Malayalam film industry in turmoil, as growing #MeToo allegations shake the industry

The Malayalam film industry is currently engulfed in a major crisis as a series of sexual harassment allegations have surfaced, leading to the dissolution of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). So far, 17 cases have been registered, and several prominent film stars and filmmakers are expected to be questioned as investigations unfold.

Recent Complaints and Allegations

Among the most recent complaints is that of actor Sonia Malhaar, who has alleged that she was molested by a fellow actor on a film set in 2013. Malhaar has filed her complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Kerala government to tackle the growing wave of ‘#MeToo’ allegations within the industry. Importantly, she has requested the media to avoid linking actor Jayasurya to her claims, emphasizing that he is not involved.

Another actor, Minu Muneer, has also come forward with serious allegations, accusing actors M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and former AMMA secretary Idavela Babu of harassment. Muneer shared her traumatic experiences on social media, detailing incidents where she was allegedly assaulted by Jayasurya on a film set and lured to Babu’s flat under false pretences. Following her public statements, Muneer reported receiving threatening messages, which she has also posted online.

Mukesh’s Defence and the Broader Industry Response

Mukesh, a sitting MLA of the ruling CPM, has strongly denied Muneer’s allegations, claiming that she previously sought financial assistance from him and is now attempting to blackmail him. Mukesh has welcomed a thorough investigation, asserting that he is being targeted by individuals seeking monetary gain.

Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra has also added her voice to the growing chorus of complaints, accusing director Ranjith of molestation. In an interview with NDTV, Mitra stated that sexual harassment is a well-known issue across the film industry, with many women feeling pressured to comply due to job insecurity. She emphasized that the culture of silence around harassment has been normalized, making it a pervasive problem.

Dissolution of AMMA

In the wake of these allegations, AMMA, the key decision-making body of the Malayalam film industry, has dissolved itself. Prominent actor Mohanlal stepped down as president, taking moral responsibility for the organization’s failure to address these issues adequately.

Justice Hema Committee Report

These developments come on the heels of the public release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which has further exposed the systemic exploitation within the industry. Formed in 2017 after a high-profile sexual assault case, the committee submitted its findings in 2019, but the report was only made public recently due to legal challenges.

The 296-page report sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women in the industry, including the dominance of a powerful lobby of male producers, directors, and actors. The report includes disturbing accounts of sexual harassment, with some sections even suggesting that minors might have been among the victims. Despite its revelations, the report does not name the perpetrators, and several pages were redacted, raising concerns about the protection of influential figures.

A History of Scandal and the Formation of WCC

The Malayalam film industry has been under scrutiny since 2017, when a popular actress was assaulted in a high-profile case that implicated actor Dileep. The incident led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group of female actors advocating for safer working conditions. However, many women who supported the survivor faced professional retaliation, underscoring the challenges of confronting such a deeply entrenched system.