Mohanlal resigns as chairman of embattled AMMA leader amid ‘MeToo’ storm

Mohanlal’s resignation as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA) reflects a significant shift in the Malayalam film industry amid serious allegations of sexual abuse and assault. The resignation of the entire executive committee further underscores the gravity of the situation. The Justice Hema Committee report, suppressed since 2019, was recently made public, exposing multiple cases of abuse within the industry.

Prominent figures including veteran actor Siddique and filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan are facing serious allegations. Siddique, who stepped down last week, has filed a police complaint against his accuser, while other actors such as Baburaj and M Mukesh are also embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct. Minu Muneer’s allegations against actors such as Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju have added to the controversy, leading to calls for an investigation.

The Kerala government has responded by setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations, but the political fallout is intense. Opposition parties are using the situation to criticise the government, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis in the Malayalam film industry.

The resignation of Mohanlal and the entire AMMA governing committee has sparked an intense debate within the Malayalam film industry. Actors Shammi Thilakan and Anoop Chandran have openly criticized the mass layoffs, suggesting that they do not address the core issues and betray the trust of those who elected the committee.

Shammi Thilakan argued that the resignations reflect a failure to address pressing questions rather than a courageous stand. He believes that instead of resigning, the committee should have addressed the allegations and worked towards reforms. Thilakan has also raised concerns about caste discrimination within the organisation and claims that he has evidence of such bias. He stressed the need for introspection and structural change, and advocated for the next generation to lead the industry with integrity.

Anoop Chandran echoed similar sentiments, calling the mass resignations “undemocratic” and a betrayal of the trust of the wider organisation. He criticised the delay in responding to the Hema committee’s report and suggested that the association should have shown solidarity with the women who came forward with their stories. Chandran expressed disappointment that the committee chose to resign instead of addressing the issues head-on and supporting the survivors.

Swara Bhasker says Hema Commission report is ‘heartbreaking and relatable’; showbiz is not only patriarchal, but also feudal in nature

The Hema Commission report, which was recently made public, has revealed serious allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the Malayalam film industry. This report has revived the #MeToo movement in Mollywood, with many women sharing their traumatic experiences. The report has also exposed several issues in the industry, including casting couch practices and pay disparities.

The resignation of AMMA’s governing body, while an important step, is seen by some as insufficient to address the deeper problems exposed by the report. Critics argue that the focus now should be on meaningful reform and support for victims rather than simply changing leadership. The debate over AMMA’s response and the future of the industry continues as the Malayalam film community grapples with the fallout from these revelations.