December 8, 2025 is important for Malayalam actor Dileep as it was the day he was acquitted in the 2017 actor attack case. With this, a chapter that lasted for about eight and a half years has been closed. Everything changed after the long-awaited decision. Dilip, who had maintained a low profile throughout the trial, spoke to the media for the first time.

He hit out at his ex-wife, actor Manju Warrier, saying that the conspiracy against him started when she talked about him. Dilip claimed that his entire career and public image was ruined due to this case.

Dileep, once a household name and popular actor, suffered a major setback after the court case, which started in 2017 and lasted for more than eight years. After his recent acquittal, he is now looking towards a new career as an actor.

Humble beginnings and fondness for mimicry

Dileep was born Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan in October 1967 in Ernakulam, Kerala, to Padmanabhan Pillai and Sarojam. As the eldest of three children, his father lost most of his savings due to failed businesses, leading to a troubled childhood and adolescence.

While pursuing a degree in History at Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, he developed a liking for copying. Starting from imitating his teachers and friends, he also started performing different voices. After this he joined Harishree Troupe, after which he started doing mimicry on stage. It was during mimicry that he was introduced to the stars of the film industry, including actor Jayaram and actor-director Nadir Shah.

Dilip’s comedy timing made him a household name. And when he started appearing in television programs like ComiCola and Cinema, he was already dreaming of becoming an actor in the film industry.

When Gopalkrishna became Padmanabhan Dilip

Actor Jayaram helped him open the doors of the film industry and he got his first opportunity as an assistant director to filmmaker Kamal for the 1991 film. VishnulokamIn 1992, Dilip finally appeared in a small role in director Kamal’s film Ennodu Ishtam Kudamo,

He was a replacement when the actor scheduled for the role did not turn up. After this he played supporting roles Sanyam Before getting his big breakthrough in the lead role in the 1994 film Manathe KottaramGopalakrishnan played the character named Dilip in the film, Although the film was an average hit at the box office, he changed his name to Dileep as the film brought him luck,

Dilip carefully built his career by playing comic and boy-next-door roles in films. In 1996 he made a successful film sallapamDirected by Sunder Das. Opposite him in the film was his ex-wife Manju Warrier, who was already a big star.

With the success of the film, Dilip strengthened his position in the film industry. But, he continued to assist directors until 1996. Dileep has demonstrated his versatility by playing unconventional roles, notably TV Chandran’s kadhveshan (2004). His portrayal of an effeminate man in Chandupottu (2005) brought him popularity. In 2016, he led acclaimed writer Adoor Gopalakrishnan pinnium,

Since his debut in 1994, Dileep has appeared in approximately 140 films in Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi cinema, while also producing 12 films. Over the years, he has evolved into a major powerhouse in the Malayalam film industry, exerting significant influence over production, distribution, financing and theatrical release.

He ruled the industry with consecutive hit films. The success of his films made him one of the most influential persons not only within the industry, but in the entire state. In a 2022 India Today article, a top real estate broker from Aluva said, “He also invested heavily in the real estate sector, so no one knows the real value of his assets.”

An excerpt from the article reads, “His celebrity status, contact list and money power also helped him assert his status and rule Mollywood as a mega power centre, so much so that very few people are willing to go on record while commenting about him.”

Dileep also invested in theater chains and started a restaurant, which has branches in Kerala and the Middle East.

2017 actor assault case and downturn in his career

In 2017, a popular Malayalam actor was kidnapped by six people and assaulted in a moving car. Actor Dilip was the eighth accused in the case. This case dealt a blow to his public image and film career. While several of his films were released between 2017 and 2025, none of them made a solid mark at the box office.

After nearly 8.5 years, he has been acquitted in the case which he claims has damaged his life and career over the past decade. Although there were many disappointing films in his career during this period, but when the film 2025 was released, he heaved a sigh of relief. prince and family It ultimately received mediocre reviews from critics and audiences alike.

He is now preparing for the release of his upcoming film. bha bha bhaIn which he will be seen with Vineet Srinivasan and Dhyan Srinivasan.

After being acquitted in the case, Dilip is looking for a new career which will bring back the lost glory.