Parvathy Thiruvothu says Ranjith’s arrest in sexual harassment case ‘not a surprise’: ‘They aren’t paying the price’

Must Read | Vaazha 2 earns Rs 79 crore in 5 days: How social media sensations Hashir H and friends turned Malayalam box office into their playground

‘Thak gayi main’

Despite this not being the first complaint against the filmmaker, Parvathy pointed out that, as usual, the discussion has landed on whether the survivor’s claims should be believed. “People can keep debating on this. We need to live, get work, be activists, carry the weight of these questions, earn money and stay relevant! ‘Thak gayi main’: Kareena Kapoor Khan recently said this in the context of something else. After that, I keep quoting her. I’m really tired.”

She further maintained that the so-called punishments that culprits in such cases receive are mere eyewash. “In the name of punishment, what we get is performance. When the Hema Committee report came out, so many people were asking why the victims weren’t coming forward. But they don’t realise that the moment they come out, women are kept away from the workforce,” she stated.

Also Read | Tovino Thomas often faced rejections for ‘not looking Malayali enough’; was ‘insulted at every turn’: ‘Met fake directors who demanded money for roles’

‘Not seeking allies anymore’

Opening up about the struggles of survivors, Parvathy said, “They can’t make money to feed their families. How many women can afford that unless they come from money? These cases go on throughout their lives. The grassroots level reality isn’t understood by people. They also want sensationalism. They just want the names to come out. They don’t want justice to be served. The fact that there’s a real human being on the other side isn’t considered by the law, the public and the media.”

Pointing out that although the WCC doesn’t wield power in the industry like its male-dominated counterpart (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes – AMMA), she noted that the organisation, nonetheless, won’t stop advocating for policies to be put in place. “The collective has worked very hard, and so have other people in the industry, to bring about enough change to say that ICC is a normal and required thing on a film set. I’m not seeking allies anymore. I’m seeking tangible solutions. Unfortunately, nothing is your problem until it impacts you. One would wonder why the report was kept under wraps for four-and-a-half years while the abuses continued. This is exactly why there’s no fear of consequence.”

ICYMI | 2,500 movies in 62 years: Even if we start watching Sukumari’s films at a rate of one per day, we would finish only by 2033

Cases against Ranjith

Ranjith, the former chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KSCA), was arrested on Tuesday, March 31, in Thodupuzha, Idukki, after a young actor filed a complaint alleging that he had sexually harassed her inside a caravan during a film shoot in Fort Kochi. He was subsequently suspended from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA).

In 2024, another actor had complained that Ranjith misbehaved with her in 2009 in a flat in Kochi during an audition. The director was also accused by a man of luring him to a hotel room and sexually abusing him in 2012. The man subsequently filed a complaint with the Bengaluru police. In July 2025, the Karnataka High Court quashed the criminal case registered against Ranjith in the second case, The Hindu reported. In October of the same year, the proceedings against him in the first case were also quashed.

Who is Ranjith Balakrishnan?

One of the most successful and renowned screenwriter-directors in Malayalam cinema, Ranjith has often been criticised for peddling elitist, patriarchal, and misogynistic ideas through his films. He has courted many controversies over the years.

He is most noted for penning movies such as Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal, Johnnie Walker, Devaasuram, Aaraam Thampuran, Summer in Bethlehem, Ustaad, Valyettan, and Narasimham. His directorial ventures include Ravanaprabhu, Nandanam, Black, Chandrolsavam, Kaiyoppu, Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha, Pranchiyettan and The Saint, and Spirit, among others.

Disclaimer: This article discusses serious allegations and sensitive legal proceedings regarding workplace safety and misconduct. It is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a definitive judgment on the cases mentioned.