Malayalam director Chidambaram booked on harassment charge in Kerala

Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram, known for directing the hit film ‘Manjummel Boys’, has been reportedly booked by police in Kerala following a complaint of sexual harassment lodged by a female actor.

As per reports, the Ernakulam Town South Police confirmed on Monday that a case was registered after the complainant approached authorities in Kochi. The alleged incident is reported to have taken place in 2022 at an apartment in the city, where the actor claimed the director misbehaved with her.

According to police officials, the case was reportedly registered shortly after the complaint was received. The director has been charged under Sections 74 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 75 (sexual harassment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police sources reportedly said the investigation is at a preliminary stage and efforts are underway to collect evidence and record statements of those concerned. Further details of the alleged sequence of events have not been disclosed.

Chidambaram has not issued any public statement in response to the allegations so far.

The case has drawn attention within the Malayalam film industry, given the commercial and critical success of ‘Manjummel Boys’.

On the professional front, the director is currently working on a film titled ‘Balan’, reportedly scripted by filmmaker Jithu Madhavan. There had also been speculation about a possible collaboration with actor Dileep, though Chidambaram had earlier dismissed such reports as rumours.