Imagine a courtroom decision that leaves survivors feeling more vulnerable and the youth inspired to question everything— that's the stark reality Rima Kallingal is calling out, and it's bound to stir up some intense debates.
At the bustling 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 2025, actress and activist Rima Kallingal didn't hold back. Speaking exclusively to Onmanorama right after joining the powerful 'Avalkoppam' solidarity rally at the iconic Tagore Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram, she slammed the recent verdict in the infamous 2017 actress assault case. For those new to this story, the case involved a horrific abduction and assault on a prominent Malayalam film actress, sparking a nationwide conversation about women's safety in the industry. Rima described the outcome as utterly disheartening, saying it fails to offer any real comfort and instead broadcasts a troubling signal to the generations coming up behind us.
"I'm deeply concerned about this," Rima shared in a heartfelt tone. "We've got this amazing wave of young people tuning in, absorbing what's happening in our world, and it's simply not right to feed them such a weak narrative. We have a responsibility to deliver a bolder, clearer message about the realities around us. As a woman and someone deeply embedded in the film world, I feel compelled to step up and carry this forward— and I truly hope others join me in that effort."
But here's where it gets controversial: Rima emphasized that the fight for justice, which has dragged on for years, was never just about one isolated incident. It was—and still is—about uprooting deep-rooted power structures that have long sidelined women in cinema. Think of it like this: for beginners dipping into these discussions, these 'systems' refer to the unwritten rules and gatekeeping in the industry that have historically kept women from equal opportunities, subjected them to harassment, and maintained a boys' club mentality. "Right from the start, we've made it clear that this isn't about personal vendettas or single events," she explained. "It's about challenging a framework that's repeatedly pushed us to the margins, blocked our paths, and allowed ongoing mistreatment. We're zeroed in on breaking that framework down, bit by bit, no matter how gradual the progress. And on the day the verdict came down, I felt even more resolved—because honestly, this is when the true battle really kicks off."
Rima admitted that sweeping transformations won't happen overnight; they demand patience and persistence. Yet, she infused her words with a spark of hope, reminding everyone that patriarchal norms—those traditional setups where men hold most of the power—haven't always dominated society or the arts. They're a relatively modern invention in the grand timeline of human history, which means we can evolve beyond them. "Let's celebrate every little win along the way," she urged. For example, just consider how past generations in cinema might have whispered about these issues behind closed doors, but now they're out in the open. "We're the pioneering group in over a century of filmmaking to voice these concerns so publicly," Rima noted proudly. "That alone represents a massive, earth-shaking change." She highlighted how today's younger men and women are teaming up more than ever, turning what used to be solitary struggles into collaborative pushes for equality.
And this is the part most people miss: while the verdict might feel like a setback, Rima sees it as fuel for the fire, proving that the movement is resilient and far from over.
The 'Avalkoppam' event, thoughtfully woven into the IFFK schedule, brought together a vibrant crowd of filmmakers, dedicated activists, and eager festival attendees. It stood as a strong show of support for the survivor, underscoring the community's commitment to standing against injustice.
Now, let's talk controversy—does a verdict like this really undermine years of progress in the #MeToo era, or is it just a bump in the road that toughens our resolve? And what message do you think we're sending to the next generation: hope or hesitation? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Rima's take, or do you see a different side to this story? Share your views and let's keep the conversation going.
Published: December 14, 2025, 09:49 PM IST | Updated: December 15, 2025, 12:01 AM IST | 2-minute read
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