I am not part of a ‘power group’, Mohanlal responds to Hema committee report

At a private event in Thiruvananthapuram, Mohanlal made it clear that he was not involved with any of the ‘power groups’ mentioned in the report, which the report alleged had influence over casting decisions and other matters in the industry.

“Some people ask if I ran away. I didn’t run away from anywhere. I was busy with my wife’s treatment. I have been travelling with you for 47 years. Cinema is just a part of society. What happens elsewhere also happens in cinema, although I don’t approve of it. Such problems occur in every area,” he said.

He further explained that AMMA, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, operates more like a family than a union, with around five hundred members focused on mutual welfare. He added that though he has served as the president of AMMA twice, he was initially reluctant to take up the role but chose to accept the responsibilities when given the opportunity.

Mohanlal also confirmed that he had twice given evidence before the Hema Committee, which was set up by the Kerala government to probe these allegations. This is his first public comment on the matter.

The report, a redacted version of which was released earlier this month, contains explosive accounts of harassment, exploitation and abuse of female professionals in the industry. It also alleges that a “criminal gang” controls the industry and pushes out women who do not play by the rules.