On Monday, actress and filmmaker Parvathy Thiruvothu expressed her thoughts on social media after a Kerala trial court acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 sexual assault case.
“We are witnessing a meticulously crafted narrative unfold so harshly now,” Parvathy, a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective, shared on her Instagram post.
“Justice what?” she questioned in her post following the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court’s verdict. The court convicted the first six accused on multiple charges, with actor Dileep being the eighth accused.
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) issued a statement expressing respect for the court’s decision.
“Let justice prevail. We respect the court,” they stated.
Meanwhile, several Malayalam film industry actors, including Rima Kallingal and Remya Nambeesan, shared the campaign slogan Avalkoppam (We stand with her) on social media, initially launched by the WCC after the February 2017 assault.
“Always. Stronger than ever now,” Rima posted on Instagram.
The WCC was established in November 2017, aiming to create a safe, equitable, and professional environment for women in cinema through advocacy and policy reform.
In a social media note ahead of the verdict, the WCC stated, “This journey from victim to survivor hasn’t been easy. 3215 days awaiting justice.”
“Her struggle has sparked numerous challenging journeys for women in cinema, the Malayalam film industry, and Kerala. The impact has touched our collective conscience, and voices are calling for change,” the note continued.
“Her courage and resilience throughout, while maintaining faith in the system, deserve recognition,” it concluded.
