Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith remanded to judicial custody in sexual harassment case: 'I was framed'

Dubai: Malayali filmmaker, scriptwriter, and former Kerala State Chalachithra Academy chairman, Ranjith Balakrishnan, 61, has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

He has been sent to Ernakulam Sub Jail following a sexual harassment complaint by a young actress, according to The Hindu. The investigation is being led by Ernakulam City Deputy Commissioner of Police, Aswathy Jain, and a confidential statement from the complainant has been recorded before a magistrate.

This is the third time Ranjith has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2024, he was accused of sexually assaulting a male film artist at a hotel near Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, related to an incident allegedly dating back to 2012. In a separate case the same year, a female actress from Bengal alleged that Ranjith had behaved inappropriately during the casting of his 2009 film Paleri Manikyam. Ranjith denied both allegations, saying the actress was only invited for an audition and was ultimately not selected.

Speaking to reporters in Kochi after his arrest, Ranjith claimed that he has been framed, asserting his innocence and denying the current allegations.

Reacting to the developments, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said the government stood firmly with the survivor. He described the allegations as serious and said any wrongdoing, if proven, was unacceptable. The minister clarified that Ranjith had been appointed to a key cultural position based on his contributions to cinema, but stressed that no individual would be above the law.

Cherian, according to reports, urged survivors to come forward and not withdraw complaints, assuring institutional support.

Ranjith’s career in Malayalam cinema spans over two decades. He began as a director with Ravanaprabhu (2001), a sequel to the critically acclaimed Devasuram, starring Mohanlal. Known for blending commercial appeal with social commentary, he has directed several award-winning films, including Spirit, which won the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues, and Thirakkatha and Indian Rupee, both of which earned the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam in 2008 and 2011, respectively. Over the years, he has also received six Kerala State Film Awards, solidifying his status as a leading filmmaker in the industry.

He had served as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, which promotes cinema culture and organizes the International Film Festival of Kerala, until stepping down following the latest allegations. His arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of sexual misconduct in the Indian film industry, reflecting broader societal demands for accountability.