Malayalam film fraternity unite in protest

The scene was perhaps straight from any Indian film(including the recent hit, ‘Pink’), but the difference was that it was a real life incident, that involved a popular Malayalam actress.

It took place on Friday night when the actor was on her way from Thrissur to Kochi. A gang of men waylaid her car at Athani in Angamaly, forced their way into the car, took over control and drove around for at least two hours. She told the police that her abductors sexually assaulted her and took photos of her with the intention of using them to blackmail her later. They stopped the car at Palarivattom and fled the scene.

Three people have been arrested so far, including the actor’s former driver. The police are looking for six more men involved in the incident.

Film fraternity unites against the assault

Leading film personalities gathered in Kochi to attend a protest meet organised against the incident on Sunday and expressed their solidarity and support for the assaulted actress. Actor-director Lal who spoke of the incident also revealed that 2 more similar incidents have happened in the recent past but have been suppressed due to various reasons.

Mammootty appreciated the woman’s courage and vowed to stand by her. “You have my word. We are with you. You are not alone. There is a big group of people that loves you and supports you in your fight,” he told the media.

“This is a big lesson for us the people of Kerala, who were living in a bubble thinking such things won’t happen here. This incident burst that bubble,” said Malayalam director,Kamal.

Actor Manju Warrier said,“I am proud of her as she is fighting back despite going through such ordeal. I pray to god that it doesn’t happen to any other girl.”