Kerala: Women passengers stops Dileep's film screening on bus
What's the story
A public screening of a film starring actor Dileep had to be halted on a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus, following objections from some passengers. The incident occurred while the bus was en route from Thiruvananthapuram to Thottilpalam and has since sparked heated discussions among netizens. The controversy comes in light of Dileep's recent acquittal in a high-profile 2017 sexual assault case, which has reignited public discourse.
Dispute
Woman's objection led to heated discussions on the bus
A woman, identified as Lakshmi R Shekhar from Pathanamthitta, objected to the screening of Dileep's film Ee Parakkum Thalika. She argued that passengers shouldn't be forced to watch films they aren't interested in during their journey. Her protest quickly sparked a debate among other passengers, with some agreeing and others questioning the need to stop the screening. The conductor eventually intervened by switching off the movie to prevent further confrontation.
Statement
'All the women clearly said they were not interested'
Shekhar said, as per Times of India, "The movie was played at a very loud volume. Watching and listening to that film, in that present circumstances, and having to endure it for a 2.5-hour journey...was extremely uncomfortable for me." She said that she asked all passengers whether they were interested in watching the movie. "Except for two people, all the women clearly said they were not interested." Reportedly, some men said the movie should be played.
Legal battle
Dileep's acquittal in 2017 sexual assault case
This incident comes days after the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court pronounced its verdict in a 2017 sexual assault case involving a female actor. While six accused were convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison, Dileep, who was accused of conspiring to commit the crime, was acquitted. The court rejected claims that Dileep had financed the assailants to execute and film the assault.
Post-verdict reaction
Manju Warrier expressed concern over Dileep's acquittal
Following the verdict, actor Manju Warrier, who is also Dileep's ex-wife, publicly expressed her concern. She stated on Instagram that she respects the court but believes justice for the survivor is still incomplete. "Only those who physically committed the crime have been punished. The mind that planned and enabled this heinous act...still walks free, and that is terrifying," she wrote.