Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is facing severe criticism for his association with actor Dileep, who was recently acquitted in the 2017 actress sexual assault case. The controversy erupted after Mohanlal made a cameo appearance in Dileep's upcoming film, "Bha Bha Ba," and shared the film's poster shortly after the verdict. This move has been deemed "insensitive and thoughtless" by many, including veteran dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi.
The case dates back to February 2017 when a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi. Dileep was accused of conspiring and hiring a gang to execute the crime, with the prosecution alleging that he held a grudge against the actress for her alleged involvement in his divorce from actress Manju Warrier. While Dileep consistently denied the charges, the case garnered significant media attention and sparked intense public debate.
On December 8, 2025, the Ernakulam principal sessions court acquitted Dileep of all charges. However, the court found six other accused guilty of serious charges, including gang rape and criminal conspiracy. The verdict has triggered strong reactions across the Malayalam film industry and among the public, with many expressing solidarity with the survivor.
Mohanlal's support for Dileep, particularly his cameo in "Bha Bha Ba," has drawn flak from various quarters. Critics argue that Mohanlal, as a leading figure in the industry, is normalizing and platforming an actor accused of such heinous crimes. This has raised concerns about accountability, justice, and the message it sends to society.
Bhagyalakshmi, in particular, has been vocal in her criticism of Mohanlal, questioning his decision to promote Dileep's film on the very day the verdict was announced. She questioned whether Mohanlal should have paused to reflect on his actions, especially considering his statement about praying for both the accused and the survivor. She views Mohanlal's actions as part of the "financial space Dileep has created".
Mohanlal's association with Dileep is not new. In 2018, as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), Mohanlal faced criticism for reinstating Dileep into the organization after his arrest. This decision led to resignations from several members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and sparked widespread outrage. While Mohanlal initially supported the survivor in 2017, his stance appeared to shift after Dileep was granted bail.
The controversy surrounding Mohanlal's support for Dileep highlights the deep divisions and ongoing debates within the Malayalam film industry regarding the 2017 sexual assault case. While some express happiness at seeing the two actors together again, others condemn Mohanlal for his perceived insensitivity towards the survivor and the larger issue of violence against women. The incident underscores the challenges of navigating justice, accountability, and public perception in the aftermath of such a high-profile case.
