Two women accuses Malayalam filmmaker Sajin Baabu of sexually assaulting them and then saying 'sorry'

The Malayalam film industry has recently been shaken by allegations of sexual assault against filmmaker Sajin Baabu. Two women have accused him of sexual abuse, sharing their traumatic experiences and claiming that the director attempted to cover up his actions by apologizing profusely after the incidents. These revelations have sparked significant discussions about the culture of silence and impunity surrounding sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
The Allegations: A Disturbing Pattern of Behavior
Two women have come forward to accuse Sajin Baabu of sexual assault and attempted rape. These incidents reportedly occurred a few years ago, but the women have only recently chosen to share their experiences publicly, partly due to the support and platform provided by the Hema Committee—a body investigating similar allegations within the Malayalam film industry.

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The first woman, who was not yet a part of the film industry at the time of the alleged incident, described how she was introduced to Sajin through a mutual friend who needed assistance with translating a film script. She met Sajin at the Sangeeta Nataka Akademi in Thrissur, where she began reading the script for him. As the meeting progressed, Sajin suggested moving to a nearby room for a quieter environment, repeatedly assuring her that he would not intrude.
However, once in the room, Sajin allegedly entered and made an attempt to rape her. She described the moment vividly: "He came and made an attempt to rape me. I began to shout. He knew there were people around, and he began to apologize." As she tried to leave, he reportedly began to masturbate, further escalating her distress. She recounted, "I shouted again, and he apologized again, and this would repeat." This horrifying experience left her traumatized, and she fled to a nearby railway station, where she shared her ordeal with a friend.
The second woman shared a similar story, detailing how she was coerced into staying at a building reserved for the film crew. On the first night, when Sajin’s girlfriend was not present, he allegedly entered her room under the guise of retrieving his bag. He locked the door and began asking inappropriate questions about her involvement in the film, leading to unwanted physical contact. She explained, "He began touching my hands and moving his hands across my body, and I resisted and began to make noise. Hearing this, he suddenly said sorry and said something about trying to make me comfortable on the set, and left the room."
Reactions and Criticisms: A Question of Sincerity
Sajin Baabu's responses to these allegations have been mixed and have drawn criticism from various quarters. In his defense, Sajin has acknowledged that his actions were wrong and attributed them to his upbringing in a patriarchal society. He stated, "We have all grown up in deeply patriarchal societies, and have imbibed in us its values subconsciously." He also claimed to have sought "medical help" to address his behavior and expressed a desire to become a better person.
Despite these statements, the survivors have questioned the sincerity of his apologies, describing them as performative rather than genuine. They allege that Sajin only apologized after learning about their testimonies to the Hema Committee, suggesting that his remorse was more about protecting his reputation than acknowledging the harm he caused.
One of the women remarked, "The apology seemed like a ploy, in line with building his image as this progressive political man making pro-woman films. He is intelligently showcasing himself as a progressive feminist, and even the apology is part of that." This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about Sajin's intentions and raises questions about the industry's handling of such allegations.The Role of the Hema Committee and Industry Response
The Hema Committee has played a crucial role in bringing these allegations to light. Established to investigate cases of sexual harassment and misconduct within the Malayalam film industry, the committee has provided a platform for survivors to share their experiences and seek justice. The committee's work has highlighted the pervasive nature of sexual misconduct in the industry and the urgent need for reforms to protect women from abuse.
In a related development, all members of the Association of Malayalam Cine Artists (AMMA) resigned following allegations of sexual assault against some of its members. This mass resignation underscores the deep-seated issues within the industry and the need for comprehensive measures to address sexual harassment and create a safer environment for all members.

Sajin Baabu’s Defense: Blaming Patriarchy and Seeking Redemption
In his defense, Sajin has pointed to the influence of patriarchal social conditioning on his behavior. He argued that he, like many men, grew up in a society that did not hold them accountable for their actions towards women. He stated, "When our exposure to the world and its progressive values increases, some of us try to unlearn this conditioning and become better individuals." He also emphasized his efforts to improve himself and contribute positively to society, expressing support for the Hema Committee's work in exposing sexual harassment.
However, these explanations have done little to assuage the anger and hurt felt by the survivors and the broader community. Many see his statements as an attempt to deflect responsibility and avoid facing the consequences of his actions.
The allegations against Sajin Baabu have sparked a renewed call for systemic change within the Malayalam film industry. There is a growing demand for stronger policies and mechanisms to protect women from sexual harassment and ensure accountability for those who perpetrate abuse. The courage of the survivors in coming forward and the ongoing efforts of the Hema Committee offer hope for a future where such behavior is no longer tolerated or excused.