Chidambaram Poduval Secures Anticipatory Bail in Sexual Assault Allegation

Chidambaram Poduval Granted Anticipatory Bail

Chidambaram Poduval, the acclaimed director behind the Malayalam hit Manjummel Boys, has successfully obtained anticipatory bail in connection with a sexual harassment allegation. Earlier this month, he was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354 (outraging a woman's modesty), 354A(1)(i) (sexual harassment), and 509 (acts intended to insult a woman's modesty). The Sessions Judge KK Balakrishnan issued the bail order on March 7. The complaint was filed at the Ernakulam Town South Police Station. During the recent court session, the judge noted that the complainant was not cooperating with the investigation and is currently residing abroad.

Details of the Court Proceedings

Sessions Court Grants Bail

The Sessions court granted Poduval anticipatory bail, highlighting the absence of any prior criminal record and the fact that the alleged incident was reported nearly four years after it occurred in 2022. The court also acknowledged the filmmaker's legal actions against the complainant for defamation, which resulted in a court order preventing her from disseminating defamatory statements about him.

Chidambaram's Defense in Court

Chidambaram's Statements

During the court proceedings, Poduval refuted the allegations made by the complainant, who accused him of breaking into her apartment in Kochi and attempting sexual assault. He claimed that their interactions were strictly professional, as she was involved in his film, Manjummel Boys. Poduval alleged that the complainant was engaged in a deliberate campaign to tarnish his reputation. After considering the evidence and arguments presented, the court granted him bail under specific conditions. Amidst the ongoing case, Poduval has deactivated his Instagram account, and an official statement from him and his legal representatives is anticipated.

Chidambaram's Career Highlights

Filmography Overview

Chidambaram Poduval has directed two films to date. His debut was Jan.E.Man in 2021, followed by Manjummel Boys in 2024, which achieved significant success in the Mollywood box office. He also contributed to the screenplay of the film, which featured actors such as Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Deepak Parambol. His upcoming project is titled Balan, which commenced production in August 2025.