The Malayalam film industry remains sharply divided after actor Dileep’s acquittal in the 2017 actress assault case — and the conversation has now taken a more public, uncomfortable turn. Actor and dubbing artiste Bhagyalakshmi has openly criticised Mohanlal, calling his actions “insensitive” and “thoughtless” in the immediate aftermath of the verdict.
Her remarks came just as the trailer of Dileep’s upcoming film Bha Bha Ba (Bhayam Bhakthi Bahumanam) was released, a move that reignited debate across the industry and beyond.
What Bhagyalakshmi said at IFFK
Speaking on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), Bhagyalakshmi participated in a session titled Patriarchy in Indian Cinema: Power, Gender, Politics. During the discussion, she highlighted how the survivor in the 2017 case was left to fight largely alone, with minimal support from within the Malayalam film fraternity.
Soon after, she addressed the media directly and took aim at Mohanlal for sharing promotional material of Bha Bha Ba — which features him in a cameo — shortly after Dileep’s acquittal.
“Did Mohanlal even pause for a moment before sharing that poster right after the verdict?” she asked, questioning the message such actions send when they come from someone with enormous influence. She added that this moment goes beyond cinema, calling it an issue of ethics and public responsibility, especially toward survivors.
Strong words on Dileep’s conduct
Bhagyalakshmi also criticised Dileep’s behaviour following the verdict, stating that he appeared celebratory while addressing the media. She took particular issue with his remarks against Manju Warrier, his former wife, who had earlier supported the investigation.
She further claimed that the survivor endured more humiliation during the prolonged court proceedings than during the assault itself — and yet remained resilient throughout the process.
Industry fallout continues
Bhagyalakshmi’s statements come shortly after her resignation from FEFKA (Film Employees’ Kerala Association), protesting the organisation’s decision to welcome Dileep back after the verdict. She cited what she described as the industry’s “double standards” in dealing with cases involving power and gender.
A case that reshaped Malayalam cinema
The 2017 assault case had a lasting impact on the Malayalam film industry. Following the incident, Dileep was arrested for alleged links to the main accused, Pulsar Suni, before being released on bail. Despite the case, he continued working in films.
The case also played a key role in the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective and later the Hema Committee, which examined systemic issues faced by women in the industry.
After an eight-year-long trial that began in 2018, a sessions court in Ernakulam acquitted Dileep and three others on December 8, 2025, while six accused were convicted. The Kerala government has since announced plans to challenge the verdict in higher courts.
Final Words
Bhagyalakshmi’s comments have reopened a difficult conversation the industry has long struggled with — one about power, silence, and accountability. As Malayalam cinema grapples with the fallout of the verdict, her words underline a reality many feel but hesitate to say out loud: this debate is no longer just about films or fame, but about what the industry chooses to stand for.
