AMMA Addresses Ranjith's Arrest Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has officially addressed the arrest of filmmaker Ranjith, who faces serious allegations of sexual assault. In their statement, AMMA expressed confidence in the judicial system and highlighted the importance of creating a safe working environment for women in the film industry. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has also criticized systemic failures in ensuring safety on film sets. As legal proceedings unfold, the industry grapples with the implications of this incident, raising questions about workplace safety and accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 13:28 IST

AMMA's Official Statement on Ranjith's Arrest

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has released its first official statement following the arrest of filmmaker Ranjith, who is facing allegations related to a sexual assault case. In their statement, AMMA expressed confidence in the judicial system and emphasized the necessity for a safe and fair working environment in the Malayalam film industry, particularly for women. This arrest stems from accusations that Ranjith attempted to sexually assault an actress during a film shoot.

AMMA's Commitment to Women's Safety

AMMA Responds to Ranjith’s Arrest

In light of Ranjith's arrest, AMMA took to social media to share their official stance. According to reports, the association reaffirmed its trust in the judicial process and highlighted the significance of women's safety as a core principle within the film industry. They stated that the Malayalam film sector must evolve into a secure and equitable workplace for all, especially for women, while respecting the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the actress's complaint against Ranjith.

Arrest Details and Ongoing Legal Matters

Details of the Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Ranjith was apprehended on March 31 and is currently in judicial custody until April 13 at the Ernakulam Sub Jail. He faces serious charges under non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault with intent to outrage modesty and sexual harassment. His lawyer, Mohammed Siyad, has recently stepped down from the case due to controversy surrounding his previous involvement as a member of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on the film set where the alleged incident occurred. The complaint alleges that the incident took place on January 30 inside a caravan at a shooting location in Thodupuzha, where Ranjith is accused of attempting to sexually assault the actress. Following the complaint, police action was swift, resulting in his arrest and subsequent court remand.

WCC's Critique of Workplace Safety Measures

WCC Criticises Systemic Workplace Failures

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has voiced strong criticism regarding the ongoing systemic failures in ensuring safety on Malayalam film sets. They pointed out that despite directives from the High Court and the introduction of a new cinema policy, essential mechanisms like ICCs and monitoring committees are not functioning as intended. The WCC noted that their advocacy led to a High Court order requiring ICCs on every film set, along with a monitoring committee. They raised concerns about the ineffectiveness of these systems, suggesting a possible lack of awareness, commitment, or indifference, and emphasized that safety measures must not just exist on paper. The collective described the allegations against Ranjith as “yet another grave incident” that has deeply unsettled Kerala.