Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films Denies Connection With Associate Director Dhinil Babu After Casting Couch Allegations
The Dulquer Salmaan-backed production house has issued a legal complaint and clarified that the accused associate director has never been part of any of its projects.
A Kochi-based aspiring actor has accused associate director Dhinil Babu of demanding sexual favours in exchange for acting opportunities in projects allegedly produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films.
In response, the production house has categorically denied any association with Dhinil Babu and filed a legal complaint for the misuse of their company’s name in connection with the incident.
According to a report in Cinema Express, Wayfarer Films clarified in an official press release that Dhinil Babu has never been associated with the company or any of its productions. The statement added that the company has lodged a formal complaint with FEFKA, the organisation representing film technicians in the Malayalam film industry, and accused Dhinil of defaming their brand.
The release further stated that all of Wayfarer’s casting activities are conducted solely through official social media channels, cautioning aspiring actors against unauthorised intermediaries.
As per reports, a young woman alleged that Dhinil Babu invited her to a meeting in a Kochi building under the pretext of discussing work opportunities, then locked the doors and attempted to assault her. Dhinil Babu is said to have previously worked on films such as Aashiq Abu’s Mayaanadhi, Soubin Shahir’s Parava, and the Mohanlal-starrer Neerali, among others.
Meanwhile, Wayfarer Films has been celebrating the recent success of its latest production, Lokah Chapter One – Chandra, which became the first Malayalam film to cross ₹300 crore worldwide. Reflecting on the film’s performance, Dulquer Salmaan said, “This is our seventh production, and we've always managed to land safe. But nothing has been like Lokah. Even as an actor, none of my films have exploded like this. It’s been accepted across demographics and has now become part of pop culture. That’s what’s most exciting.”
In June this year, the Kerala Police decided that it wouldn't be investigating cases of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour within the Malayalam film industry that emerged from the Hema Committee Report. Authorities claimed that the probe was dropped as the survivors didn't provide statements in connection with the cases.