Malayalam director Jean Paul Lal, Sreenath booked for lewd comments against actress

Kochi: Malayalam director Jean Paul Lal, actor Sreenath Bhasi and technicians Anirudh and Anoop have been booked for allegedly making lewd remarks against an actress, who worked with them in their film ‘Honey Bee 2.’

The actress alleged that she was not paid the promised amount for the work and that vulgar remarks were made against her, when she asked for her remuneration.

According to Indian Express, the actress met the director and actor at Pannakad Hotel to enquire about her payment.

Reportedly, she has also given a statement to the police.

However, a news report in Manorama says, the actor-filmmaker Lal has slammed the actress for making “false” allegations against his son Jean. Lal said she was roped in by the filmmakers for a minor role but were unsatisfied with her contribution and her crabbiness at the shooting area.

He further quoted the daily saying, “Last month, we were served a notice following a police complaint filed by her. We were considering giving her Rs 50,000 instead of the promised remuneration of Rs 25,000. But then she stepped up her demands and asked for a public apology on the television and Rs 10 lakh as compensation. At that juncture, I was the one who said there was no need for such settlements.”

Lal also enquired that why did the actress keep quiet till now, since ‘Honey Bee 2’ released in March, 2017.

He suggested that there were genuine cases of women who faced attacks in the industry, but the case against them is untrue.

By genuine cases, Lal was referring to the sensational assault case of a popular actress on February 17.

It should be noted that the attack on the Malayalam actress on February 17, she sought shelter in Lal’s house, who helped her file the police complaint against this attack on her.

Reportedly, Jean is expected to be questioned today.