the exit of his counsel, Mohammed Siyad, from the case. The update comes when his bail hearing is closer, following widespread criticism over Siyad’s connection with the film’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Also Read: Ranjith sexual harassment case: Why Malayalam filmmaker has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody Mohammed Siyad steps away from the case Mohammed Siyad, on April 2, reportedly confirmed that he has decided to drop the case and has advised Ranjith’s family to appoint another lawyer for the upcoming proceedings. While speaking to OnManorama, Siyad said, "As the legal advisor to numerous production houses, I have been a member of several Internal Complaints Committees, including the ICC for the film cited in this case. It is important to note that the complainant never raised any allegations of harassment during the shooting, nor did she ever approach the ICC." Also Read: Priyanka Chopra reacts to Raghav Chadha's new video amid his rift with AAP The counsel's resignation came just hours after he filed a bail plea on behalf of Ranjith. As per the reports, the plea claims that the complaint has emerged from disagreements between the filmmaker and the actress during the shoot, leading to legal action. What's the controversy? The case stems from an alleged claim made by an actress who accused Ranjith of attempting to sexually assault her inside a caravan during a film shoot. Initially, the complaint was submitted to the film’s ICC, and then it was moved to the Kerala Police for further investigation. Also Read: Dhurandhar 2 outperforms Baahubali 2 in US; Rana Daggubati has this to say

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has faced another roadblock after his counsel, Mohammed Siyad, stepped away from the case after widespread criticism. Read the details inside.

Ranjith sexual assault case: Here's why filmmaker's lawyer quit ahead of bail hearing

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan, best known for Thirakkatha and Indian Rupee, has landed in legal trouble after a magistrate court in Kerala on Wednesday remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days regarding an alleged sexual harassment case.&nbsp;According to reports, the filmmaker has currently been lodged at the Ernakulam Sub Jail. The matter came to light after Ranjith was reportedly taken into police custody from the Idukki district following a complaint by an actress who alleged that he attempted sexual assault on her during a film shoot.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/delhi-hc-criticises-richa-chadha-for-reposting-unverified-sexual-misconduct-claims-details-inside-1775041422510">Delhi HC criticises Richa Chadha for reposting unverified misconduct claims</a><h2>What's the complaint</h2>According to the reports, the complainant stated that the alleged event occurred during a film shoot where the director supposedly invited her into a caravan.&nbsp;She claimed that he tried to sexually assault her inside the vehicle.&nbsp;The Kochi City Police, following her complaint, filed a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including an attempt to violate a woman’s modesty.&nbsp;As per reports, the case was registered on Monday, after which the actress’s statement was taken at a Women’s Police Station.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vedang-raina-on-being-the-outsider-in-the-film-industry-i-m-lucky-to-be-doing-what-i-m-doing-1775037940628">Vedang Raina reveals he doesn’t think much about being an outsider</a>&nbsp;The investigation is said to have been carried out quietly to safeguard the complainant's privacy.&nbsp;According to officials, he was produced before a Judicial First Class Magistrate, and the court remanded him to 14 days in judicial custody. Reportedly, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Kochi City Police Commissioner has been assigned to investigate the case further.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-2-pak-politician-nabil-gabol-who-inspired-rakesh-bedi-s-character-denies-meeting-dawood-ibrahim-1775034819835">Pak leader Nabil Gabol denies meeting Dawood Ibrahim as shown in Dhurandhar 2</a><h2>About Ranjith's past allegations</h2>As per reports, the filmmaker has denied the allegations and stated that he had been "framed." However, this is not the first sexual misconduct complaint against him. Earlier, his name reportedly came up in connection with the Justice K Hema Committee report, which noted harassment and abuse cases in the Malayalam film industry.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/ramayana-director-nitesh-tiwari-reveals-why-he-chose-ranbir-kapoor-to-portray-lord-rama-there-was-nobody-better-1775034512408">Ramayana: Nitesh Tiwari reveals why he chose Ranbir Kapoor to portray Lord Rama</a>&nbsp;In 2024, several complaints were made against him, including one from a Bengali actress who alleged inappropriate behavior during a meeting about the 2009 film Paleri Manikyam.&nbsp;However, courts dismissed multiple cases against him. Ranjith also resigned as the chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy in 2024 after similar accusations.

A magistrate court in Kerala remanded Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan to judicial custody for 14 days regarding an alleged sexual harassment case. Read on to know more about the controversy.

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan, best known for Thirakkatha and Indian Rupee, has landed in legal trouble after a magistrate court in Kerala on Wednesday remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days regarding an alleged sexual harassment case. According to reports, the filmmaker has currently been lodged at the Ernakulam Sub Jail. The matter came to light after Ranjith was reportedly taken into police custody from the Idukki district following a complaint by an actress who alleged that he attempted sexual assault on her during a film shoot. Also Read: Delhi HC criticises Richa Chadha for reposting unverified misconduct claims What's the complaint According to the reports, the complainant stated that the alleged event occurred during a film shoot where the director supposedly invited her into a caravan. She claimed that he tried to sexually assault her inside the vehicle. The Kochi City Police, following her complaint, filed a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including an attempt to violate a woman’s modesty. As per reports, the case was registered on Monday, after which the actress’s statement was taken at a Women’s Police Station. Also Read: Vedang Raina reveals he doesn’t think much about being an outsider The investigation is said to have been carried out quietly to safeguard the complainant's privacy. According to officials, he was produced before a Judicial First Class Magistrate, and the court remanded him to 14 days in judicial custody. Reportedly, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Kochi City Police Commissioner has been assigned to investigate the case further. Also Read: Pak leader Nabil Gabol denies meeting Dawood Ibrahim as shown in Dhurandhar 2 About Ranjith's past allegations As per reports, the filmmaker has denied the allegations and stated that he had been "framed." However, this is not the first sexual misconduct complaint against him. Earlier, his name reportedly came up in connection with the Justice K Hema Committee report, which noted harassment and abuse cases in the Malayalam film industry. Also Read: Ramayana: Nitesh Tiwari reveals why he chose Ranbir Kapoor to portray Lord Rama In 2024, several complaints were made against him, including one from a Bengali actress who alleged inappropriate behavior during a meeting about the 2009 film Paleri Manikyam. However, courts dismissed multiple cases against him. Ranjith also resigned as the chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy in 2024 after similar accusations.

A magistrate court in Kerala remanded Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan to judicial custody for 14 days regarding an alleged sexual harassment case. Read on to know more about the controversy.

Ranjith sexual harassment case: Why Malayalam filmmaker has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody

Kerala #MeToo: Malayalam actor Mukesh was arrested and released on bail on Tuesday (Sep 24), while his colleague Siddique is absconding as police seek to nab him, as the law catches up with those in Kerala's movie industry accused of rape and sexual harassment in the wake of the Hema Committee report that shook the south Indian state.

Mukesh, who is also a state lawmaker from the ruling Communist party, was formally arrested before being released as he had secured anticipatory bail from a Kerala court. But Siddique was not so lucky. His bail plea was rejected by the Kerala High Court earlier in the day. He reportedly approached the Supreme Court and is absconding as police in Kochi city are trying to locate and arrest him.

Watch:&nbsp;#Metoo haunts Malayalam cinema: Actor Mohanlal breaks silence on sex scandal

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The complaint against Mukesh was filed by a former actress, who claimed that the Kollam Assembly constituency lawmaker raped her in 2010 at his flat in Kochi. He had promised to give her a membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA),&nbsp;the actor's organisation now mired in controversy.

The actress had also complained against Edavela Babu, another long-term office bearer of AMMA.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/swara-bhasker-shares-her-thoughts-on-hema-committee-report-showbiz-is-patriarchal-and-feudal-754146">Also read:&nbsp;Swara Bhasker shares her thoughts on Hema Committee report: 'Showbiz is patriarchal and feudal'</a>

The crime branch of the state has ordered the arrest of Siddique and a lookout circular has been issued against him at airports and other places, to prevent him from fleeing the country.

An actress had filed a complaint against Siddique, alleging that he had raped her in a government-owned hotel in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in 2016. She had gone there after being promised a role in a Tamil film, claimed the woman.

The woman had made allegations against Siddique on social media in the past, but came forward in the wake of the Hema Committee report, which looked into systemic abuse of women in the Malayalam film industry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/khushbu-sundar-on-being-abused-by-father-amid-hema-committee-report-shouldve-spoken-earlier-754316">Also read:&nbsp;Khushbu Sundar on being abused by father amid Hema Committee report: 'Should've spoken earlier'</a>

After the new allegations, Siddique resigned as the general secretary of AMMA in August, just days after being elected to the post.

The executive committee of AMMA, chaired by superstar Mohanlal, resigned subsequently.

Both Mukesh and Siddique had denied the allegations made in the complaints.

Since the Hema Committee report was made public, several women came forward with allegations against some of the prominent names in the Kerala movie industry.

At least 11 FIRs or first information reports have been registered. Those accused include actors like Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as directors like Ranjith and Prakash.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kerala #MeToo: Malayalam actor Mukesh was arrested and released on bail on Tuesday (Sep 24), while his colleague Siddique is absconding as police seek to nab him, as the law catches up with those in Kerala's movie industry accused of rape and sexual harassment in the wake of the Hema Committee report that shook the south Indian state.

Kerala #MeToo: Malayalam actor Mukesh was arrested and released on bail on Tuesday (Sep 24), while his colleague Siddique is absconding as police seek to nab him, as the law catches up with those in Kerala's movie industry accused of rape and sexual harassment in the wake of the Hema Committee report that shook the south Indian state. Mukesh, who is also a state lawmaker from the ruling Communist party, was formally arrested before being released as he had secured anticipatory bail from a Kerala court. But Siddique was not so lucky. His bail plea was rejected by the Kerala High Court earlier in the day. He reportedly approached the Supreme Court and is absconding as police in Kochi city are trying to locate and arrest him. Watch: #Metoo haunts Malayalam cinema: Actor Mohanlal breaks silence on sex scandal × The complaint against Mukesh was filed by a former actress, who claimed that the Kollam Assembly constituency lawmaker raped her in 2010 at his flat in Kochi. He had promised to give her a membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), the actor's organisation now mired in controversy. The actress had also complained against Edavela Babu, another long-term office bearer of AMMA. Also read: Swara Bhasker shares her thoughts on Hema Committee report: 'Showbiz is patriarchal and feudal' The crime branch of the state has ordered the arrest of Siddique and a lookout circular has been issued against him at airports and other places, to prevent him from fleeing the country. An actress had filed a complaint against Siddique, alleging that he had raped her in a government-owned hotel in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in 2016. She had gone there after being promised a role in a Tamil film, claimed the woman. The woman had made allegations against Siddique on social media in the past, but came forward in the wake of the Hema Committee report, which looked into systemic abuse of women in the Malayalam film industry. Also read: Khushbu Sundar on being abused by father amid Hema Committee report: 'Should've spoken earlier' After the new allegations, Siddique resigned as the general secretary of AMMA in August, just days after being elected to the post. The executive committee of AMMA, chaired by superstar Mohanlal, resigned subsequently. Both Mukesh and Siddique had denied the allegations made in the complaints. Since the Hema Committee report was made public, several women came forward with allegations against some of the prominent names in the Kerala movie industry. At least 11 FIRs or first information reports have been registered. Those accused include actors like Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as directors like Ranjith and Prakash. (With inputs from agencies)

Malayalam actor-MLA Mukesh arrested; Siddique likely to be held soon - Kerala #MeToo latest

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.&nbsp;

Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes.

<h2>Hema Committee report: The background</h2>

What set the cat among the pigeons&nbsp;was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up&nbsp;in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent&nbsp;of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault.

AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep.

While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-three-malayalam-films-are-scripting-history-with-massive-box-office-numbers-globally-712996">Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally</a> 
 
Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month.

Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith.

<h2>What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report?</h2>

Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath.

Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion.

Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation

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&nbsp;

Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya.

While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented.

<h2>What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings?</h2>

Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-film-producer-actor-vijay-babu-booked-for-rape-revealing-survivors-identity-on-social-media-474387">Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media</a> 
 
The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident.

Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release.

The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals.

The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to&nbsp;enter the film industry and find work. 
It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women.

It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms.

It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry.

It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom. Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes. Hema Committee report: The background What set the cat among the pigeons was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault. AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep. While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down. Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month. Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith. What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report? Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath. Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion. Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation × Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya. While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented. What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings? Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused. Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident. Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release. The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals. The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to enter the film industry and find work. It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women. It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms. It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry. It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing. (With inputs from agencies)

Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: Hema committee report leads to Siddique, Ranjith exits I Story so far

Malayalam director Ranjith Balakrishnan has found himself amid controversy after Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused him of misbehaving. The actress has made shocking revelations against Ranjith saying that he behaved inappropriately with her when she first came to work in the Malayalam movie Paleri Manikyam. However, the director has denied all the accusations against him.

During her interview with Asianet News, the actress recalled that Ranjith misbehaved with&nbsp;her when she auditioned for his 2009 movie Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha.

Alleging Ranjith of inappropriately touching her, the actress&nbsp;said she was with the filmmaker in a hotel room when the traumatic incident happened.&nbsp;

“I was talking on the phone to a cinematographer, standing in Ranjith’s bedroom balcony. As I stood there, he touched my bangles. I was uncomfortable with it, but I gave him the benefit of doubt. Then he started caressing my neck, so I excused myself and left the room,” the actress said.

Sharing more about the night, she said, “I was not able to share the incident with anyone. After the incident, I spent the night in my hotel room in fear, thinking, what if people come and knock on my door? I was waiting for daylight.”

The actress said she quit the movie the next day and even complained about Ranjith's actions. However, no action was taken by him.&nbsp;

Following this incident, she didn't get any work opportunities in the Malayalam industry.&nbsp;

The actress claimed that she had talked about the incident with documentary filmmaker Joshy Joseph. However, no action was taken.

In a statement,&nbsp;Joseph has supported her claims, saying,&nbsp;quoted by The Hindu, “I had put her in touch with Mr Ramakrishnan several days earlier. After she met Mr. Ranjith, she called me. She sounded very traumatised over the phone. Later, I went and took her to my home to calm her down. On the way, she narrated the incident to me. I had shared the incident with a few others, including writer K.R. Meera. Though we thought of making it an issue back then, Ms. Mitra was hesitant.''

Denying the allegations, Ranjith Balakrishnan said in a statement to The Hindu, “It is true that she came to my apartment in Kochi as she was being considered for one of the roles in Paleri Manikyam. Filmmaker Shankar Ramakrishnan as well as my assistants were present at the flat during the time. Mr. Ramakrishnan narrated the story and I spoke with her on the balcony, but the incident that she alleges has not taken place. We found her unsuitable for that particular role. The next day, Mr. Ramakrishnan called her up and informed the same.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Malayalam director Ranjith Balakrishnan has found himself amid controversy after Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused him of misbehaving. The actress has made shocking revelations against Ranjith saying that he behaved inappropriately with her when she first came to work in the Malayalam movie Paleri Manikyam.

Malayalam director Ranjith Balakrishnan has found himself amid controversy after Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused him of misbehaving. The actress has made shocking revelations against Ranjith saying that he behaved inappropriately with her when she first came to work in the Malayalam movie Paleri Manikyam. However, the director has denied all the accusations against him. During her interview with Asianet News, the actress recalled that Ranjith misbehaved with her when she auditioned for his 2009 movie Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha. Alleging Ranjith of inappropriately touching her, the actress said she was with the filmmaker in a hotel room when the traumatic incident happened. “I was talking on the phone to a cinematographer, standing in Ranjith’s bedroom balcony. As I stood there, he touched my bangles. I was uncomfortable with it, but I gave him the benefit of doubt. Then he started caressing my neck, so I excused myself and left the room,” the actress said. Sharing more about the night, she said, “I was not able to share the incident with anyone. After the incident, I spent the night in my hotel room in fear, thinking, what if people come and knock on my door? I was waiting for daylight.” The actress said she quit the movie the next day and even complained about Ranjith's actions. However, no action was taken by him. Following this incident, she didn't get any work opportunities in the Malayalam industry. The actress claimed that she had talked about the incident with documentary filmmaker Joshy Joseph. However, no action was taken. In a statement, Joseph has supported her claims, saying, quoted by The Hindu, “I had put her in touch with Mr Ramakrishnan several days earlier. After she met Mr. Ranjith, she called me. She sounded very traumatised over the phone. Later, I went and took her to my home to calm her down. On the way, she narrated the incident to me. I had shared the incident with a few others, including writer K.R. Meera. Though we thought of making it an issue back then, Ms. Mitra was hesitant.'' Denying the allegations, Ranjith Balakrishnan said in a statement to The Hindu, “It is true that she came to my apartment in Kochi as she was being considered for one of the roles in Paleri Manikyam. Filmmaker Shankar Ramakrishnan as well as my assistants were present at the flat during the time. Mr. Ramakrishnan narrated the story and I spoke with her on the balcony, but the incident that she alleges has not taken place. We found her unsuitable for that particular role. The next day, Mr. Ramakrishnan called her up and informed the same.” (With inputs from agencies)

Actor Sreelekha Mitra accuses Malayalam director Ranjith of ‘misconduct'

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Actor Sreelekha Mitra accuses Malayalam director Ranjith of ‘misconduct'