Allegations And Resignations: What's Happening In Malayalam Cinema (image/pixabay)

Since the explosive Hema Commission Report was released on August 19, a series of sexual assault allegations have come up within the Malayalam film industry, with some of the top male actors being named. Established in 2017, the Hema Committee submitted its report in 2019, wherein it highlights the systematic harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report was only made public last week.

• In the latest development in the matter, Mohanlal, president of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), resigned as the president of the actors association of the Malayalam film industry. The actor has reportedly notified the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of his decision. He also expressed his wish for new leadership for AMMA. Reportedly, Mammootty advised Mohanlal that resignation was the right step to take at this time.
• Executive members submitted mass resignations, and all 17 executives have resigned from the association. The urgent meeting was reportedly held online, which decided to disband the organisation.
• An ad-hoc leadership committee will be formed until the next general body meeting, where new AMMA office bearers are elected.
• The move comes after several notable actors expressed their disappointment over the AMMA’s inaction. Prithviraj called the body’s stance “weak” and called for an investigation into the allegations. “History will record that in India, the correction happened in Malayalam cinema. We can only hope that the proposed film conclave will also help in solving the problem,” he said.
• Actor Shammi Thilakan, earlier, slammed outgoing president Mohanlal for losing his ability to react effectively. He further asserted that idols ‘need to be broken’ and should be shattered, implying that Mohanlal’s leadership had become obsolete.
• Actor Tovino Thomas asked the media to cover the serious issue sensibly and to stand by the victims, rather than sensationalizing it for TRP.
• A series of allegations of sexual abuse have been raised against Kollam MLA and actor Mukhesh, which has led to the opposition – Youth Congress and Mahila Congress – protesting and demanding his resignation. CPI leader Annie Raja sought the Kollam MLA’s resignation from his post and demanded for an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against him. She further added that if Mukhesh failed to step down voluntarily, the party should remove him from the post.
• BJP Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi called the issues “mere allegations” and slammed the media for “sensationalising” it.
• Reacting to the same, BJP Kerala State President K Surendran distanced themselves from Gopi’s remark, clarifying that the party’s stance did not align with the actor’s view. He demanded the chief minister to seek immediate resignation of the MLA.
• Several allegations have been raised against actors Alencier Ley Lopez, former general secretary of AMMA Siddique, Riyaaz Khan, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Baburaj, and directors Ranjith (former chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy), VK Prakash, Sajin Babu, and Thulasidas.