7 months ago
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The Malayalam film industry is one of the major cinema industries in India, and it has always been an example for others. But the last few days have been not so good for Mollywood as the
Justice Hema Committee report
has shocked the entire industry. The newly released Justice Hema Committee report, revealing shocking instances of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of female professionals in the film industry, has caused a nationwide uproar.
In the wake of numerous accusations and serious revelations, some of the film industry's most prominent stars have opted to stay silent on the issue. But several stars have voiced their opinion, and we have been hearing regular accusations against popular stars.
Shammi Thilakan criticizes Mohanlal
In a media interview, Shammi Thilakan, son of the late Thilakan, stated, "Idols that need to be shattered must be shattered, and if they aren't, then they should be." He emphasized the need for accountability, insisting that those who have betrayed trust must face consequences. He also noted, "Those who have eaten salt must drink water," suggesting that people must deal with the repercussions of their actions.
Sreelekha Mitra lodges a complaint against Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith
Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has filed a complaint with the Kochi city police commissioner against Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith, a day after he resigned as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy. In her complaint, Mitra recounts an incident from 2009 when she traveled to Kochi for Ranjith’s film "Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha." She alleges that during a meeting at Ranjith’s flat, he grabbed her hand and made unwanted advances. Feeling threatened, she left the flat and returned to her hotel. Mitra also mentioned that she had informed scriptwriter Joshy Joseph about the incident and claimed she was not provided a return travel ticket. Sreelekha Mitra made her allegation public following the release of the Justice Hema committee report, which highlighted issues such as sexual harassment, the casting couch, and inadequate facilities for women in the Malayalam film industry. She has now decided to formally lodge a complaint against the director.
Geetha Vijayan and Sridevika accuse senior Malayalam filmmaker Thulasidas
Actors Geetha Vijayan and Sridevika have accused senior Malayalam filmmaker Thulasidas of harassment, following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. Sridevika claims Thulasidas repeatedly knocked on her hotel room door in 2006 while working on Avan Chandiyude Makan and faced retaliation during the shoot. She had previously shared this on Facebook in 2018 and filed a complaint with
AMMA
with no response. Geetha Vijayan also revealed similar harassment by Thulasidas during the filming of 'Chanchattam' in 1991.
Revathy opens up on Mohanlal and Mammootty's silence
Veteran actor-filmmaker Revathy Asha, a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), responded to the Justice Hema Committee report, noting that issues previously dismissed as ‘gossip’ are now being taken seriously. In an interview with News18, she expressed surprise at the lack of comment from industry superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty, suggesting they are likely as shocked as others, but have remained silent while others speak out.
Tovino Thomas defends his mates
In a recent media interaction, Tovino Thomas defended the Malayalam film industry against claims that its issues are unique. He highlighted that the formation of the Hema Committee and its thorough investigation are notable steps not commonly seen in other film industries. Tovino argued that such measures are rare elsewhere, suggesting that the problems exposed are not exclusive to Malayalam cinema but reflect broader industry-wide issues. Tovino emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Those who commit crimes should be punished. It’s basic.” His comments address the current scrutiny and "cleanup process" in the Malayalam film industry. He also stressed that safety for women should be ensured everywhere, not just in the film industry.
Siddique denies Revathy Sampath's accusation
Siddique, who recently stepped down as AMMA's general secretary due to allegations from Revathy Sampath, is now pursuing legal action. According to the Hindustan Times, Kerala Police confirmed that Siddique's complaint, submitted to the Director General of Police, claims Revathy's accusations are baseless and damaging to his reputation and career. This move represents a significant shift from silence to active confrontation.
Prithviraj Sukumaran voice out against false accusers
Prithviraj Sukumaran has addressed the Malayalam film industry's issues following the Hema Committee report. In a press interaction, he stressed the need for accountability, advocating for decisive action against those found guilty and against those who make false accusations. He stated, "If the allegations are confirmed, strong action is necessary. Likewise, false accusers should face consequences."
Minu Muneer's series of harassment allegations
Actress Minu Muneer has recently made headlines with her sexual harassment allegations against prominent Malayalam actors, including Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and Jayasurya. She has criticized senior actors for their silence on the issue and urged younger actors like Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali to take leadership roles in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Muneer also called for Mohanlal's removal from his top position in AMMA, stating, "It's shameful for senior actors to remain silent on such issues while representing the industry."
Mohanlal resigns from AMMA
Following the Hema Committee report exposing widespread sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, major changes have unfolded. Mohanlal has resigned as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), and the entire 17-member executive committee has stepped down in solidarity. The report’s revelations have prompted these high-profile resignations, and a new committee is expected to take over soon, with hopes for a resolution to the ongoing issue.
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