It is common for government and private buses in India to play movies during long journeys to keep passengers entertained. Usually, this does not cause any issue. However, a recent incident in Kerala has sparked public debate because the film screened featured an actor linked to a highly sensitive criminal case.
The incident took place on a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to northern Kerala. During the journey, the staff began playing the Malayalam film Ee Parakkum Thalika, starring actor Dileep. The film was also remade in Telugu as Aaduthu Paaduthu starring Srikanth and Sunil. Soon after the Dileep movie started, a woman passenger strongly objected to its screening.
Her objection was rooted in the 2017 actress gang rape case, in which Dileep was a key accused. The crime, one of the most disturbing incidents in Malayalam cinema, involved the survivor being sexually attacked inside a moving car. Recently, a sessions court sentenced six accused to 20 years in prison but acquitted Dileep due to lack of evidence.
Despite the acquittal, the woman argued that passengers should not be made to watch films featuring controversial figures in public spaces. She said entertainment should not cause emotional discomfort, especially for women. Several women passengers supported her view, while others argued that the film could continue since the actor was legally cleared. The disagreement created tension inside the bus.
Sensing the situation could escalate, the conductor intervened and stopped the movie. His decision helped defuse the situation and avoid further conflict.
തിരുവനന്തപുരം-തൊട്ടിൽപാലം കെഎസ്ആർടിസി സൂപ്പർ ഫാസ്റ്റ് ബസിൽ ദിലീപിന്റെ സിനിമ പ്രദർശിപ്പിച്ചതിന്റെ പേരിൽ തർക്കം. പത്തനംതിട്ട സ്വദേശിയായ ലക്ഷ്മി ആർ ശേഖർ ആണ് ബസ്സിനുള്ളിൽ ആദ്യം പ്രതിഷേധം അറിയിച്ചത്. പിന്നാലെ ഭൂരിഭാഗം യാത്രക്കാരും അനുകൂലിച്ചു.#DileepMovie #KSRTCBus #Protest pic.twitter.com/fa6ZW3brPd
— Asianet News (@AsianetNewsML) December 14, 2025
