MeToo in Mollywood: The Dark Side of Malayalam Cinema and the Ugly Truths That Keep Surfacing

Despite editing, report sends shockwaves

The Hema Commission report, released after a protracted legal battle, was watered down by redactions imposed by the State Information Commission. While certain sections were deemed sensitive and exempted to protect individual privacy, the government’s decision to withhold additional portions has raised suspicions.

Critics allege that these omissions are intended to conceal the identities of those involved in the alleged misconduct. However, the published findings were enough to send shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, exposing the disturbing reality that has long plagued the male-dominated sector.

While the report’s findings were not entirely surprising to many, the scope and specificity of the allegations have been a nightmare for some of the industry’s most powerful figures. Names that once commanded respect and admiration are now tarnished, as allegations of sexual harassment and professional misconduct follow one another in rapid succession.

Allegations that were made in the past but did not receive the attention they deserved have resurfaced with renewed force, leading to a wave of criticism and potential consequences. Among its many revelations, the report highlighted the systematic silencing of voices – particularly those of women – who dare to speak out against the injustices they face.

The impact of the report was so alarming that the government felt compelled to take swift action and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by women IPS officers. This team has already started investigating several prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, whose dark deeds had remained hidden for years, if not decades, behind the glitz and glamour of stardom.

The investigation is an important step in holding these powerful individuals accountable for their wrongdoings.

Related: Money, Power and Abuse: The Many Weinsteins in Malayalam Cinema and a ‘Divergent’ Cold War

The Canines Behind Gorgeous Smiles

The industry’s glamorous facade has been torn down, revealing a dark side characterized by power inequality, exploitation and a pervasive fear of retribution.

The Justice Hema Committee, set up after mounting pressure from various quarters, was tasked with investigating the inhuman practices of the industry and making recommendations for reform. However, the publication of the report, although partial, has already begun to dismantle the existing power structures.

Influential organizations and individuals are now facing a reckoning, with some forced to step down from positions of authority. The implications of the report are far-reaching. The renewed attention to old allegations has revived public debate, leading to potential legal action and the dissolution of long-standing associations.

The developments so far have reminded people of one thing: the stars we admire in the spotlight often have darker shadows than we can imagine. Those who idolize them will have a hard time accepting the disturbing truth that behind their dazzling smiles they hide fangs that can cause deep damage.

The era of impunity is over for Mollywood

The industry, known for its artistic excellence, now stands at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of its past and the urgent need for systemic reform. As the dust settles, the Malayalam film community must come to terms with the uncomfortable truths that have come to light.

The road to redemption will be long and difficult, but to return the industry to its former glory, it must first acknowledge and rectify the deep-rooted problems that have been exposed. The era of impunity is over. The demands for accountability and transparency are growing louder.

The Justice Hema Committee report has not only opened a Pandora’s box, but also offers the sector a crucial opportunity to self-reflect, heal and rebuild on a foundation of respect, equality and integrity.

Following the report’s release, several prominent names in the Malayalam film industry have been exposed. While some face serious allegations of sexual abuse, including rape, others are accused of verbal abuse and mental harassment. As the days pass, the list of those involved seems to grow, revealing a pervasive culture of misconduct that was hidden from the public for a long time.

Related: Interview: The Media Are Witnesses, So Why Is Justice Delayed? SC Lawyer on the Hema Commission Report

These are the people who have been charged so far:

Siddique : A senior actor who was the general secretary of AMMA had to resign after an actress complained that he had sexually assaulted her in 2019. The actor has now been booked under various sections, including rape. He denied the allegation and said legal action would be taken.

Ranjith : A senior principal who was also the chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy had to resign after a Bengali actress alleged sexual abuse. A case was also registered against him. He denied the complaint and said legal action would be taken.

Mukesh : Senior actor and Kollam MLA, he is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour. A junior artiste has accused him of misconduct. Another actress has also come out against Mukesh, alleging that he demanded sexual favours in return for membership of AMMA. The allegation of inappropriate behaviour by him towards a casting director, a few years ago, is also being debated now. Pressure is mounting on the government to remove him from the committee appointed by it to formulate the cinema policy. Mukesh has said that the allegations were politically motivated. A protest is now brewing demanding his resignation as MLA.

Shaji N Karun : The National Award-winning director and senior filmmaker is facing complaints of mental harassment. A couple of women film directors – Indu Lakshmi and Mini – alleged that Shaji as the chairperson of Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) deliberately delayed the release of their films, which were made under the KSFDC’s ‘Films by Women Directors’ project.

Jayasuriya – The actor is facing a number of complaints, including sexual harassment. One of those complaints was that the actor behaved inappropriately during the filming of a project. She revealed that he groped her as she left a restroom and later hugged and kissed her without her consent.

VK Prakash – The director and actor was accused of sexually assaulting her by a scriptwriter, a resident of Ernakulam, who alleged that he did so after inviting her to a hotel in Kollam to discuss a film project. He has now approached the Kerala High Court.

Thulasids – Two female actors have come forward with allegations against director Thulasidas. One of the actresses said he made sexual advances toward her during the shooting of a film in 1991. Another actress said the director knocked on her hotel room door.

Seven people : A female actress in a social media post revealed that she was physically and verbally abused by actors M Mukesh, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Idavela Babu and Jayasoorya, advocate VS Chandrasekharan (who had to resign as chairman of KPCC’s legal cell and state president of Lawyers’ Congress) and production managers Noble and Vichu.

Riyaz Khan – He is accused of making sexual advances towards an actress over the phone. She alleged that despite showing no interest, he allegedly asked the actress if she could “set up” some of her friends.

Baburaj – A junior artiste alleged that Baburaj sexually assaulted her after he offered her a role in a film. She alleged that he invited her and then sexually assaulted her after promising that the film’s director, casting director and production controller would all be at his house.

VA Shrikumar – The same artist who turned against Baburaj alleged that he had a bitter experience with director Shrikumar, when he allegedly invited her to a hotel in Kochi and offered her a role in a commercial, and then sexually assaulted her.

Sajin Babu – Director of the critically acclaimed Biriyani is accused of sexual abuse. Two women have come forward against him, saying he sexually abused them when they were relatively new to the industry.

Misconduct complaints were also filed against Sudheesh Sankar (serial director), actor Suraj Venjaramoodu and Sudheesh. In the case of director RS Vimal, a woman claiming to be his former domestic help alleged in a social media post that he had misbehaved with her.

With a storm of allegations mounting against numerous individuals, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is faced with the daunting task of separating the wheat from the chaff. It will be a challenging task to sift through the multitude of allegations to get to the truth, as the sheer volume of claims threatens to blur the line between fact and fiction.

(Edited by Neena)

(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)