Dileep’s Biggest Career Test: Can Bha Bha Ba Deliver a Post-Acquittal Comeback?

Malayalam cinema star Dileep is facing one of the most crucial moments of his career as his upcoming film Bha Bha Ba prepares for a theatrical release on December 18. Coming just days after his acquittal in the high-profile 2017 Malayalam actor assault case, the film’s box office performance could determine whether the actor can stage a meaningful comeback amid continued public controversy.

Although Dileep was cleared of all charges by a Kerala court earlier this month, the verdict has sparked intense debate and public outrage. The survivor has maintained that the real mastermind behind the crime remains unpunished, a claim that continues to resonate with sections of the public and civil society. As a result, Dileep’s acquittal has not translated into widespread acceptance, leaving his public image deeply polarised.

Once one of Malayalam cinema’s most bankable stars, Dileep’s rise from mimicry artist to superstar was marked by remarkable consistency. After early success in films like Manathe Kottaram, Sallapam, Chandupottu and Pinneyum, he cemented his place among the industry’s elite with the blockbuster Meesha Madhavan in 2002. By 2012, his films collectively earned over Rs 32 crore in a single year, making him one of the most commercially successful actors of his time.

However, criticism over repetitive storytelling and controversial humour gradually mounted, even as his films continued to perform well at the box office. In interviews, Dileep openly prioritised commercial success over critical acclaim, a stance that often drew mixed reactions.

The turning point came in 2017, when his arrest in the actor assault case sent shockwaves through the industry. He spent 85 days in prison, during which Ramaleela was released and went on to earn more than Rs 50 crore worldwide. Over the following years, Dileep continued to appear in films, including supporting roles, cameos and OTT projects, but his box office consistency suffered. Recent releases like Bandra and Pavi Caretaker failed to impress commercially, though Prince and Family in 2025 managed a modest recovery.

Despite his acquittal, public resistance remains strong. Protests have disrupted screenings of his older films, and he was recently excluded from a temple festival event in Ernakulam following objections from temple authorities and activists. These incidents reflect a wider discomfort within Kerala over the verdict and the film industry’s response to it.

Against this backdrop, Bha Bha Ba has emerged as a decisive test. The film, in which Dileep plays the lead role, also features Mohanlal in a cameo appearance, a move that has reignited debates about industry solidarity versus accountability. Mohanlal’s involvement has drawn criticism from sections of the public and industry voices, further intensifying scrutiny around the film.

As Bha Bha Ba heads for a grand release, its reception will go beyond box office numbers. For Dileep, the film represents not just another release, but a referendum on whether audiences are ready to separate the artist from the controversy, or whether his legal acquittal is insufficient to rebuild trust and credibility in the public eye.