Kerala Dirty Picture: In a first, male actor alleges #MeToo in Malayalam film industry

The Kerala film industry is witnessing a series of exposes with several actresses coming forward to share their stories of sexual harassment. The report released by the Hema Committee has sparked immense outrage.

Amidst all the outrage, a Kozhikode-based actor has become the first male artiste to allege sexual abuse in the film industry. The male junior actor made serious allegations of sodomy against renowned director Ranjith, who is facing serious sexual assault charges.

The 29-year-old, who works as a senior executive at a Kerala-based private hotel, is a struggling actor and plays minor roles in movies. The incident happened 12 years ago in Bengaluru, he alleged Ranjith of sexually assaulting him by ‘unnatural means’.

He met Ranjith in a private bungalow during the shooting of the film - ‘Bavuttiyude Namathil’.

“A fellow artist told me about a chance to meet Mammootty. So, I jumped at the opportunity. That was when I was taken inside the bungalow where the main crew was staying, and I met Ranjith. He asked me about my aspirations. He took a paper napkin, wrote a number on it, and gave it to me, saying I should not share the number but should text him,” the victim told News18.

Later, Ranjith asked him to meet him in Bengaluru. Driven by the thought that it might be an offer for a film, he flew to Bengaluru and went to the private hotel where Ranjith had asked him to meet.

“He offered me a drink. I had never tasted alcohol before, but I gulped it down. He then asked me to undress, saying he wanted to see me fully. I wasn’t really in my senses and was unsure of what was happening. He later subjected me to sexual abuse throughout the night and even took videos and pictures,” the victim narrated.

The next morning, the director asked him how much money he wanted. That’s was when the victim knew he was used by the director.

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As per reports, the artist has now filed a complaint with the Kerala police and will be recording his statement before the special investigation team probing the sexual allegations.