Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith Faces Resignation Demands

The Kerala State Chalachithra Academy is an autonomous, non-profit institution under the government for the promotion of cinema in Kerala.

Calls for resignation of Ranjith, 59, have intensified after Sreelekha Mitra disclosed an incident involving Renjith that occurred approximately 15 years ago. Minister for Culture and Films, Saji Cherian, hinted at the possiblity of Ranjith's resignation. "It is Ranjith's decision whether he should step down or not," he stated, clarifying that the government has not requested his resignation. He also mentioned that the government is considering the option of securing a written complaint from the actor.

Earlier on Friday, Mitra, 51, recounted her distressing ordeal to television news channels, stating, "I was invited to act in the Malayalam movie Paleri Manikyam. Upon my arrival in Kerala, I met the director in the morning, and he later requested my presence in the evening to discuss film-related matters. After a while, he inappropriately touched my arm, toyed with my bangles, and caressed my hair. When he touched my neck, I realized his intentions and promptly left the room."

The actress recounted that the incident had left her deeply disturbed. "Upon arriving at my hotel room, I was terrified he might come after me. I even worried they might have a master key to the room. So, I moved the sofa, chairs, and placed them against the door. I stayed awake all night. The following day, I hurried to the airport, purchased a ticket with my own money, and departed from Kerala. The memory of that incident still makes me shudder."

“I confided in documentary filmmaker Joshy Babu about the experience. At that time, filing a complaint was not something I could consider; my sole focus was to leave Kerala as soon as possible,” she said.

The actor stated that she was not sexually assaulted. However, the director's misconduct and his apparent intentions were undeniable.

Mitra reaffirmed her allegations against the filmmaker to the media on Saturday. The actress explained that filing a complaint in Kerala was challenging for her since she resides in West Bengal. Her statement was in response to Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian's remark that actions would only be initiated upon receiving an official complaint against the filmmaker.

Mitra expressed her readiness to proceed with the complaint if she received legal support. Ranjith refuted the accusations

Director Ranjith refuted the misbehaviour allegations, stating that Sreelekha was auditioned for Paleri Manikyam and was considered for a role in the film. However, her performance did not meet their expectations, resulting in her not being cast.

He mentioned that other than offering her a cigarette, there were no significant interactions between them. The assistant director informed her the following day that her performance was subpar. Subsequently, Ranjith learned that Mitra had angrily confronted him.

Ranjith suggested that the ongoing controversy might be fueled by ulterior motives, portraying himself as the victim and Mitra as the aggressor. He affirmed his readiness to confront any legal action she might initiate.

The Bengali actress refuted Ranjith's claim that she was invited for an audition. "I was offered a prominent role in the film," she said.

The allegations against Ranjith have come up close on the heels of Hema Committee report which exposed the widespread sexual harassment of women actors, gender discrimination and lack of facilities for women in Malayalam film industry.

Opposition leader V D Satheeshan recommended that Ranjith, the chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, should resign in light of the misbehaviour allegations made by the Bengali actor.