Filmmaker and screenwriter Deedi Damodaran, a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective, criticized the jury of the Kerala State Film Awards on Wednesday for awarding the Best Lyricist prize to Hirandas Murali, known as rapper Vedan, who faces a rape case. She demanded an apology to the women of Kerala. Vedan won the award for his lyrics in the song Kuthanthram from the 2024 film Manjummel Boys. The jury was headed by actor Prakash Raj. Damodaran acknowledged the quality of Vedan's lyrics but stated the award was tainted by the suffering of victims. She argued the decision contradicted government policy announced at a recent film conclave that promised no protection for those who exploit women. Vedan has faced multiple sexual assault allegations since 2021, including a formal rape case filed in July 2024 by a doctor in Kochi.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings Against the Lyricist
In 2021, Vedan faced allegations of sexual misconduct during the MeToo movement, though no formal complaints were lodged then. In July 2024, a young doctor filed a rape case against him at Thrikkakara police station in Kochi, accusing him of multiple sexual assaults between August 2021 and March 2023 under the promise of marriage. The Kerala High Court granted him anticipatory bail in August, stating that calling physical intimacy rape after a relationship ends is illogical. He was arrested in September and released on bail. Another sexual harassment complaint was filed by a music researcher in August, and a chargesheet was filed in October. In November, the court allowed him to travel abroad for work.
Source: Link