In Short:
- Mohanlal and AMMA Resign: Mohanlal and the entire AMMA governing body resigned after the Hema Committee report exposed widespread sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry.
- Hema Committee Revelations: The report revealed extensive sexual misconduct and exploitation, leading to allegations against senior actors and filmmakers.
- New Leadership Expected: AMMA plans to elect a new governing body within two months, aiming for renewed leadership.
In a significant shake-up within the Malayalam film industry, veteran actor Mohanlal and the entire governing body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have resigned. This move comes just days after the explosive Hema Committee report, which exposed widespread sexual harassment and exploitation within the industry, was made public.
Mohanlal, who served as the president of AMMA, stepped down on moral grounds following allegations of sexual misconduct against several members of the governing body. The 64-year-old actor expressed his intention to take responsibility for the issues brought to light by the report. In a joint decision, the entire executive committee also submitted their resignations, marking a major turning point for the association.
The resignation of the governing body occurred on August 27, after female actors came forward with serious allegations against some members of the association. The Hema Committee report, which was released to the public on August 19, has sparked widespread outrage and led to numerous women sharing their traumatic experiences. These accounts have implicated filmmakers, actors, and technicians in the industry, bringing to the forefront the deep-seated issues of sexual harassment, casting couch practices, pay disparities, and exploitation.
In a statement, AMMA acknowledged the need for change and expressed hope that a new leadership would emerge to renew and strengthen the association. The statement also indicated that a general body meeting would be convened within two months to elect a new governing body.
Prominent actors and filmmakers, including 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 that has now been dissolved.
The public and members of the film fraternity had been increasingly vocal about AMMA’s silence regarding the allegations and the findings of the Hema Committee report. The report has opened a Pandora’s box, leading to numerous allegations against senior actors and filmmakers.
Actor Siddique, who served as the General Secretary of AMMA, also resigned after a female actor accused him of sexual misconduct. In a television interview, Siddique confirmed his resignation, stating that he felt it was necessary to step down in light of the allegations against him.
Other notable figures named in the report, including filmmakers Ranjith, Thulasidas, and actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, and Suraj Venjaramoodu, have been accused of sexual harassment by female actors.
The release of the Hema Committee report and the subsequent resignations have led to widespread discussions about the need for accountability and change within the Malayalam film industry. The silence of influential figures like Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil has also been called into question, adding to the growing demand for justice and reform in the industry.
