Director Alleppey Ashraf has alleged that director Ranjith slapped the late actor Oduvil Unnikrishnan on the set of Aaraam Thampuran, starring Mohanlal and directed by Shaji Kailas. According to Ashraf, Ranjith was drunk and overcome with arrogance at the time. He shared his thoughts in a video, saying that Unnikrishnan fell down after being beaten by Ranjith and that he was heart-broken. 

Ranjith’s behaviour changed with success

Ashraf reminisced about his first encounter with Ranjith in Madras, describing him as a humble and charismatic young man. He said that when he first met writer Ranjith, he was a person with very attractive qualities. He would smile and speak to everyone with humility. All his films, whether written or directed, bore his unique signature. Unlike others, he did not depend on foreign-language films for inspiration. He steadily climbed the ladder of success, earning the envy of many.

However, Ashraf noted a significant change in Ranjith’s personality as he achieved success. He mentioned that as Ranjith progressed in his career, his character changed. The once-familiar smile disappeared, replaced by a serious and angry demeanour. He started looking down on others and behaved as though he alone was right.

Public criticism and strained relationships

Ashraf pointed out that many of Ranjith’s public statements were hard to agree with. He mentioned that Ranjith once said he had no obligation to the public and claimed that he only made crime films. This opinion sparked widespread disagreements.

He also commented on Ranjith’s tenure as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, which he claimed further escalated the director’s arrogance. During that time, he was at the height of his pride. Those who once applauded him began to boo him instead. His fans distanced themselves, and even the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy turned away. When the sexual assault case surfaced, the government also abandoned him.

Recounting a painful incident

Recalling an incident on the Aaraam Thampuran set, Ashraf shared an emotional account involving actor Oduvil Unnikrishnan. He said one day Unnikrishnan on the set told Ranjith a joke. Ranjith, who was drunk and arrogant, did not appreciate it. He slapped Unnikrishnan hard, causing him to fall to the ground. When others helped him up, his eyes were swollen with tears.

In that moment, Unnikrishnan was disheartened. The laughter and cheerfulness that once defined him disappeared in the days that followed. It took him a long time to recover mentally and emotionally.