Chidambaram S. Poduval, director of the blockbuster Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, has been granted anticipatory bail by a Kerala court. The order was issued on March 7, 2026, by District Judge K.K. Balakrishnan of the Ernakulam Sessions Court.
Court’s Reasoning for Bail
While granting anticipatory bail, the court highlighted three key factors in favor of the director:
- No necessity for custodial interrogation
- Significant delay in filing the complaint
- The director’s clean criminal record
These reasons played a crucial role in the court’s decision to grant bail.
Background of the Case
The Ernakulam South Police registered a case against Chidambaram on March 2, 2026, following a complaint filed by a woman working in the Malayalam film industry.
According to reports, the alleged incident dates back to 2022 and involves claims of inappropriate behaviour at an apartment in Kochi.
Defense Arguments
Chidambaram’s legal team argued that the allegations were professionally motivated. The defense claimed the complaint was part of a deliberate attempt to damage the director’s reputation after the massive success of Manjummel Boys.
Bail Conditions
Judge K.K. Balakrishnan granted the anticipatory bail under specific conditions. The director must cooperate with the ongoing investigation and appear before authorities when summoned.
Released in 2024, Manjummel Boys became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films, earning widespread appreciation for its survival thriller story based on a true incident.