Malayalam film director and writer Ranjith Balakrishnan has been arrested in Kerala following a fresh sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman actor. The case has once again brought attention to serious allegations within the Malayalam film industry.
Ranjith Arrested During an Event in Thodupuzha
Ranjith was taken into custody by the Ernakulam Central Police while he was attending an event in Thodupuzha. Police officials detained him during his travel and later brought him to the local police station on the night of March 31.
The arrest was carried out in a careful and discreet manner under the supervision of senior police officers. He is expected to be handed over to the Ernakulam Central Police for further investigation into the case.
Charges Filed Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The case against Ranjith has been registered under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This section deals with assault or use of criminal force against a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty.
This is a serious charge under Indian law and can lead to strict punishment if proven in court. The police are currently investigating the complaint and gathering evidence related to the allegations made by the woman actor.
Allegations of Misconduct on Film Set
The woman actor has accused Ranjith of behaving inappropriately during the shoot of a film that is currently under production. This complaint has led to the new arrest, adding to earlier controversies linked to similar accusations.
Ranjith had been questioned earlier in connection with similar complaints, but those cases did not move forward significantly at the time.
Previous Case and Court Order
This is not the first time Ranjith has faced such allegations. In 2024, a Bengali woman actor filed a complaint against him, accusing him of sexual harassment dating back to 2009.
That case gained attention after the release of a committee report highlighting issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. However, in October 2025, the Kerala High Court quashed the case, pointing out the long delay in filing the complaint.
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Following the earlier allegations, Ranjith stepped down from his position as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.
Ranjith’s Career in Malayalam Cinema
Ranjith is a well-known name in the Malayalam film industry. He has worked as a writer and director and has collaborated with some of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, including Mohanlal and Mammootty.
He started his career as a scriptwriter and later made his directorial debut in 2001 with the film Ravanaprabhu, starring Mohanlal. Over the years, he has been involved in several popular and successful Malayalam films.
The arrest of such a prominent filmmaker has again raised questions about safety and working conditions in the film industry. The police investigation is currently ongoing, and more details are expected to come out as the case progresses.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
