Manjummel Boys Director Chidambaram Booked in Sexual Harassment Case

Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram, widely recognized for directing the highly successful 2024 survival thriller 'Manjummel Boys', has been booked by the Ernakulam Town South police in Kochi, Kerala, on charges of sexual harassment. This significant development follows a formal complaint lodged by a female actor, who accused the director of sexually misbehaving with her during an incident that allegedly took place in 2022 at an apartment in Kochi city. The registration of the case was confirmed by police officials on Monday, March 2, 2026, marking a serious legal challenge for the director. Authorities have charged Chidambaram under Sections 74 (outraging the modesty of a woman) and 75 (sexual harassment offences) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While the alleged incident dates back to 2022, before the BNS came into effect, the case has been formally registered under the new criminal code, as reported by various news outlets. Some reports also indicate that Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) might be applicable, considering the time of the alleged incident. According to police sources, the complaint details an incident where the director allegedly trespassed into the complainant's apartment and behaved inappropriately with sexual intent. The police have stated that a detailed investigation has been initiated based on the survivor's statement, and further action will be taken after examining all relevant details and recording detailed statements. A notice is expected to be issued to Chidambaram, asking him to appear for questioning as part of the ongoing probe. As of the latest reports, Chidambaram has not yet issued any public statement in response to the allegations. The news has garnered significant attention, particularly within the Indian film industry and among the public, given Chidambaram's recent success with 'Manjummel Boys'. The film, released in 2024, became a blockbuster and was lauded for its survival thriller narrative, achieving critical acclaim and commercial success, including being one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films. Chidambaram also received a state government award for Best Film Director in 2024 for his work on the film. His directorial debut was 'Jan.E.Man' in 2021. The incident highlights ongoing concerns within the film fraternity regarding safety and accountability. Police officials have assured that the matter will be handled with sensitivity towards the complainant while ensuring procedural fairness to all parties involved. The investigation aims to gather all evidence and statements from those involved before proceeding with further legal steps, including potential arrest if deemed necessary. The timing of the complaint, filed years after the alleged incident, also mirrors a broader trend of delayed disclosures in the Malayalam film industry, echoing discussions around reports like the Justice Hema Committee. This case underscores the critical importance of verifying information from multiple credible sources, especially when dealing with allegations of this nature involving public figures. The consistent reporting across major Indian news outlets such as The Hindu, The Times of India, NDTV, and others, corroborates the core facts of the story: that a case has indeed been registered against director Chidambaram based on a female actor's complaint of sexual harassment from 2022 in Kochi. The detailed legal process is now in motion, with further developments anticipated as the investigation progresses. The Indian audience, particularly those following the Malayalam film industry, will be keenly watching for updates on this high-profile case.

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