Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram granted bail by Kerala Court in sexual assault case

In her statement to the police, she alleged that the filmmaker behaved inappropriately with her at an apartment in Kochi during an incident that reportedly took place in May 2022.

• Chidambaram S. Poduval gets anticipatory bail in harassment case
• Court orders him to cooperate, avoid tampering evidence or witnesses
• Complaint alleges inappropriate behavior in Kochi in May 2022

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Filmmaker Chidambaram S. Poduval, best known for directing the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys, has been granted anticipatory bail by the District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam on Saturday, March 7, in connection with a sexual harassment complaint.

The court granted him relief, subject to certain conditions. As part of the order, Chidambaram has been directed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, refrain from tampering with evidence, and ensure that he does not attempt to influence any witnesses linked to the case.

The case was registered by the Ernakulam South Police Station on February 28 after a complaint was filed by a woman who identified herself as an actor.

In her statement to the police, she alleged that the filmmaker behaved inappropriately with her at an apartment in Kochi during an incident that reportedly took place in May 2022.

Based on her complaint, authorities charged the director under Section 74 (outraging the modesty of a woman) and Section 75 (sexual harassment offences) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections relate to assault or criminal force against a woman, sexual harassment, and acts that insult the modesty of a woman.

In his bail petition, details of which were reported by Live Law, Chidambaram stated that he first met the complainant during the production phase of Manjummel Boys, when she was being considered for a role in the film. He maintained that his conduct during their interactions was entirely professional.

The director also alleged that the complainant launched a campaign aimed at damaging his reputation. According to him, she had shared a reel on Instagram making allegations of sexual assault against him.

Chidambaram further claimed that he had responded legally to the matter by filing a damage suit against her in the Bombay High Court. In that case, the court had reportedly issued an interim order in December 2025 restraining her from publishing defamatory content against him.

His anticipatory bail application was submitted on March 3. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its verdict before delivering its decision.

Also read: Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram arrested by Kerala Police in connection with alleged sexual assault case: Report

In his submission, Chidambaram argued that the present complaint had been filed as a response to the legal action he had taken over what he described as defamatory posts. He also highlighted the delay of nearly four years in reporting the alleged incident and stated that he has no prior criminal record.

While granting him anticipatory bail, the court noted the absence of previous criminal antecedents and also took into account the delay in filing the complaint.