‘Bha Bha Ba’ Release Triggers Mass Protests Across Kerala
Boycott calls and street protests intensify as the actor’s film releases, reigniting debate over accountability and justice
Kerala, Dec 18: Dileep’s latest film, ‘Bha Bha Ba’, released across theatres in Kerala on Wednesday, but the premiere was far from celebratory. While fan shows and posters aimed to create a festive atmosphere, widespread protests and public anger overshadowed the release.
For many in Kerala, the film is more than entertainment. Despite Dileep’s acquittal in a high profile sexual assault case, the release has reignited public debate over justice for the survivor, with many feeling the verdict failed to deliver accountability.
The anger has extended beyond social media campaigns, spilling into public spaces. Last week, a screening of ‘Bha Bha Ba’ on a long-distance bus from Thiruvananthapuram to Kalpetta was halted by female passengers protesting against the film. Such incidents highlight the unease surrounding Dileep’s celebration on screen.
Several organisations have called for a boycott, arguing that supporting the film dismisses the survivor’s trauma and sends a dangerous signal that fame can overshadow accountability.
Directed by debutant Dhananjay Shankar, the film stars Dileep alongside Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan. Touted as a “World of Madness,” it combines action, comedy, and music. The title, an acronym for Bhayam, Bhakthi, Bahumanam (fear, devotion, respect), has ironically become a point of criticism, with many questioning whom the film truly respects.
Early box office figures indicate collections of ₹0.37 crore. Critics argue that the film’s commercial success or failure cannot silence broader debates about morality, accountability, and the message Malayalam cinema sends to its audiences.
