Kochi: Dulquer Salmaan’s production house, Wayfarer Films, has become embroiled in controversy after a woman lodged a complaint alleging that she was subjected to harassment under the guise of a film role. The complaint specifically names Associate Director Dhinil Babu, who is accused of attempting to sexually assault the woman and threatening her career in the Malayalam film industry.

According to the complaint, Dhinil Babu contacted the woman, claiming to offer her a part in an upcoming Wayfarer Films production. The woman alleges he asked her to meet him in a building near the company’s Panampilly Nagar office. Upon her arrival, Dhinil allegedly led her into a room, locked the door, and attempted to assault her. The woman said she was saved when her husband arrived at the spot. She also reportedly submitted voice messages as evidence to the police.

Ernakulam South Police have registered a case against Dhinil Babu under charges including outraging the modesty of a woman under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigations are currently underway.

Wayfarer Films has filed separate complaints with both Ernakulam South Police and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), asserting that Dhinil Babu is not associated with the company and has not worked on any of its projects. The production house said the complaint was necessary to prevent defamation, as Dhinil allegedly used the company’s name to give credibility to the harassment attempt.

In an official statement, Wayfarer Films warned aspiring actors against falling for fraudulent offers, stressing that all official casting calls are announced exclusively through the company’s verified social media channels. The production house reiterated that the alleged harassment attempt was unauthorised and had no connection to its operations. 

The incident comes amid the success of Wayfarer Films’ latest project, 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra'.