Malayalam film actor Minu Muneer accuses 4 co-stars of sexual harassment

The actor alleged that four of her co-stars physically and verbally abused her in 2013.

Malayalam film actor Minu Muneer on Monday accused prominent stars M Mukesh and Jayasurya of sexual harassment, as the southern film industry continues to reel over the shocking findings of the Justice K Hema Committee on harassment and abuse of women in the industry.

The allegations come a day after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their positions at the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) after similar allegations were made against them.

In a Facebook post, the actor alleged that four actors – Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu and Jayasurya – physically and verbally abused her on the sets of a 2013 film.

Speaking to NDTV, the actor shared her harrowing ordeal. “I had a bitter experience while shooting for a film. I had gone to the washroom and when I came out, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me without my consent. I was shocked and ran away,” she said, adding that the actor offered her more work if she was willing to be with him.

In another incident, the actor approached Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) secretary Idavela Babu for membership. She said he called her to his flat on the pretext of joining the film fraternity and physically assaulted her.

Ms Muneer also said that actor Mukesh, an MLA of the ruling CPI(M), deprived her of membership after she rejected his advances.

“There is a lot of exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. I am a witness and a victim. When I moved to Chennai, no one contacted me to ask what happened?” she told NDTV.

“In 2013, I was physically and verbally abused by these individuals while I was working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working, but the abuse became unbearable. As a result, I was forced to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai. I had spoken out against the abuse in a newspaper article. I now seek justice and accountability for the trauma and suffering I endured. I request your help in taking action against them for their heinous actions,” she wrote in the post, adding that she was accused of not making “adjustments” when she spoke out about the abuse.

Actor Maniyanpilla Raju, one of the actors accused by Ms Muneer, has called for an investigation into the allegations, alleging that there are multiple vested interests behind the allegations. “Some people will try to take advantage of the situation. Among the accused, there will be innocent as well as guilty parties. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary,” he said.

Amid mounting pressure, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday held a high-level meeting with senior police officials and announced the formation of a seven-member special team to probe the atrocities faced by female actors.

Speaking to NDTV, actor Soniya Malhar said that the victims have repeatedly shared their ordeals with the investigating agencies. “We need immediate action from the Centre and the state government. I think it is very difficult to explain what has happened again and again. New committees are being formed every day,” she said.

The report by the Justice Hema Committee, set up by the Kerala government after the 2017 sexual assault case of an actress, has brought to light cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, leading to calls for action against the culprits.