• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Malayalam superstar Mammootty on Sunday made his first remark on the ongoing controversy over sexual misconduct allegations against actors and filmmakers in the Kerala film industry. Welcoming the Hema Committee report, which highlighted the sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry or Mollywood, Mammootty called for implementation of the "suggestions and solutions" made by the panel. 

In a Facebook post, the Malayalam actor supported the need for changes in the industry's work environment. Explaining the reason behind his silence so far, Mammootty said he was waiting for the actors organisation and leaders of the Malayalam film industry to respond before expressing his opinion. The actor appealed to the members of the Malayalam cinema to come together to reform the industry.

“In order to prevent anything unpleasant from happening in this scene, filmmakers should be careful. The Justice Hema Committee was formed by the government to study about the film industry, prepare a report, suggest solutions and recommend actions after something that never should have happened. I wholeheartedly welcome and support the suggestions and solutions mentioned in that report. It is time for all the associations in the film industry to stand together to implement them," the Mollywood actor said in Malayalam.

ALSO READ: Malayalam Actor Jayasurya Refutes Sexual Harassment Charges, Threatens Legal Action

Mammootty clarified that there was no 'power centre' in Malayalam cinema, as has been alleged by the women actors, and urged people to let police and courts decide culpability and the subsequent punishment. "The police investigation into the complaints that have just been raised is continuing strongly. The complete version of the Justice Hema Committee report is in front of the court. Let the police investigate honestly. Let the court decide the sentences. There is no ‘power center’ in the movie," he said.

Calling for the execution of the Hema Committee suggestions, Mammootty said, “The practical recommendations of Hema Committee report must be enacted if there are legal hurdles. Ultimately cinema must survive."

ALSO READ: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Sends Strong Message To Telugu Film Industry Amid MeToo Controversy In Kerala

What Mohanlal Said On MeToo In Mollywood

As Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) faced massive backlash for inaction after horrifying revelations by the women actors, former president and top actor Mohanlal said that the entire Malayalam film industry was answerable to the Hema Committee report. The Malayalam actor welcomed the Hema Committee report and the Pinarayi Vijayan government's decision to make it public.

"I was AMMA president for the last two terms. The entire Malayalam cinema is answerable to the Hema Committee report. What we are seeing is that all questions are directed only at AMMA. AMMA cannot give answers to all the questions. Everybody should be asked these questions. This is a very hard-working industry. A lot of people are involved in this, but not everyone is to be blamed in this. The responsible ones will be punished," said Mohanlal.

What Does Hema Committee Report Say On Malayalam Film Industry

The Justice Hema Committee, established by the Kerala government in 2017 in response to an assault case, submitted its report in December 2019. This 290-page Hema Committee Report, which sheds light on the inner workings of the Malayalam film industry, was made public earlier this week. The report paints a troubling picture, describing the industry as being dominated by "a mafia of powerful men," where "sexual harassment of women is rampant."

Headed by a former Kerala High Court judge, the committee's report highlights the deplorable working conditions on film sets. It draws attention to the lack of basic amenities such as toilets and changing rooms for junior artists, insufficient food and water, poor pay, and the absence of provisions for accommodation or transport. The committee was formed in the wake of a high-profile sexual assault on a leading actress in the Malayalam film industry. One of the top actors in the Malayalam film industry, Dileep, who had co-starred with the victim in several films, was accused in the case. Although he denied the charges, Dileep was arrested and spent three months in custody before being released on bail. The case remains ongoing in court.