Mohanlal-led Malayalam film body dissolves amid sexual assault allegations
The actor Mohanlal-led top governing body of Malayalam cinema resigned on Tuesday, days after an explosive report blew the lid off rampant sexual harassment faced by women in the industry.
The 64-year-old veteran actor quit citing moral responsibility after sexual abuse allegations were levelled against some members of the governing body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
On August 27, Mohanlal and the executive committee were dissolved after female actors accused some of the members of the committee of sexual misconduct. After the Hema Committee report was made available to the public on August 19, many actors came forward with their harrowing stories and accused filmmakers, actors and technicians of sexual harassment.
The statement from the association read, “We are hopeful that AMMA will have a new leadership capable of renewing and strengthening the association. Thanks to everyone for criticising and correcting.”
The association also informed everyone that a general body meeting will be called within two months to select the new governing body.
Actors Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol and Tini Tom were part of the committee, which has now been dissolved.
The silence of AMMA regarding the allegations and the Hema Committee report was questioned by the public and members of the film fraternity.
The Hema Committee report exposed the rampant sexual harassment, casting couch practices, pay disparities, exploitation and lobbying in the Malayalam film industry. The report has opened a Pandora’s box with many women levelling sexual allegations against many senior actors and filmmakers.
Actor Siddique, who was the General Secretary of AMMA, resigned from his position after a female actor accused him of sexual misconduct.
Speaking to a television channel, Siddique said, “Yes. I have tendered my official resignation to the president of the organisation, Mohanlal. Since there were allegations against me, I have decided not to continue in the post and resigned.”
Apart from Siddique, filmmakers Ranjith, Thulasidas, actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu and Suraj Venjaramoodu were named as abusers by female actors.
After the Hema Committee report was made available to the public, many people questioned the silence of bigwigs, including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil and several others.