Linking films like 'Kalimannu' to vulgarity comes from a distorted mindset, says Blessy

Director Blessy has spoken out against the case recently filed against actress Shwetha Menon, who has been accused of acting in obscene films for monetary gain. Blessy said it was deeply upsetting that a case was registered simply because Shwetha acted in a film.

One of the films named in the complaint is Blessy’s 2013 drama 'Kalimannu', which had stirred debate at the time of its release for featuring the real-time delivery of Shwetha Menon’s baby. Responding to Onmanorama, the director said, “Kalimannu went through the censor board and was certified. I don’t understand how something that wasn’t considered obscene back then has suddenly become an issue now.”

Blessy said he is speaking out only because 'Kalimannu', a film he directed, has been dragged into the controversy. “Back then, it must have created a certain anxiety in people — about Shwetha’s pregnancy, about how vulgar it could get. I don’t know. It depends on how people think. Some even threatened to burn down theatres,” he recalled. “But after the movie was released, those same people had nothing to say. Their reactions only stemmed from a very ugly mindset.”

The director said that the intent behind filming the childbirth scene was not to sensationalise it, but to explore the emotional and spiritual connection between womanhood and motherhood. “People who think that someone like me, who made films like 'Kaazhcha' and 'Thanmathra', would make something vulgar — it’s them who are wrong,” he said.

He also pointed out the double standards surrounding the controversy. “Recently, a YouTuber uploaded a birth vlog online and no case was registered against her. That video got far more viewership. Films require tickets and theatres, YouTube content is freely available to anyone,” he added.

When asked if the timing of the case was linked to Shwetha’s presidential run in the AMMA elections, Blessy said, “Whether it’s motivated or not, I think it’s something people can judge for themselves.”

However, he chose not to comment further, saying he does not associate with any film organisations and prefers to stay away from such matters.
The complaint against Shwetha Menon, filed by Martin Menachery, alleges that she performed in sexually explicit scenes in films for financial gain. Apart from 'Kalimannu', the films mentioned in the complaint include 'Rathinirvedam' and 'Paleri Manikyam'.

In the case of 'Kalimannu', the complainant claimed the actress profited heavily from filming and screening her real-life childbirth, including overseas screenings. The film follows a woman who becomes pregnant using the sperm of her brain-dead husband, and featured Shwetha’s actual delivery — a creative decision the actress has publicly defended in the past as part of her artistic expression.