Finally, Dileep's 'Ramaleela' hits screens

Thiruvananthapuram:  Even as actor Dileep continues cooling his heels in prison in the actress’ assault case, his movie ‘Ramaleela’ hit cinemas,hit cinemas across the country today after the release was postponed several times.

Fans of the actor thronged theatres since morning to ensure the much-awaited multi-crore film had a grand opening. Social media was abuzz since the last few days on whether the movie was worth watching as the hero was arrested in real life in connection with the abduction and assault of a South Indian actress by a gang in a moving car in Kochi in

The film industry had been anxiously waiting with fingers crossed for the film’s release as nobody knew how the public would respond to the Dileep-starrer, which normally is a big hit among women and children. Though its makers had recently moved the court seeking protection for theatres screening ‘Ramaleela’, they failed to get any relief.

Touted to be one of the most expensive films made in Malayalam, “Ramaleela” is directed by debutant Arun Gopi and produced by high profile producer Tomichan Mulakupadam. As per reports, it’s approximate budget was Rs 15 crore.

In the film, Dileep plays the role of protagonist Ramanunni, a local politician, in the film which is developed after he is accused in a murder case. Prayaga Martin, Renji Panicker, Mukesh and Vijayaraghavan are among the other prominent actors to feature in the movie. Interestingly Dileep’s former wife Manju Warrier’s latest movie ‘Udaharanam Sujatha’, a remake of Tamil film ‘Amma Kanakku’, was also released today.

When there was a campaign on the social media and outside calling for a boycott of ‘Ramaleela’, Manju Warrier had come out in support of the movie and said in a Facebook post that personal likes and dislikes should not affect a film that involves many lives and careers. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court had yesterday reserved its orders on a fresh bail plea filed by Dileep in the actress case.

Four bail pleas filed by him were earlier rejected. Police have claimed that the conspiracy to abduct and assault the actress in a moving car and film the act was hatched by Dileep, lodged in the Aluva sub-jail ever since his arrest in the case on July 10. Six persons, including prime accused ‘Pulsar’ Suni, were arrested in connection with the actress abduction case.

The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on February 17 night and later escaped in a busy area.