Actor Rima Kallingal was among the first to respond, posting a photo titled “Avalkoppam” (“With her”) with the caption, “Always stronger than ever.”
Published Dec 11, 2025 | 4:33 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 11, 2025 | 4:33 PM
Avalkoppam. (Rima Kallingal/ Facebook)
The Principal Sessions Court’s verdict in the Kerala actor assault case—acquitting actor Dileep—received mixed reactions. While the court convicted the first six accused, Dileep’s acquittal sparked debate, especially given his once-powerful influence in the Malayalam film industry.
With the verdict favouring him, Dileep levelled allegations against his former wife and actor Manju Warrier, and senior officials who investigated the case.
However, the survivor receiving strong support from many corners, has been a small ray of hope.
Actor Rima Kallingal was among the first to respond, posting a photo titled “Avalkoppam” (“With her”) with the caption, “Always stronger than ever.”
Actors Ramya Nambessan and Parvathy Thiruvothu also shared “Avalkoppam” posts.
Parvathy added in her Instagram stories: “Avalkoppam forever,” and, “Justice what? We are witnessing a meticulously crafted script unfold so cruelly now.”
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)—formed after the assault to address issues faced by women in the industry—reaffirmed its support for the survivor. Founding members include Revathy, Rima Kallingal, Ramya Nambessan, Anjali Menon, and Parvathy Thiruvothu.
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The unfortunate incident sparked a firm stand on women’s safety and rights in the industry. Many women actors have acknowledged the crucial role played by the WCC in addressing issues faced by women in cinema.
“If the Malayalam film industry is a better and safer space for women today, any privilege we experience is owed to the one woman who stood her ground with grace despite the immense pain and humiliation she endured,” wrote award-winning film maker Shruti Sharanam expressing solidarity to the survivor.
“She will be remembered as the unyielding torchbearer of change and revolution, one who never abandoned her truth nor failed herself. We are who we are today because of her.. We are only the living extensions of her legacy,” the filmmaker wrote.
Film maker Anjali Menon also wrote about the overwhelming support the survivor is getting from the people. In her Instagram post, she wrote that both men and women overwhelmingly supported the survivor after the verdict came.
“They have demanded a culture where the survivor is respected for her journey and that is so precious. You have my respect. These are the heralders of change “, she wrote.
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The survivor had faced victim shaming after the attack. In an interview she had said that, “Victim shaming is a reality unfortunately, and I experienced it.” She had said that she still doesn’t know how to handle the social media toxicity which is insensitive and appalling.
In another major development, dubbing artist Bhagyashree resigned from FEFKA, an influential film body after its general secretary B Unnikrishnan said that the Directors’ Union would take a final decision on Dileep’s reinstatement and that FEFKA would examine the circumstances that led to the verdict.
Speaking to the media, Bhagyalakshmi said that since the case is yet to reach the Supreme Court, it is not fair to welcome an industry comeback for the actor.
“Only the principal sessions court’s verdict has come out. There is the Supreme Court and there are many things yet to be proved. This is a case in which 21 witnesses turned hostile,” she said.
Criticising FEFKA, Bhagyalakshmi said she can’t remain part of an organisation that doesn’t safeguard women or stands with survivors.
She added that the film body was eager to issue a reinstatement letter to Dileep rather than to extend moral support to the survivor.
At the same time, Dileep who has been acquitted of the case reportedly will take a legal route for allegedly plotting a conspiracy against him.
After coming out of the court, the actor had said that the statement by his former wife Manju Warrier, who mentioned a conspiracy behind the attack (in 2017), led to a case against him.
Meanwhile, the actor is trying to regain his lost stardom with his new film Bha Bha Ba slated to release on 18 December. After Ramaleela which was released in 2017, none of his six films released worked at the box office.
However promotional works are in full swing for the actor by different social media pages and accounts to regain his stardom.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
