‘Just because I’ve never…’

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran recently reacted to the Justice Hema Committee report, which criticised several male actors, directors and producers for their involvement in dictating terms in Mollywood and intimidating women in their professional work.

The Malayalam film industry has been in the news on the internet recently since the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. Prithviraj Sukumaran who was last seen in The life of the goatresponded to the Hema Committee report which highlighted major issues in the Malayalam film industry such as harassment, poor facilities, gender inequality and pay disparity. Conversely, senior actors Mohanlal And Mammoth have remained silent and have not commented on the report or the new allegations of sexual harassment involving multiple actors and film directors.

Prithviraj Sukumar responds to Hema committee report

In a recent media interaction, Prithviraj Sukumaran stated, “If allegations have been made, thorough investigations should be conducted and if these investigations prove the accusation to be true, exemplary punishments should be meted out.” The Malayalam actor added, “On the other hand, if the allegations are false, even exemplary punishments should be meted out. Either way, these allegations should be treated with utmost seriousness and I hope this is the beginning of a process that will clear everything up for us.”

He concluded by saying, “Just because I have not faced any problems from a so-called influential group, it does not mean that it does not exist. I have not experienced it, but if anyone in Malayalam cinema has been affected by such a group, his grievances should be heard. If such a body exists, it should be dismantled.”

About the report of the Hema Justice Committee

Recently, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report came to the limelight, revealing shocking details of harassment of women in Mollywood. The report also highlights several incidents of harassment, exploitation and abuse of women in professional work.

The 235-page report was released after omitting the names of witnesses and the accused. It also stated that 10 to 15 male producers, actors and directors were dictating the Malayalam film industry.

The report of the three-member panel headed by a former judge of the Kerala High Court, set up by the state government in 2017, was submitted to the Pinrayi-led Kerala government in December 2019 and made public only this month.

Report on the establishment of the Hema Commission

The Hema Commission report was formed under a three-member panel, including retired Justice Hema. In 2019, the report was submitted to the Chief Minister of Kerala, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government. After five long years, the Hema Commission was made public in August 2025, revealing shocking details that led to several senior actors and directors stepping down from top positions in the Malayalam film industry.

The Prime Minister’s Office also issued an official statement saying, “In light of recent interviews and statements by several women in the Malayalam film industry detailing the hardships they have faced, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting with senior police officials on Sunday.”

-with input from ANI