Entertainment Desk
25 December 2025, 09:03 PM IST
Amid rising criticism over scenes linked to a real-life assault case, the writers of ‘Bha Bha Ba’ insist their work has been misinterpreted and reaffirm that no dialogue was written with malicious intent.
Noorin Shereef and Fahim Safar
The creative team behind ‘Bha Bha Ba’ has spoken out after the Malayalam film drew intense criticism for scenes and dialogues viewers described as inappropriate and insensitive. Since its release, significant social media outrage has centred on writers Fahim Safar and Noorin Shereef, with online users alleging that certain sequences mirror real-life events involving actor Prithviraj and the assault case of a prominent Malayalam actress.
Both writers have now addressed the controversy, insisting that none of the film’s material was crafted to offend and that the project was always intended as an exaggerated spoof.
Writers clarify intent behind the script
Speaking to Ginger Media Entertainment, Fahim and Noorin said their intention was purely creative from the outset, rejecting allegations that any scene was targeted at individuals. They explained that the script evolved by drawing on well-known films and memorable characters.
“Our only intention was to write. We never knew whether the same actors who had played those roles earlier would return to perform them again,” they said, adding that the entire film was deliberately designed with an over-the-top, reel-like sensibility.
“We feel happy when people understand that. It means our intention got across. This film was made with humour in mind. Because it’s a spoof with humorous elements, even villainous traits can only be treated in a light-hearted manner. We cannot suddenly shift genres,” they added.
The writers also responded to criticism surrounding scenes featuring Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan. They stressed that the portrayals were created to suit the film’s tone and were not reflective of the actors’ real personalities.
“They would never speak or behave like that in real life. They are not people who take things out of context. And we are not people who would write such things with any wrong intention. No scene or dialogue in the movie was created to hurt anyone—we did it in line with the film’s tone,” they clarified.
Fahim noted that the controversy stems partly from viewers interpreting the film through the lens of current events. “People are viewing the film differently based on the current situation. We respect that. But it is necessary to watch the film as a film. If you enjoy it that way, there won’t be any issues. If we’ve hurt anyone, we apologise,” he said.
Noorin says abuse took a personal toll
Noorin shared that the online harassment that followed the film’s release became overwhelming. She said she struggled to comprehend the scale of negativity directed at her.
“Off-camera, I sometimes wondered if all this was really happening. I used to get messages related to the film—some even calling me the ‘next rape victim’. If someone didn’t like the film, they could simply say so. But there is a proper way to say it,” she said.
Director speaks about Mohanlal–Dileep pairing
Director Dhananjay Shankar also spoke about working with Mohanlal and Dileep, stating that their longstanding rapport translated effortlessly onto the screen.
“They are always together, talking and joking. When they arrive on set together, it gives us a whole different feeling,” he said.
Outrage over controversial scene continues
The uproar surrounding ‘Bha Bha Ba’ intensified after viewers flagged a scene that they say trivialises the 2017 actress assault case. The film’s storyline follows Radar, played by Dileep, who kidnaps a woman—drawing clear parallels, according to critics, with the allegations previously made against the actor.
In the disputed flashback sequence, Dhyan Sreenivasan’s character calls Radar a “professional kidnapper,” and the script includes the dialogue: “Annan kidnapped her and milked her,” followed by, “Relax bro, she is a cow.” The visuals depict the character abducting a woman in a vehicle.
The release comes shortly after Dileep’s acquittal on 8 December 2025 in the high-profile case. While six accused were convicted of gang rape and conspiracy, Dileep—listed as the eighth accused—was cleared along with three others. The incident, which took place on 17 February 2017, involved the actress being restrained inside a moving vehicle for nearly two hours. The case spanned years, with 261 witnesses and 834 documents presented in court.
Many viewers have argued that scenes echoing such traumatic events reflect poorly on the film’s makers. They have also questioned how such content passed certification uncut, noting that international releases often face stricter scrutiny for far less explicit material.
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