A junior artist has alleged that she was sexually assaulted at the sets of the Malayalam movie 'Bro Daddy' that was directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal played the title character in the film along with Prithviraj himself in the comedy-drama that was released in 2022.
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According to the complainant, she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Assistant Director Mansoor Rasheed during the shoot of 'Bro Daddy' in Hyderabad. Despite allegations, Rasheed was hired to assist in 'L2: Empuraan' -- the sequel of Prithviraj's action-thriller 'Lucifer' which also features Mohanlal in the lead role. However, Mansoor Rasheed was later removed from the project.
The junior artist alleged on Friday that Mansoor offered her a drugged beverage and sexually assaulted her. The incident happened at a hotel that was reserved for the crew and actors playing supporting characters in 'Bro Daddy', she told Asianet News. Based on her complaint, Hyderabad Police had collected CCTV visuals from the said hotel, she added.
Currently settled in Telangana with her child, the complainant told the Malayalam media that Mansoor is politically backed and she fears for her life. Despite reaching out to Minister Saji Cherian and another senior CPM leader, she received no help, the complainant added.
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The woman said she would file a detailed complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) via email and attach the details of the complaint she had filed with the Hyderabad Police in conncection with the case.
Following the revealing of the Hema Committee report, several women have come forward accusing senior Malayalam actors of sexual misconduct. Among the influential Malayalam actors probed are former A.M.M.A office bearer Siddique, incumbent CPM MLA Mukesh and director Ranjith among others.