Prithviraj Sukumaran highlights AMMA shortcomings, demands accountability after Hema committee revelations

Warning: This article contains references to sexual abuse.

Prithviraj Sukumaran did not mince his words while addressing the media in Kochi on Monday, August 26, on the recent Hema Commission report. He said that those facing allegations of abuse should step down from their respective positions and undergo investigation.

The Aadujeevitham actor also demanded a thorough investigation into the findings of the Hema Commission report, which probed the conditions and sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.

He also called for action against those responsible and acknowledged that there were shortcomings on the part of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). He said, “There should be a proper investigation into the report and if the allegations against anyone are found to be true, very strong action should be taken and at the same time, if they are found to be false, the same strong action should be taken against those who made them.”

Prithviraj Sukumaran added that he was not even surprised by the findings of the Hema committee report as he was one of the first to appear before them. He said he was waiting to know what the committee’s next steps would be.

The actor acknowledged that AMMA had made mistakes and that strict action should have been taken against the accused in the past.

Regarding the presence of a ‘power group’ in the film industry, he said: ‘Just because I say I am not influenced by the power group, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. And if there is such a group, I will say that something like this shouldn’t happen.’

Prithviraj also stressed the need for a woman representative in such organisations at top positions like the post of President or Secretary General of AMMA.

Since the Hema committee report came out, several well-known personalities have resigned from their posts after allegations of misconduct or sexual abuse. Recently, AMMA General Secretary Siddique and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith resigned after two actresses came forward accusing them of misconduct.

Disclaimer: If you need support or know someone who is struggling with domestic violence or abuse or mistreatment, please contact your nearest mental health specialist, NGO or talk to someone about it. There are several helplines available for the same.

READ ALSO: After Siddique, Malayalam director Ranjith steps down as chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy amid allegations of misconduct by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra