Actress-filmmaker Parvathy Thiruvothu took to social media on Monday to express her feelings after a Kerala trial court acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 sexual assault case.
“We watch a carefully crafted screenplay unfold so cruelly now,” Parvathy, a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective, said in an Instagram post.
“Justice what?” she questioned in her Instagram post after the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court delivered the verdict. The court found the first six accused guilty on multiple counts. Actor Dileep was the eighth accused in the case.
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) stated that it respects the court’s verdict.
“Let the law move in the path of justice. We respect the court,” it added.
Meanwhile, several actors from the Malayalam film industry, including Rima Kallingal and Remya Nambeesan, shared the campaign tagline “Avalkoppam” (We stand with her) on social media, which was first released by the WCC after the February 2017 assault.
“Always. More stronger than ever now,” Rima posted on Instagram.
The WCC was formed in November 2017 and aims to build a safe, non-discriminatory, and professional workspace for women in cinema through advocacy and policy change.
In a note shared on social media ahead of the verdict, the WCC noted, “This has not been an easy journey. The journey from being a victim to becoming a survivor. 3215 days of waiting for justice.”
“Her fight has unleashed many tumultuous journeys for women in cinema, the Malayalam film industry, and the state of Kerala. The impact has rippled through our collective conscience, and voices have risen for change,” the note read.
“Much has to be said for the courage and resilience she has shown through it all, while upholding her faith in the system,” it concluded.
