Kerala’s Dirty Old Men: Poignant documentary captures Mollywood’s MeToo moment

For decades, Malayalam cinema was considered the epitome of artistic excellence and world-class storytelling. However, beneath the glittering surface lurked a disturbing reality. This ugly reality reared its ugly head with the findings of the Hema Commission report on alleged sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry. Kerala’s Dirty Old Men on News9 Plus, the world’s first OTT news platform, looks beyond the glamour to expose the deep-rooted sexual harassment, exploitation and toxic power dynamics prevalent in the Malayalam film industry.

A must-see for anyone who believes in justice, truth and accountability, the documentary captures the explosive series of events that followed the publication of the Hema Commission report, a 235-page exposé that shook the foundations of an industry long considered untouchable. In the process, the world experienced Mollywood’s #MeToo moment.

From shocking revelations about actors being attacked to the resignations of leading figures in the film industry like Mohanlal and others, the story paints the dark side of an institution that was once up for impeachment.
‘Kerala’s Dirty Old Men’ delves into the systematic abuse that female professionals have endured for decades: the demand for sex as a ‘birthright’, mafia-like power structures and appalling working conditions including a lack of basic amenities on film sets. Featuring exclusive interviews with activists, filmmakers and industry insiders, the documentary paints a stark picture of the struggle between those who seek change and those who resist it.
As activist Ranjini puts it: “It’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more people behind it, behind the scenes.”
Asha Achy Joseph explains how relentless public pressure made a difference: “Initially, the RTI was denied, but people didn’t stop. They filed a fresh petition. That’s when we realised that the public was behind us, those who believed in changing the industry.”
However, activist Rahul Eashwar stresses the need to be cautious: “We must stick to the dictum that a man is innocent until proven guilty. This cannot be dismissed as yet another #MeToo storm.”
As Mollywood faces its biggest crisis, the documentary not only exposes the ugly sides of Malayalam cinema but also sparks an important conversation about the future of an industry that is in dire need of reform.

Kerala’s Dirty Old Men is more than a story — it’s a call to action. Will the industry reflect on this moment to evolve? Or will it continue to guard its darkest secrets? Watch the documentary on News9 Plus to find out.