MeToo in Malayalam Cinema: In A First, Male Artiste Alleges Sexual Abuse in Kerala Film Industry | News18 Interview

Kozhikode-based Sajeer is the first male junior artiste from Malayalam cinema to make serious allegations of sodomy against renowned director Ranjith, who is facing sexual assault accusations.

The 29-year-old senior executive at a Kerala-based private hotel has opened up about an incident that took place 12 years ago in Bengaluru, where he accuses the Malayalam director of sexually assaulting him by “unnatural means”. Sajeer had previously played a small role in a 2006 film called Notebook.

He had hoped to continue working as an actor in Malayalam cinema and attended the shoot of a film called Bavuttiyude Namathil in Kozhikode, where he claims to have first met Ranjith in a private bungalow.

Sajeer has filed a complaint with the Kerala police and will be recording his statement before the special investigation team probing the various sexual assault allegations that have surfaced in the Kerala film industry in recent days, following the publication of the Hema Committee report.

Speaking to News18, Sajeer recalled how a crew member, after spotting him in the crowd gathered to watch the shooting of Bavuttiyude Namathil, asked if he was interested in meeting acclaimed actor Mammootty, who was in the lead role.

“I jumped at the opportunity. That was when I was taken inside the bungalow where the main crew was staying, and I met Ranjith. He asked me about my aspirations, and I made it clear that I wanted to be in films. I asked him if he could give me a role. He later took a paper napkin from the holder, wrote a number on it, and gave it to me, saying I should not share the number but should text him,” Sajeer told News18.

Sajeer claims that the director responded to his texts later and, at one point, asked him to meet in Bengaluru. Driven by the thought that it might be an offer for a role in a film, Sajeer said he flew to Bengaluru and went to the private hotel where Ranjith had asked him to meet.

“I arrived late — it was around 10 pm — so the staff said they couldn’t let me in. When I told Ranjith this, he directed me to another entrance that led to the rooms, and I met him in his room,” he said.

Describing the meeting, the hospitality executive said he reiterated to the famous director that he was looking for a role and was hoping to get a break with an accomplished filmmaker like him.

“He complimented my features, saying he liked how I looked, and then offered me a drink. I had never tasted alcohol before, but I gulped it down. He then asked me to undress, saying he wanted to see me fully. I wasn’t really in my senses and was unsure of what was happening,” Sajeer said.

He alleges that under the influence of alcohol, Ranjith subjected him to sexual abuse throughout the night and even took videos and pictures.

News18 reached out to Ranjith but he’s yet to comment on these allegations.

The next morning, said Sajeer, the director asked him how much he should be paid. That was when Sajeer felt at his lowest.

“I had no idea why he was asking that, and I felt used. He told me to return to my hometown. I continued texting him, asking for opportunities to act in films, but received no reply. After several messages seeking an apology for what had been done to me, one day I received a text, allegedly from Ranjith’s wife, asking me to stop messaging or calling as there was no work for me,” he recalled.

When asked why he chose to speak up now, Sajeer said he felt empowered after the Hema Committee report was released and wanted his story to be told as well.

“I realised that I was not alone in voicing how rampant abuse is in the Malayalam film industry, so I took the opportunity to share my story. I returned to Kerala from West Asia, where I had been working, in the hope that I could still become an actor,” he said.

Sajeer stressed, however, that since coming forward with his story, he has been under pressure to withdraw his statement. He even fears for his life.

“I stand by my statement, and the truth will prevail. If wrongdoing has been committed, it should come to light, and I stand with the truth,” he added.

Disclaimer: As per legal and ethical guidelines, we generally refrain from naming victims in cases of sexual harassment or assault. The inclusion of the name in this article is based on the fact that the individual has publicly identified themselves in connection with the case. We respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals involved and urge readers to approach the matter sensitively.