Actor Vishnu confirms Charmila’s allegation that director Hariharan made indirect requests for sexual favours from her

Charmila alleged that during the casting process for the film Parinayam (1994), Hariharan asked her friend and fellow actor Vishnu if she would be willing to make these “adjustments”. When Vishnu informed him that she would not, both he and Charmila were reportedly dropped from the project.

She also mentioned that many of her friends had fallen victim to similar advances from various people. Choosing not to disclose the identities of these survivors, Charmila explained that she has a son and, hence, does not wish to pursue any further action related to these incidents.

Vishnu, confirming Charmila’s allegations against Hariharan, told Manorama News that the director had asked him, “Will she adjust?” Vishnu explained that he was instructed to find out if Charmila would comply with certain demands. When Charmila refused, Vishnu relayed this to Hariharan, resulting in her losing the opportunity to be part of Parinayam. Hariharan has not yet responded to these accusations.

Considered one of the most celebrated directors in the history of Malayalam cinema, Hariharan has helmed several National Award-winning films, including Parinayam. His notable works include Sharapancharam (1979), Panchagni (1986), Amrutham Gamaya (1987), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Sargam (1992), Parinayam (1994) and Pazhassi Raja (2009). His collaboration with Jnanpith awardee MT Vasudevan Nair is regarded as one of the most successful director-screenwriter partnerships in Malayalam cinema. In 2019, Hariharan received the JC Daniel Award, Kerala’s highest honour for contributions to Malayalam cinema.

In the same interview with Asianet News, Charmila also alleged that one of the producers of her film Arjunan Pillayum Anchu Makkalum (1997), along with some associates, attempted to sexually assault her on the last day of the shooting.

Charmila was one of the most beloved female actors in Malayalam cinema during the 1990s, winning audiences over with her performances in films such as Dhanam (1991), Uncle Bun (1991), Keli (1991), Priyapetta Kukku (1992), Kabooliwala (1993), Kalamasseriyil Kalyanayogam (1995) and Gajaraja Manthram (1997).