Malayalam actor on why she filed a #MeToo complaint

New Delhi:

Actress Sonia Malhar — who filed a #MeToo complaint against a fellow actor amid a flood of complaints of long-term sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry — told NDTV today that she did it despite pressure from her family to “close everything”. “But I revealed the face of that hero because otherwise it would have affected my dignity too. If I close the case, it is not good for me,” she added.

The actor has spoken to the Special Investigation Team that was set up to investigate the case. However, the name of the person she accused has not been released.

“Maybe I’ll announce his name in two days and discuss it with my family and go through things that way,” she said.

Ms Malhar is one of the many female actors who spoke out after the Justice Hema Commission report exposed the dark side of the Malayalam film industry, where sexual abuse and exploitation have been commonplace for decades.

The women, including a Bengali actress, have publicly made allegations of sexual harassment against some of the most recognisable faces of Malayalam cinema, including leading director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh.

Amid the outrage it evoked, Mohanlal, a noted actor and president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, resigned along with other top officials. AMMA said the governing panel has resigned and taken moral responsibility for the allegations.

When asked whether reporting such incidents and initiating legal proceedings is easier given the number of women speaking out, Ms Malhar replied in the negative.

“It is not an easy process for victims, with the trauma, mental stress, money… All people want our bodies. They never take into account that we have a soul or a spirit,” she said.

“I recorded my statement yesterday because I feel that justice is being delayed… We are not sure whether we will get 100 percent justice here or not… The Hema Commission report is still not clear about who those heavyweights and politicians are who are involved,” she added.