Ready to confront power groups to maintain testimony against Ranjith: Joshy Joseph | Onmanorama News

Director Joshy Joseph on Sunday voiced strong support for Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra’s allegations against director Ranjith, saying he would stand by his testimony. “I stand by my statement that I witnessed Ranjith’s misconduct with Sreelekha,” Joshy said, acknowledging the risks of challenging a powerful faction within the Malayalam film industry.

Joshy recalled that it was the late actor Thilakan who first warned him about a ‘mafia’ within the industry, “a claim that was reiterated in the recent Hema Commission report, which identified a 15-member power group. With one of these members stepping down, I understand the need to tread carefully while confronting this influential mafia.”
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Joshy said Sreelekha confided in him that she was exhausted by the situation. “She said that removing such people could lead to the collapse of 75-80% of the industry. Her aim is to clean up the industry for the greater good.”

Joshy also expressed doubts that the firing of one person would bring about significant change. “Through mutual friends, I have learned that there is more to it than what I have seen in person. I can now feel the invisible forces at work. I know that I have a very powerful group against me.”

He praised the Hema Committee report and its publication for creating a conducive environment for Sreelekha to come forward with her allegations. He also praised the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), stressing that the group is more than just a female collective. “They clearly show how you should be judged only on your craft and talent, not on gender bias,” he concluded.