'Manjummel Boys's director gets bail in sexual harassment case
Chidambaram S. Poduval, who directed the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, has received anticipatory bail after being accused of sexual harassment by an actor.
She alleges that in May 2022, he entered her bedroom and touched her inappropriately.
The police registered an FIR on February 28, 2026 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Complainant didn't cooperate, says court
The Ernakulam court granted Chidambaram bail on March 7, noting he has no criminal record and that the case dates back four years.
He must cooperate with police and avoid contacting witnesses or tampering with evidence.
The court also mentioned the complainant's lack of cooperation and a Bombay High Court order stopping her from posting defamatory content about him online.
Chidambaram denies all allegations, saying they're retaliation for his own defamation suit against her; police are still investigating.