Malayalam actor Dileep film screening on KSRTC bus triggers passenger protest over 2017 assault case

A KSRTC bus journey witnessed a protest over a film screening. Women passengers objected to the choice of movie. The screening was stopped following objections. A heated argument later broke out. The incident has revived debate around the 2017 actress assault case verdict.

Passengers travelling on a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus from Thiruvananthapuram to Kalpetta objected after Parakkum Thalika , a Malayalam film starring actor Dileep, was played at a loud volume during the journey. A group of women said they were uncomfortable being made to watch the film due to the actor’s association with the 2017 assault case. Following the protest, the conductor switched off the television.

The situation escalated when a few male passengers allegedly intervened in support of the actor, leading to a heated exchange inside the bus.

Passenger Lekshmi R Shekhar was travelling from Kesavadasapuram to Adoor with her husband and son when the film was played continuously for nearly two and a half hours. She said she felt deeply disturbed and emotionally affected, prompting her to approach the conductor and state that she would get down at the next stop if the movie was not stopped.

She said she then asked fellow passengers whether they wanted to watch the film, and except for two individuals, all the women said they were not interested. Backed by the majority, she said the conductor turned off the TV. Lekshmi added that after the screening was stopped, one or two passengers, who appeared to have consumed alcohol , argued that the case against Dileep had already been settled in court. She said she responded by pointing out that only a lower court had delivered a verdict and that the larger pursuit of justice continued.

The incident comes in the backdrop of the verdict in the 2017 assault case that shook the Malayalam film industry. Dileep, who was named the eighth accused on charges of criminal conspiracy, was acquitted by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court after it ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against him.

At the same time, the court convicted six other accused, including the prime accused, under serious charges such as kidnapping, gang rape and criminal conspiracy, sentencing them to rigorous imprisonment after a prolonged trial involving 261 witnesses and over 800 documents.

Following the verdict, the survivor publicly welcomed the conviction of the perpetrators, saying it strengthened her faith in the judiciary. However, she made it clear that the legal fight was not over and that the acquittal of Dileep did not bring closure. She described the verdict as a step forward rather than a moment of celebration and reiterated her resolve to continue seeking justice through all legal means.

Despite his acquittal, Dileep continues to face legal scrutiny, with Kerala Police registering another case against him over alleged threats to investigating officers. Audio clips linked to the alleged threats have also surfaced.

While the acquittal led to celebrations among sections of the actor’s supporters, the KSRTC bus protest highlights how divided public opinion remains, with debates over justice, accountability and survivor solidarity continuing to surface in everyday public spaces.