LOW POINT

A long-awaited verdict in Kerala's most polarising rape case involving actor Dileep has reignited debates on justice, power and accountability across the Malayalam film industry

- NIRMAL JOVIAL

ON DECEMBER 8, the Ernakulam district court complex resembled a crowded film set.

People with differing convictions and ideas of justice waited eagerly for the verdict in the February 2017 abduction and rape case involving two prominent actors that had shaken Kerala's collective conscience.

At 11am, Additional Special Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese, who had heard the case since 2019, began the proceedings. Of the ten accused, the court found six individuals, including prime accused N.S. Sunil, alias 'Pulsar Suni', guilty. However, the courtroom and the world outside remained intensely focused on the fate of accused number 8, influential actor Dileep, whom the prosecution alleged was the master conspirator who had arranged the “quotation” to carry out the sexual assault of the actor in a moving vehicle. As the court pronounced Dileep’s acquittal, the reaction was mixed, with sighs of disappointment as well as relief.

The comments that have poured in since Dileep’s acquittal underscore the same reality: he will remain a polarising figure. Even with a verdict in his favour, those who believe he was guilty will continue to do so, just as those who think he is innocent will never be convinced otherwise. Nevertheless, even those who have been consistent supporters of Dileep over the past eight years acknowledge that the shocking attack endured by the survivor and her prolonged and rare legal battle, along with the women-led movements it sparked, has brought about significant and lasting changes in Kerala’s film industry and beyond.