Minu Muneer accuses fellow players of ‘sexual misconduct’

The allegations leveled by Malayalam film actor Minu Muneer have drawn widespread attention to the ongoing problem of sexual harassment and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry.

In her recent Facebook post, Muneer accused prominent actors M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu of sexually harassing her on the sets of a 2013 film. Her allegations have further fueled debates about the treatment of women in the South Indian film industry, especially in light of the Justice K Hema Committee’s findings, which revealed widespread harassment and assault.

Muneer recounted specific instances of abuse, including an encounter in which Jayasurya allegedly hugged and kissed her without consent and another in which Idavela Babu allegedly abused her on the pretext of helping her get membership in a film association. She also accused Mukesh of denying her membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) after she rejected his advances. These experiences, Muneer alleges, forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai.

The allegations come at a time when the industry is already under fire following the dismissal of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their positions at AMMA over similar allegations. Muneer’s statements have revived calls for accountability and justice within the industry.

In response, Maniyanpilla Raju, one of the accused, has called for a full-scale investigation into the allegations, suggesting possible self-interest. The situation underscores broader issues revealed by the Justice Hema Committee, which was formed after the 2017 actress attack case and has documented cases of harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry.

These developments highlight the urgent need for systemic change and justice for victims of harassment and abuse within the film industry.