The #MeToo movement has significantly impacted the Malayalam film industry, with many young actors now stepping forward to share their experiences of abuse by veteran directors, producers, and actors. Film director Ranjith is now facing serious accusations of sexual misconduct, with two separate cases filed against him. The latest complaint comes from a young actor who alleges that in 2012, Ranjith sexually abused him.
According to the complaint filed with Kochi police, the victim was lured to a hotel in Bengaluru under the guise of an audition. Ranjith allegedly forced the victim to undress and assaulted him, promising major roles in exchange. The victim, believing it was part of the audition, accepted money the next morning.
This is the second such accusation against Ranjith. Earlier, a Bengali actor had also filed a complaint, accusing him of sexual assault at a Kochi hotel. The Kochi police have registered an FIR regarding her complaint.
Ranjith has denied these allegations, explaining that the Bengali actor, Mitra, was called for an audition for the film ‘Paleri Manikyam’ but was later deemed unsuitable for the role and sent back.
With growing pressure on the government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe these allegations, following the publication of the Hema Committee report, which highlighted “widespread sexual abuse” in the Malayalam film industry.
Ranjith, who had been serving as the Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, resigned from his position on Sunday due to increasing pressure from the Opposition and media after the Hema Committee report was made public.