Actor Rima Kallingal has filed a defamation suit against Tamil singer Suchitra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against her. Suchitra had earlier accused Rima of hosting rave parties, suggesting that the actor's career had been adversely affected by such activities. Rima, who denied these allegations, stated that she approached the Special Investigation Team and lodged a complaint against the singer.
On Tuesday, in a statement addressing the issue, Rima expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from those who have stood by the WCC and its cause. She criticised the claims made by Suchitra in a recent interview on a YouTube channel, where the singer not only accused her but also made controversial remarks about the 2017 sexual assault survivor, stating that the victim "knew it was coming." Additionally, Suchitra alleged a conspiracy involving Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, actors Mohanlal and Mammootty, and the Hema Committee to undermine the careers of actors such as Fahadh Faasil and Soubin Shahir.
Rima condemned Suchitra's statements as "baseless" and questioned the intentions behind them, particularly the misrepresentation of the Hema Committee's purpose. The actor clarified that a news article cited by Suchitra about her supposed 'arrest' was entirely false and had no basis in reality. "Let me make it clear that such an event never occurred," Rima emphasised, adding that she has taken legal action in response to these claims.
The actor called on her supporters to continue standing with the WCC and its mission, reaffirming her commitment to the cause and her determination to pursue justice through legal avenues.
Rima, one of the founding members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), has recently finished shooting for the upcoming film Theatre. It is directed by Sajin Baabu, best known for his previous film Biriyaani (2019). Notably, according to a recent report by The News Minute, Sajin has been accused by two women of sexual abuse. The report also states that the director has acknowledged his misconduct to the survivors and has recounted the incidents to members of the WCC.