Filmmaker and actor Alleppey Ashraf has come out with more detailed allegations against director Ranjith Balakrishnan in the wake of the sexual assault case against him, revisiting an incident involving veteran actor Oduvil Unnikrishnan that he had spoken about earlier as well. Speaking through his YouTube channel, Ashraf said he was now sharing further details about what he claims happened on the sets of Mohanlal’s 1997 blockbuster Aaraam Thampuran, directed by Ranjith.
Ashraf alleges that Ranjith assaulted Oduvil Unnikrishnan during the shoot over a minor issue. “Over a trivial joke, a drunken and arrogant Ranjith slapped that innocent man across the face and knocked him down,” he says. Recalling the aftermath, he adds, “When others lifted him up, the tears flowing down his face is something I can never forget. Even today, that helpless face stays in my mind.”
In his latest account, Ashraf claims the assault was more severe than he had earlier revealed. Citing what producer G Suresh Kumar allegedly told him, he says, “Oduvil did not fall just because of the slap. Ranjith had also kicked him in the abdomen, and it was the impact of that kick that brought him down.”
He further stresses the seriousness of the act, noting, “You should remember that he was kicked in the stomach while he was already undergoing treatment for a kidney-related illness.” Ashraf also addressed why there was no immediate confrontation on set. “When an issue happens during the shooting of a film made with crores of rupees, the priority is not to escalate it but to somehow resolve it,” he says, adding that those present tried to calm the situation rather than worsen it.
He further claims that the late actor had little choice but to continue working. “Because of his helpless situation, that poor man was later forced to act in that film and even in another film of Ranjith,” Ashraf alleges, suggesting that Oduvil Unnikrishnan did not have the power to confront the director. Ashraf says he had held back from revealing more earlier due to requests made to him at the time. However, he now feels compelled to speak again in light of recent developments surrounding the director.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the sexual assault case involving Ranjith is entering a crucial stage. Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the next phase of the probe will depend on the examination of digital evidence already collected. He also issued a strong warning against revealing the identity of the survivor, stating that strict action will be taken against violators. Police have completed evidence collection at key locations, including Aspinwall, Fort Kochi, where the film was being shot, and the caravan where the alleged assault took place. “Ranjith was the only one in the caravan. That is the evidence,” the Commissioner said, adding that further action will depend on findings as the investigation progresses.
Despite extensive checks, investigators have not recovered any useful CCTV footage from outside the caravan, making digital data and witness statements crucial. The director was earlier granted three days of police custody, during which key evidence was gathered, before being shifted to judicial custody, citing health concerns and election-related pressures. Officials say the probe is progressing steadily, with statements already recorded from Ranjith and several others linked to the film. Police are also examining whether anyone may have assisted the accused in evading authorities earlier.
According to officials, the accused allegedly attempted to contact the complainant after the incident, but the call went unanswered. The phone has since been seized as part of the investigation. Kochi DCP Aswathy Jiji, who is leading the probe, has confirmed that there has been no statement indicating threats made to the survivor.