From Nivin Pauly to Siddique: Tracing the sexual assault allegations sweeping Malayalam cinema

In a shocking turn of events, actor Nivin Pauly has been accused of sexual assault, adding his name to the growing list of Malayalam cinema personalities facing similar allegations. The complaint, filed by a woman from Neriamangalam, claims that Pauly assaulted her abroad in 2023 under the pretense of offering a movie role. While the actor swiftly dismissed the allegations in a media address, social media continues to debate the increasing number of sexual assault complaints following the release of the Justice Hema Committee Report.

This latest incident involving a leading actor has intensified scrutiny on the Malayalam film industry's dark underbelly of harassment and exploitation. As the Justice K Hema Committee report exposes systemic abuse, we examine the leading figures who have come under scrutiny following the release of the Hema Committee report.

Siddique

Malayalam actor Siddique faces charges under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code following allegations by a young actress. She claimed Siddique sexually assaulted her at Mascot Hotel in January 2016, when she was 21 years old. The FIR, registered at the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram, describes how Siddique initially contacted her via social media and then harassed her during a meeting arranged under false pretenses. Police collected evidence at Mascot Hotel, confirming that Siddique and the complainant stayed there on the same day. Siddique resigned as General Secretary of  Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in response to the allegations and has filed a counter-complaint, asserting that the accusations are part of a conspiracy and are inconsistent with her previous claims. He denied any wrongdoing, stating he only met her once in the presence of her parents.

Jayasurya

Actor Jayasurya faces allegations of sexual harassment from two incidents on film sets, one in 2008 involving an accusation of groping an actress during the shooting of a film directed by Balachandra Menon, and another in 2013 on a set in Thodupuzha. The allegations surfaced while Jayasurya was in the United States with his family. In response, Jayasurya took to social media to express his distress, stating that the accusations have deeply affected him and his family. He called the allegations baseless and vowed to take legal action to prove his innocence, stressing his faith in the judicial system.

Mukesh

An FIR has been filed against Malayalam actor and CPM MLA M Mukesh at Maradu police station in Kochi, following allegations of sexual assault by a female actor. The FIR includes charges under IPC Section 376 (rape), Section 354 (assault with intent to outrage modesty), and Section 509 (insulting modesty). The actress alleged that Mukesh assaulted her in 2010. Mukesh's lawyer stated that he is ready to cooperate with the investigation but claims the case is motivated by a desire to damage his political and film career. Mukesh has sought anticipatory bail from the court, asserting that the allegations are part of a scheme to tarnish his reputation. The police also collected evidence from the actor’s flat in Maradu.

Edavela Babu

The case against Edavela Babu, according to a junior artist’s revelations, involves allegations of inappropriate behavior and misconduct. She accused Edavela Babu, the former General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), of suggesting that she could gain membership in AMMA through "adjustments" rather than paying the required fees. She also claimed that he implied compromising morally could secure her a place in the association. Furthermore, she stated that she stopped receiving movie offers after refusing to comply with these demands.

Alencier

Actor Alencier Ley Lopez has been booked on charges of sexual assault and house-trespass based on allegations made by a fellow actor. The Chengamanad police in Kochi registered the FIR, citing that the incident occurred during the shooting of a film in 2017. Alencier is charged under IPC Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 451 (house-trespass). The survivor had informed Edavela Babu, the then General Secretary of AMMA, about the assault. However, she was reportedly told that no further action would be taken since Alencier had already apologized.

Baburaj

Actor Baburaj has been booked for rape based on a complaint filed by a former female junior artist. The complainant alleged that Baburaj sexually abused her at his resort in Adimali and his house in Aluva in 2019, after promising her a role in a movie. The incident occurred when she was working as a receptionist at Baburaj's resort, where she first met him during his birthday celebrations. Baburaj later invited her to his Aluva residence, under the pretext of discussing a new film with other industry professionals. However, when she arrived, only Baburaj and his male employee were present. He then took her to his room and raped her, allowing her to leave only the next day. The complaint was filed with the DGP via email, and the Adimali police registered the case after recording her statement. Baburaj had previously given her a small role in his 2018 film 'Koodasha' and later offered her a position as his assistant director in 'Black Coffee', which she refused. 

Maniyanpilla Raju

Actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju has been accused of sexual assault by a woman actor, who alleged that he demanded sexual favors from her on the set of the Malayalam movie 'Da Thadiya'. She claimed that Raju repeatedly knocked on her door at night and expressed anger on the set when she refused to let him in. The Fort Kochi police booked Raju under IPC Sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 376 (rape). In response, Raju has applied for anticipatory bail at the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court to avoid arrest.

Sudheesh

Actor Sudheesh, known for his long-standing career in the Malayalam film industry, has been accused of sexual harassment by a junior artist. The complainant alleged that Sudheesh invited her to go on trips with him over the phone, which she interpreted as inappropriate behavior. When Sudheesh denied these allegations, the junior artist accused him of being a habitual liar. Consequently, the Nadakkavu Police in Kozhikode have booked Sudheesh under Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to sexual harassment.

The revelations of sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry have shed light on a pervasive issue that has long been overshadowed by the glamour of cinema. With renowned actors like Nivin Pauly, Siddique, Jayasurya, Mukesh, Edavela Babu, Alencier, Baburaj, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Sudheesh, along with directors like Ranjith and V K Prakash facing serious allegations, the industry is grappling with its darkness of harassment and exploitation. The ongoing fallout from the Justice K Hema Committee report has not only unmasked these personalities as alleged predators but has also sparked a broader conversation about the abuse of power in the film industry. As the list of accused continues to grow, the question remains: how many more will be revealed as wolves in sheep’s clothing?