A grim second half of 2024 for Malayalam cinema: From Hema Commission report to AMMA resignations

While everyone was praising the first half of Malayalam cinema for hits like ‘Bramayugam,’ ‘Manjummel Boys,’ and ‘Premalu,’ as well as the Cannes win for ‘All We Imagine as Light’ and the recent National Award win for ‘Aattam,’ the second half of the year has been a complete shattering experience for the industry. From the unveiling of the long-awaited Hema Commission report, to sexual allegations against prominent stars and the AMMA resignations, Malayalam cinema seems to have gone downhill.

Justice Hema Committee Report unveiled


The Justice Hema Committee, formed by the Government in 2017 to address issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, released its most-delayed report on August 19, 2024. The findings reveal widespread problems including sexual demands, harassment, gender discrimination, inadequate safety, and wage disparities. The report highlighted the urgent need for industry-wide reforms, even though it didn’t reveal the names of the offenders.


AMMA breaks silence: General Secretary Siddique welcomes report

Following a long silence, AMMA finally responded to the Hema Commission report five days after its release. AMMA General Secretary Siddique expressed support for the report's recommendations and called for police investigations into the highlighted issues. Siddique said that he is unaware of any 15-member power group that was mentioned in the report and also asserted that he doesn’t know anything about the casting couch in the Malayalam industry. However, some critics view this response as insufficient and are demanding more decisive action.

Sexual allegations against actor Siddique

Things took a turn as the young actress Revathy Sampath lodged a complaint accusing actor Siddique of sexual assault, which she sent to the state police chief via email. The complaint is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to probe sexual abuse allegations in the industry. Siddique has resigned from his position as AMMA's General Secretary in the wake of these allegations.


Sreelekha Mitra speaks out, director Ranjith resigns


Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has accused Malayalam film director and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith of misconduct, claiming inappropriate behavior during a script discussion at his home. Despite Ranjith's denial and claims of political motivations, he has stepped down from his role as chairman.

More allegations against Ranjith


A Kozhikode man has filed a complaint against director Ranjith Balakrishnan, alleging sexual abuse at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru in 2012. He claimed that Ranjith saw him during the shoot for the Mammootty starrer ‘Bavuttiyude Namathil’ in Kozhikode. The complainant said, “I cannot reveal the dirty things he had done to me. I will reveal everything to the police.”


Baburaj and Shrikumar, and many more


Complaints surfaced against actors Baburaj and Shrikumar for sexual assault. One complainant alleges that Baburaj assaulted her under the pretense of discussing a film role, while another recounts an incident with Shrikumar in 2020, where he allegedly abused her under the guise of offering a role. Also, the popular director VK Prakash was accused of sexually harassing a female scriptwriter, who chose to remain anonymous. The complainant said that VKP called her to his hotel room in Kollam on April 4, 2022, and made unwanted advances at her.


Accusations against Jayasurya, Mukesh, and more


Actress Minu Muneer has come forward with severe allegations against prominent figures including Jayasurya, Mukesh, Edavela Babu, and Maniyanpilla Raju. She claims she faced mistreatment and sexual advances from these actors, which led her to leave the industry. Minu also accused Edavela Babu of making advances in exchange for AMMA membership and recounted troubling experiences with Jayasurya and Mukesh.

AMMA Resignations: Mohanlal steps down as President


Actor Mohanlal has resigned as president of AMMA, along with the entire executive committee, following the crisis stirred by the Hema Commission report and the allegations against various industry figures. This decision has been met with criticism, with actress Parvathy condemning the move as 'cowardly' and indicative of AMMA’s attempt to evade responsibility.


Legal action intensifies; more to follow?


Actors Jayasurya and Mukesh are facing non-bailable charges for sexual misconduct. Jayasurya has been booked for an alleged assault in 2008 during the filming of ‘De Ingottu Nokkiye’. The Cantonment police have registered the case against Jayasurya under IPC sections 354 (outraging modesty of women), 354(A) (sexual harassment), and 509 (insulting modesty of a woman). Mukesh faces charges for inappropriate behavior in a hotel room. Both cases are being investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). He has been charged under IPC sections 354 (outraging modesty of women), 509 (insulting modesty), and 454 (trespassing).

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