Veteran Malayalam dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi has issued a scathing rebuke of actor Dileep’s emotional reaction following his acquittal in the long‑running 2017 sexual assault case — calling the public celebration of the verdict “villainism being lauded as heroism.”
In an exclusive interview, Bhagyalakshmi said there is “no way a woman can celebrate such a verdict,” criticising both the reaction outside court and the broader response within the Malayalam film fraternity. She described the scene after the verdict as one where “villainism and hooliganism were on display” and voiced shock at how jubilation was publicly expressed by some supporters of the actor.
‘A traumatic ordeal for the survivor’
Bhagyalakshmi has been one of the most vocal supporters of the survivor, emphasising the intense emotional and psychological toll the trial took over eight years. She described how the survivor was left in a state of deep shock following the verdict — unable to eat or sleep and traumatised by both the crime and courtroom experience.
She said the survivor’s suffering was compounded by a system that, in her view, lacked empathy and treated victims harshly, often scrutinising them far more than alleged perpetrators. Bhagyalakshmi also criticised the focus on the victim’s behaviour and appearance during the trial, saying such attention added to her trauma.
Resignation from FEFKA in protest
In protest at how the Malayalam film industry responded to the acquittal — especially moves by major industry bodies to reinstate Dileep quickly — Bhagyalakshmi resigned from her position in the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). She said remaining part of an organisation that appeared to prioritise influence and power over solidarity with survivors was untenable.
Her resignation has resonated across the industry, highlighting divisions over how the verdict was handled and how professional organisations should balance legal outcomes with ethical support for victims.
Reaction to the verdict and Dileep’s response
The Ernakulam sessions court acquitted Dileep of criminal conspiracy charges in the assault case, while convicting several of the other accused. Dileep responded jubilantly to the acquittal outside court, blaming his ex‑wife, Manju Warrier, and certain police officials for what he called a fabricated narrative against him — a claim that has added further controversy to an already polarising case.
While some film industry members expressed relief at the verdict, critics like Bhagyalakshmi see it as a setback for survivors’ rights and accountability. State authorities have also said they plan to appeal the verdict, indicating the legal battle may continue.