Malayalam’s legendary actor Mammootty broke his silence on the Hema Committee report. In a Facebook post, the actor said the court should decide the punishment for the perpetrators while adding that there are no power centres in Malayalam cinema. Mammootty, who was criticised heavily for remaining silent on the report, said the recommendations by Hema Committee report should be considered and demanded for legislation if necessary.
Responding to the backlashes of not responding, he said the organizational method of the industry is to let the leadership speak first. He said, “I waited to respond because I believe as a member, I should voice my opinion only after the official responses”.
Denying the allegations of the existence of “Power Group” in the industry, the star said such things cannot happen in the industry. “There is no ‘powerhouse’ in cinema. Cinema is not an arena where such things can exist. I request that the practical recommendations mentioned in the Hema Committee report should be implemented, and legislations should be introduced if faced with legal roadblocks. Ultimately, the Cinema must prevail”, he said.
Here is the translation of Mammootty’s statement:
This post is based on the current developments that Malayalam cinema is facing. Let the actors’ organization and leadership speak first is the organizational method. I waited to respond because I believe as a member, I should voice my opinion only after the official responses. Cinema is the epitome of society. All the good and bad in the society is in the movie also. The film industry is something that the society pays close attention to. Therefore, all the small and big things that happen in there will be a topic of discussion. Filmmakers need to be careful and vigilant so that nothing untoward happens. The Justice Hema Committee was formed by the government to study the film industry and prepare a report to suggest solutions and recommend measures after an incident which should never have happened. We wholeheartedly welcome and support the recommendations and solutions outlined in that report. It is high time that all associations in the film industry join hands without distinction to implement them. The police investigation is proceeding vigorously on the complaints that have been raised. The court have the full version of the Justice Hema committee report. Let the police investigate honestly. Let the court decide the punishments. There is no ‘powerhouse’ in cinema. Cinema is not an arena where such things can exist. I request that the practical recommendations mentioned in the Hema Committee report should be implemented, and legislations should be introduced if faced with legal roadblocks. Ultimately, the Cinema must prevail.
The Hema Committee was established in 2017 to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry, especially in the wake of a sexual assault case involving actor Dileep. The committee was chaired by retired High Court judge Justice Hema, along with veteran actor Sharada and former IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari.
Read also: Two Women Accuse Director Sajin Babu of Sexual Abuse
Their report, which was submitted in 2019, brought to light the pervasive sexual harassment experienced by women in the industry. It particularly highlighted incidents where female actors faced unwanted advances before even beginning work. The report was made public last week.
Read also: “Paid Me Rs 10,000 For Silence”: Writer Accuses Director VK Prakash Of Sexual Assault
