Bhavana opens up about finding strength to file complaint in 2017 abduction and assault case: ‘If I had stayed quiet and this came to light years later…’

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Recently, she opened up about what gave her the courage to file a complaint and initiate legal proceedings, fully aware of the backlash she might face, including professional setbacks. She explained that her decision stemmed from the firm belief that she was not to blame for what had happened. However, she was quick to clarify that she does not view her actions as an achievement, but rather as a necessary step in shedding light on such injustices.

“This wasn’t something I meticulously planned. My immediate thought was, ‘I did nothing wrong.’ So, I filed a complaint without hesitation. If I had done nothing wrong, why should I be afraid? Even at that moment, I didn’t think too much about it. I simply did what felt right. Then it became a huge thing. Even now, I don’t think I did something great by doing so. I only see it as — why should we hesitate to do or say what we feel is right?” she shared in a conversation with Behindwoods TV.

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“Isn’t silence an even bigger problem than speaking out? That was the question that weighed on my mind. If I had stayed quiet and this came to light years later, people would still ask, ‘Why did you remain silent all this time?’ So, I filed the complaint immediately, on the spur of the moment. If we fall while walking, we immediately get up and take care of ourselves, right? Whether by applying medicine or going to a hospital. That was the mindset I applied here too,” she added.

Bhavana’s abduction and assault sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, exposing deep-seated issues within the system. In response, the Kerala government established a three-member commission led by retired Justice K Hema, with former bureaucrat KB Valsalakumari and veteran actor Sharada as members, to investigate the discrimination and exploitation faced by women in the industry.