#MeToo Movement Rocks Malayalam Film Industry; Director Ranjith Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations

GG News Bureau
Kochi, 31st August. The #MeToo movement has shaken the Malayalam film industry, with several young actors coming forward to reveal the abuse they allegedly faced at the hands of veteran directors, producers, and actors. Notably, film director Ranjith is now facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct, with two separate cases filed against him.

The latest complaint was lodged by a young actor who claims that Ranjith sexually abused him in 2012. According to the complaint filed with the Kochi police, the victim was lured to a hotel in Bengaluru under the guise of an audition. Ranjith allegedly forced the victim to strip and assaulted him, promising significant roles in return. The victim, believing it was part of the audition process, was reportedly offered money the next morning.

This marks the second sexual misconduct allegation against Ranjith. Previously, a Bengali actor filed a complaint accusing him of sexual assault. The Kochi police have registered an FIR in connection with her complaint, which alleges that she was assaulted in a hotel in Kochi. Ranjith has denied these accusations, stating that the actor was called for an audition for the movie ‘Paleri Manikyam’ but was sent back after being deemed unsuitable for the role.

In response to the mounting pressure, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe the allegations, following the publication of the Hema Committee report, which exposed “rampant sexual abuse” in the Malayalam film industry.

Amid growing scrutiny and public outcry, Ranjith, who was serving as the Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, resigned from his position on Sunday. The Pinarayi Vijayan government faced intense pressure from opposition parties and the media, which intensified after the Hema Committee report was made public.