Malayalam Blockbuster Director Lands In ‘Sexual Harrasment’ Trouble

In what could be a sensational news, Kerala police have registered a criminal case against Chidambaram S. Poduval, the filmmaker behind the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys, following a complaint alleging sexual harassment.

The Ernakulam Town South police received the complaint from a woman connected to the film industry, who says the alleged incident took place in 2022 at her apartment in Kochi. According to the FIR, Chidambaram is accused of entering the premises without permission and behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner, which allegedly outraged her.

Police booked the director under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, a provision covering assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, and have promised a fair investigation. A notice is expected to be issued asking Chidambaram to appear for questioning as part of the probe.

Chidambaram, whose 2024 film Manjummel Boys was one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest hits and earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director, has not publicly responded to the allegations yet.

The case is in its early stage, and further details will emerge as police complete their inquiry and record more statements. One needs to see what kind of twists and turns this case takes in the days to come.