Right-wing activists assault Malayalam movie director over Sabarimala remarks

Noted Malayalam film director Priyanandanan, who courted controversy over his social media remarks on women's entry at Sabarimala temple, was allegedly assaulted by BJP workers in Thrissur on Friday.

The miscreants allegedly poured water mixed with cow dung (a purication ritual in Kerala) on him before thrashing him. He was attacked on way to a shop near his house at Vallachira in Kerala's Thrissur district.

His allegedly scandalous Facebook post had drawn flak from various quarters after which he had withdrawn it. The BJP had announced that it would file a case against the director for hurting religious sentiments.

He later put up another post stating, "I am home. Will not hide."

The director said he will file a police complaint.

Kerala had witnessed widespread protests after the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Though several women attempted to enter the temple they had to back off after frenzied protests.

However, several people and outfits had come out in support of the Supreme Court's landmark judgment. On January 2, 42-year old Bindu and Kanakadurga, 44, offered prayers at the Ayyappa temple, three months after the apex court verdict, leading to widespread protests in the state. Priyanandanan's movie Pulijanmam won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2006. His movie Bhakthajanangalude Sradhakku starring popular actress Kavya Madhavan had won audience's praise.

Some of his other movies are Neythukaran (2001) and Su Paranja Katha (2009).