Malayalam Director Ranjith Balakrishnan Arrested on Sexual Harassment Charges

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been arrested on sexual harassment charges after an actress filed a complaint against him. He is currently in judicial custody. Fellow director Dr. Biju has publicly criticized Ranjith, highlighting the misogynistic themes in his films and urging him to reflect on his actions. The complaint details an alleged incident during a film shoot where Ranjith attempted to assault the actress. This situation has raised significant concerns within the film community regarding the integrity of artists and the portrayal of women in cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 1, 2026, 17:43 IST

Ranjith Balakrishnan Faces Legal Trouble

Renowned Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been taken into custody following allegations of sexual harassment. An actress lodged a complaint against him, claiming he harassed her during a film shoot. Following the allegations, he has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days and is currently held at the Ernakulam Sub Jail in Kerala. In the wake of his arrest, fellow director Dr. Biju publicly criticized Ranjith, recalling a past interview where Ranjith had suggested he reflect on his 'relevance' in the industry. Dr. Biju, who previously chaired the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, responded to Ranjith's advice with a detailed letter.

Dr. Biju's Critique of Ranjith Balakrishnan

Dr. Biju's Strong Words Against Ranjith Balakrishnan

In a Facebook post written in Malayalam, Dr. Biju expressed his concerns about the misogynistic themes present in Ranjith's films. He stated, “We have seen misogyny in the dialogues of many of his films. It is alarming that such attitudes are being reflected in real life.” He also encouraged Ranjith to view his own English film, Painting Life, which illustrates how a filmmaker's perspective can shift after experiencing life in a remote Himalayan village. In his note, Dr. Biju emphasized that a female character in the film provides the director with a fresh perspective on various aspects of life, including society and politics.

Dr. Biju further asserted his awareness of his own relevance in the film industry, noting that his works have consistently been featured in international film festivals. He remarked on the significant decline in Ranjith's situation, stating, “This is something no artist should engage in, as the integrity of an artist is of utmost importance.”

Details of the Complaint Against Ranjith

Complaint Against Ranjith

The complaint against Ranjith was filed by an actress on the evening of March 31, alleging that he attempted to sexually assault her on set. He was apprehended in the Idukki district after the actress reported that Ranjith had invited her to a caravan during the filming and made unwanted advances. Following her statement, a case was registered under several charges, including outraging a woman's modesty, sexual assault, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures. The Kochi Police initiated the case against him on Monday, and the arrest was conducted with a high level of confidentiality.

About Ranjith Balakrishnan

Ranjith Balakrishnan began his career as a screenwriter in 1987 with the film Ezhuthappurangal and made his directorial debut with Ravanaprabhu in 2001. His notable works include films such as Nandanam, Black, Prajapathi, Spirit, and Manorathangal.