Published Sep 15, 2026 | 5:28 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM
SanalKumar claimed that he had “personal knowledge” of the circumstances of the actor’s life and was prepared to provide evidence.
Award-winning Malayalam filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has been staging an indefinite “hunger strike” in front of the Secretariat since September 14, demanding an investigation into his allegation that a prominent actress is being held captive by a “sex racket.”
He claimed that he had “personal knowledge” of the circumstances of the actor’s life and was prepared to provide evidence.
Sasidharan, who has previously been at the centre of controversies involving the actress, has also demanded an investigation into what he described as a “conspiracy” behind a case registered against him based on a complaint by the actress.
His third demand is the release of the Hema Committee report and a high-level investigation into the alleged “sex racket” referred to in the report.
Sasidharan claimed his protest was not intended to pressure the female actor for a response, but to seek an investigation into the allegations he had raised. He claimed that his position had consistently been that the actress should be allowed to speak freely.
The protest comes against the backdrop of legal cases involving the director.
In September 2025, the Elamakkara police in Kochi took Sasidharan into custody in connection with a case involving alleged online stalking and harassment of the actress.
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Meanwhile, Sasidharan’s latest protest has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many calling it an attempt to defame the actress and demanding intervention by Cultural Affairs Minister P.C. Vishnunath and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
Describing Sasidharan’s protest as “thoroughly misogynistic,” filmmaker Dr Biju alleged that his actions amounted to defamation and stalking of the actress.
He condemned displaying the actress’s name along with allegations reagrding a sex racket on a placard at the protest site.
Biju said he now regretted his earlier decision to allow his name to be included in a joint statement by cultural activists demanding proper investigation into the cases involving Sasidharan. Biju said he had supported the move only on humanitarian grounds and after he was assured that the actress’ name wouldn’t be dragged into the matter.
He said he now regretted that decision after witnessing Sasidharan’s “antisocial conduct and misogynistic statements.”
He called on the government to intervene immediately, arguing that such a protest amounted to public humiliation and an encroachment on a woman’s personal liberty and rights.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
