Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram S. Poduval receives anticipatory bail in sexual assault case
A sessions court in Kerala has granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram S. Poduval, best known for directing the hit film Manjummel Boys, in a case alleging sexual assault of an actress. The order was passed on March 7 by Sessions Judge K.K. Balakrishnan while allowing Poduval’s plea for pre-arrest bail in connection with a case registered by the Ernakulam Town South Police Station.
According to the case records, the filmmaker has been booked under Sections 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 354A(1)(i) (sexual harassment), and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
While considering the plea, the court noted the investigating officer’s submission that the complainant is currently residing abroad and has not been cooperating with the investigation. The court also recorded that no prior criminal antecedents had been reported against Poduval. Another factor considered by the court was the delay in filing the complaint. The alleged incident is said to have taken place in May 2022, while the First Information Report (FIR) was registered only on February 28, 2026—nearly four years later.
The court further took note of a defamation case filed by Poduval before the Bombay High Court seeking damages against the complainant. In that matter, the High Court had reportedly restrained the de facto complainant from publishing allegedly defamatory content about the filmmaker on any platform.
Taking these aspects into account, the sessions court observed that custodial interrogation was not necessary and allowed the anticipatory bail plea. “Considering all the above said aspects, I am of the view that this is a fit case to invoke the jurisdiction vested under Section 482 of BNSS to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner,” the court said while granting pre-arrest bail subject to conditions.
As per the prosecution, the complainant alleged that the accused had trespassed into her apartment in Kochi in May 2022, entered her room in a nude state and pressed her breast with the intention of sexually assaulting her and outraging her modesty. Poduval, however, denied the allegations and claimed that his interactions with the complainant were strictly professional during the production of Manjummel Boys, in which she had a role.
He also told the court that the complainant had allegedly launched a systematic campaign against him on social media, including posting videos and creating an Instagram highlight titled “Rapey Dudes,” which he said caused reputational damage and mental distress.
The public prosecutor opposed the anticipatory bail plea, arguing that the accused could influence the witness. However, after considering the submissions and available records, the court granted bail with conditions. Poduval has been directed to appear before the investigating officer whenever required, refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and not involve himself in any other offences.
Also Read: Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram booked for sexual harassment in Kochi: Report
