Women in Cinema collective reacts to alleged sexual assault case against director Ranjith: ‘Industry can no longer hide’

The Women in Cinema Collective has been fighting for the establishment of a non-discriminatory workplace in Malayalam cinema since 2017.

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested over alleged sexual assault charges after a complaint was filed by an actress. He was sent to judicial custody for 14 days and returned to the Ernakulam Sub Jail in Keralam. An actress, who is part of his latest film, lodged a complaint with the police, alleging sexual assault.

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan was booked for sexual assault on a female actor.

What the WCC said about the arrest of Ranjith

On Thursday, the Women in Cinema Collective, a first-of-its-kind all-woman organisation for women working in the Malayalam cinema industry, reacted to the arrest and questioned the industry's power structures. Taking to their Instagram post, they penned a long note to address the issue.

The note began, “Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala. This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from? From a system that simply does not function.”

The collective questioned the lack of awareness of the Internal Committee on the matter and asked whether they ever ‘reached out’ to the actress when something as grave as this took place on set. “The WCC fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it lack of will? Lack of awareness? Or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist merely on paper.”

‘The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia’

The collective acknowledged and saluted the young actress's courage for approaching the police. It concluded by noting, “The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement ICs. Follow POSH. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable and dignified for all.”

In her complaint, the actress alleged that Ranjith invited her to a caravan during the film’s shoot and attempted to assault her. Based on her statement, a case has been registered under multiple sections, including outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual assault, wrongful confinement and making obscene gestures. The police said that the survivor was ‘traumatised’ by the incident and had to undergo counselling and psychiatric treatment before she could come forward with the complaint.

Following his remand, the filmmaker spoke to the press and claimed that the accusations against him were ‘false’. He also told reporters that he would be able to prove his innocence in the case while being taken inside the sub-jail in Kochi. Ranjith's lawyer has said that they are preparing to move a bail plea in court.