As soon as news broke that Malayalam actor Dileep, who had been remanded in judicial custody for the past 85 days had finally secured bail, fans and local residents gathered in numbers outside the Aluva sub jail.
While a few Dileep fans gave interviews to television channels, others distributed sweets. Though the actor has only secured bail, after being convicted on charges of abduction and assault of a female actor in February, his fans celebrated the bail grant as a 'big win for justice'.
Fans also brought banners and cut-outs that screamed 'He is Back'.
"We are delighted. We will have a road show and will accompany him to his house," one of the fans said.
Another fan, an old woman, said that she would wait outside the jail to catch a glimpse of Dileep. "I have tried visiting him many times, but could not. I want to see him when he comes out," she said.
Although Dileep had tried to secure bail in time for the release of his latest flick Ramaleela, his bail plea had been rejected multiple times.
Speaking to TNM, Arun Gopy, the director of Ramaleela said that he was happy that Dileep finally got bail.
Very happy to hear the news. Everything in life is unexpected, accusations against him and his arrest were highly unexpected, now his bail has also come out as an unexpected event for many.Arun Gopy, Director of Ramaleela
Asked whether he thinks Dileep's release at this point will help the film in the theatres, Arun said that the audience has already accepted the film and will continue to show their support.
"Since the day of the release, people have extended their full support to it and I am sure they will do so, now that Dileep will be set free," he said.
Speaking to Asianet News, director Ranjith said that he was glad that Dileep, who was "denied justice through media trial" finally got relief.
We stand with the victim, but the case against Dileep is based on what a criminal said. Let the trial happen, but we are happy he got bail. I don’t think anyone has been tortured as much as Dileep has been, without a conviction.Director Ranjeeth
Speaking to the same television news channel, actor Lakshmi Priya said that it was a befitting answer to his critics.
On the other hand, Dileep getting bail, only days before the investigating team is set to submit the chargesheet in the case, has been met with resistance too.
Liberty Basheer, head of Theatre Owners Association and a man known as Dileep's nemesis said the bail was not worth celebrating. "He was kept in jail for 85 days, so that means the case against him was strong," Liberty Basheer said.
P Geetha, a social activist who has been vocal about her support to the female actor said that she was worried that Dileep has secured bail.
He is someone who is powerful enough to garner support and generate debates in favour of him, while he was in judicial custody. This is something to worry about.P Geetha
(This piece was originally published in The News Minute.)
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