Director Ranjith was arrested following an actor’s sexual assault complaint. The Women in Cinema Collective criticised the industry, questioning ineffective safety mechanisms and lack of enforcement of internal committees on film sets
Ranjith
Noted Malayalam film director Ranjith was taken into custody following a complaint filed by a woman actor, who alleged that he attempted to sexually assault her on a film set. Following his arrest, the director has been suspended from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). Meanwhile, the Women in Cinema Collective has reacted to the arrest, questioning industry power and lack of awareness.
WCC reacts to Ranjith’s arrest in sexual assault case
On Thursday, the Women in Cinema Collective reacted to the arrest and questioned the industry's power structures. “Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala. This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from? From a system that simply does not function,” the statement read.
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The collective questioned the lack of awareness of the Internal Committee on the matter. “The WCC fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it a lack of will, lack of awareness, or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist merely on paper,” they added.
“The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement ICs. Follow POSH. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable, and dignified for all,” WCC stated.
About Ranjith’s sexual assault case
According to the police, the actor has alleged that the director invited her to a caravan during the shooting of a film and attempted to sexually assault her. The case against Ranjith was registered by Kochi City Police, after which he was arrested. Meanwhile, Ranjith's lawyer has said that they are preparing to move a bail plea in court.
This is not the first time Ranjith has faced such allegations. In 2024, he stepped down as the chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after harassment claims were made by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra, though he had denied those allegations at the time.
The earlier controversy had sparked strong reactions across Kerala's film industry, with several actors, directors, and industry members publicly calling for his resignation.
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