Siddique, Ranjith Resign: Major Developments After Hema Committee Report

Since the Hema Committee Report released on August 19 after a four-year delay, Mollywood has been on shockwaves with a barrage of allegations, including systemic sexual abuse of women, emerged. Several female actors have come up with serious revelations against veteran actors which later led to their resignation from industry bodies. After allegations surfaced, Malayalam actor Siddique resigned as the general secretary of the actors’ association A.M.M.A, and so did director-actor Ranjith.

Also, read| Hema Committee Report Exposes Malayalam Film Industry Abuses: 10 Points

Let’s look at some major developments after the Hema Committee Report was released:

•  On August 19, when the censored report was released recording ill-treatment against female actors in the Malayalam industry, various responses deluged social media platforms including actors, activists, political leaders and common people.
• The veteran actor and general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (A.M.M.A), Siddique initially stated that he would respond to the report but needed time to study.
• Actor Baburaj responded to the questions regarding the Hema Committee Report and said that he has to construe the report and talk about it further.
• Veteran Actor Revathi wrote on her social media account, that finally justice has prevailed and the Report was released after struggling for 5 years.
• Other major actors also responded, but the ‘Superstars’ haven’t commented on it yet.
• Later, In a press meeting, Siddique along with actors Jomol, Ananya, Vinu Mohan and Jayan Cherthala said that there is no power group mafia in Mollywood and Siddique denied that the allegations in the report can be labelled as ‘odd’ incidents. He also affirmed that there is no ‘Casting Couch’ in the industry.
• On August 21, Sonia Thilakan, daughter of the late actor Thilakan revealed that a prominent actor misbehaved with her after the demise of her father, but she didn’t disclose the name.
• Minister Saji Cherian announced that the Pinarayi Government is powerful enough to take action against the accused actors.
• KPCC President K Sudhakaran said tha if Congress come into power in 2026, strict actions would be taken against the culprits.
• On August 23, a Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra revealed a serious allegation against the Director and Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith that he misbehaved with her during a movie audition but Ranjith denied it.
• On August 24, actor Jubitha Andy alleged that actor Sudheesh treated her with wrong intentions that he invited her for a trip and Idavela Babu (former General secretary of A.M.M.A) told her that he would give permanent membership to join the association if she is ready to ‘adjust.’ Both the actors denied her allegations against them.
• On August 23, actor Gayathri Varsha revealed that she has had bad experiences in the film industry and has missed several opportunities as a result.
• On August 24, actor Sonia Malhar claimed that the superstar groped her as she was returning from the toilet during a movie shoot in Thodupuzha.
• On August 24, Actor Revathy Sampath accused actor and general secretary of AMMA Siddique, that he had assaulted her sexually when she was just ’18’ and she also claimed that actor Riyaz Khan called her on the phone to engage in an obscene conversation.
• Following the allegations, actor Siddique stepped down from the general secretary position and Ranjith resigned from his designation of Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman.

With Revathy’s revelations join a chorus of actors sharing their bad experiences off-screen. Many actors and common people are urging the government to take decisive measures and immediate actions against the culprits and to reform the Malayalam film industry with deserved personalities.

Also, read| Young Actress Alleges Malayalam Actor Siddique Of Sexual Abuse: “He Is No.1 Criminal”