Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been arrested following fresh allegations of sexual assault, adding another serious chapter to the ongoing controversy around the veteran director.
According to police officials, Ranjith was taken into custody on Tuesday evening from Kerala’s Idukki district after an अभिनेत्री working on his latest film filed a complaint accusing him of attempted sexual assault during a shoot.
What the Complaint Says
The actress, in her statement to the police, alleged that the filmmaker called her into a caravan on set and attempted to assault her. Based on her complaint, a case has been registered under multiple charges, including sexual assault, outraging modesty, wrongful confinement, and use of obscene gestures.
The case was formally registered by Kochi City Police after her statement was recorded at the Women’s Police Station. Authorities also noted that the arrest process was carried out quietly, without public disclosure until it was completed.
Court Action and Custody
On Wednesday, Ranjith was produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days. He has since been moved to the Ernakulam Sub Jail.
His legal team has confirmed that preparations are underway to file a bail plea, which is expected to be heard in the coming days.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time Ranjith has faced such allegations.
Back in 2024, he stepped down as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after a Bengali actress accused him of harassment. That case sparked strong reactions within the Malayalam film industry, with several actors and filmmakers openly demanding accountability.
Ranjith had denied those allegations, even claiming he was being targeted. However, legal proceedings had followed, including the dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea by the Kerala High Court at the time.
There was also another case filed by a male complainant, which was later quashed by the Karnataka High Court in 2025.
Industry Impact
The fresh arrest is likely to reignite conversations around accountability and workplace safety within the Malayalam film industry, especially at a time when the Justice K Hema Committee report has already put the spotlight on systemic issues.
For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and court proceedings, which will determine how the case unfolds from here.
