The recent acquittal of Malayalam actor Dileep in the high-profile 2017 sexual assault case has sent shockwaves across the film industry and public discourse, igniting strong reactions from celebrities and advocacy groups alike. This verdict concluded almost nine years of legal battle, with Dileep cleared of all charges relating to conspiracy, while six others were convicted for the abduction and assault of a fellow actress[2][5]. The court ruling by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court stated that the prosecution failed to prove Dileep's involvement in the criminal conspiracy concerning the assault that occurred in February 2017. The accused were charged following the abduction and sexual assault of an actress traveling between Thrissur and Kochi, with Pulsar Suni and others found guilty for the attack[1][2][4]. The industry and social media erupted with immediate reactions. Prominent Malayalam actress Parvathy Thiruvothu voiced deep disappointment, questioning the justice of the acquittal, alongside other public figures such as Chinmayi Sripaada and Rima Kallingal, who expressed solidarity with the survivor using slogans like "Avalkoppam" (We stand with her). The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), which had supported the survivor throughout, highlighted the prolonged ordeal of waiting 3,215 days for justice while advocating for continued awareness and support for survivors[5][6]. Meanwhile, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) urged respect for the judicial process despite the divided sentiments within the industry. The Kerala government has announced intentions to appeal the acquittal, signaling ongoing legal and social developments[4][9]. This case has brought critical attention to issues of power, gender justice, and accountability within the Malayalam film industry, sparking wide debate on how such cases are handled. It also underscores the challenges survivors face in their pursuit of justice. What do you think about the verdict and the reactions from the film community? Share your opinions below and help raise awareness by spreading this important conversation.
Citations
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDkRe10ATVo
2.https://indianexpress.com/article/india/actor-dileep-sexual-assault-conspiracy-acquittal-timeline-10408658/
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imX1rQq0PEM
4.https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/dileeps-acquittal-amma-says-lets-respect-the-court
5.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/parvathy-thiruvothu-chinmayi-sripaada-rima-kallingal-and-more-react-strongly-as-dileep-gets-acquitted-in-2017-sexual-assault-case-what-justice/articleshow/125833203.cms
6.https://www.news18.com/movies/justice-what-parvathy-thiruvothu-reacts-to-actor-dileeps-acquittal-in-sexual-assault-case-ws-dl-9756936.html
7.https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/dileeps-acquittal-in-assault-case-malayalam-film-industry-divided-womens-body-extends-support-to-survivor-3823849
8.https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/malayalam/dileep-breaks-silence-after-acquittal-in-2017-assault-case-hits-back-at-ex-wife-manju-warrier-article-153261644
9.https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/08/kerala-government-to-appeal-against-acquittal-of-dileep-in-2017-actor-assault-case
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