‘Don’t destroy Malayalam cinema’: Mohanlal breaks silence on Hema committee report

Mohanlal addresses the media. (Supplied)

It was the first time that Mohanlal, former president of the Association for Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), addressed the media after the release of the expert panel report that threw light on the alleged harassment and exploitation of women professionals in the Malayalam film industry.

The actor had resigned from the AMMA presidency along with other members, following sexual abuse cases against top officials Siddique, Baburaj and other actors including Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya.

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‘Everyone responsible, not just AMMA’

Mohanlal welcomed the Hema committee report and said that as an actor and producer he also stood before the Hema committee. However, Mohanlal said that he has not seen the Hema committee report yet.

He said that Malayalam cinema is a huge industry employing thousands of people and the actors’ association AMMA cannot address the problems arising there.

Mohanlal defended AMMA saying it is a trade union formed as part of a charity for fellow actors.

Further asserting that everyone in Malayalam cinema needs to answer, Mohanlal, who has been the president of AMMA for the past two terms, said, “AMMA is criticised every time. It is not the only association that needs to answer the questions.”

Mohanlal said that he and his contemporaries worked hard to build the Malayalam industry and urged people not to destroy the industry. “Please don’t focus on Malayalam cinema alone. There is a government, a police force which will take care of the accused. I can’t answer all the questions. Please don’t destroy the industry,” he said.

“Walkers should be punished if there is evidence against them,” the actor said, referring to allegations of sexual misconduct and assault that have come to light against some members of the association.

“Cinema is just a part of society,” Mohanlal said, adding that he is not justifying what happened.

Regarding the AMMA members, the former president said, “The members are devastated.”

Responding to criticism over the resignations, Mohanlal said, “Within AMMA there are many differences, many are criticising the decision. I welcome them to lead AMMA. We are not running away or hiding the truth.”

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‘Focus on improving the industry’

Mohanlal praised the government for the initiative and said the Hema committee report suggests a lot of possibilities. “Let us work on how the industry can move forward,” the actor said.

A defiant Mohanlal reiterated, “There are more than 21 associations in Malayalam cinema and everyone should react to this and take responsibility. There should also be an association for junior artists.”

He further urged the media and the public to help the industry, which is in crisis. He added that he was speaking as a member of the industry rather than as the chairman of AMMA: “Malayalam films have a bright future, these problems will not destroy the industry.”

Asked about the WCC’s criticism of AMMA’s dissolution, Mohanlal said: “Leave WCC and AMMA, concentrate on the entire industry.”

The allegations against actors and AMMA members came after the Hema Commission report was published. Apparently, AMMA leadership had planned to hold a meeting to discuss the allegations of sexual abuse against then Secretary General Siddique. However, when more allegations against the members came to light, the members of the organization resigned.

The Hema Commission’s report on the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry was made public on August 19, five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government.

The release of the Justice K Hema Commission report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has sparked a storm of protest. Several female actors have come forward with disturbing stories of abuse they faced at the hands of their male counterparts.

The Kerala government formed the Justice Hema Committee after the 2017 actress sexual assault case. The report revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

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

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)