Siddique denies the existence of ‘power group’ in Malayalam cinema

Veteran actor Siddique, the general secretary of the AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) dismissed the existence of a ‘power group’ in the Malayalam film industry, as mentioned in the Justice Hema Committee report, which was released earlier this week.

In a press meet held in Kochi on Friday, August 23, Siddique stated that he had never heard about a power group in his career.

“In my film career, I have not heard about such a power group. There is no mafia either,” Siddique said. He also added that AMMA ‘welcomes’ the findings and recommendations in the Justice Hema Committee report and is in favour of implementing them.

Siddique also stated that the entire Malayalam film industry should not be blamed for a few ‘one-off incidents’ that are mentioned in the report.

Siddique also denied allegations that the association had attempted to delay the release of the report. “The report is not against AMMA, even though it has been mentioned in parts. It was up to the (Kerala) government to decide whether or not to release it. In fact, the report is useful for our members too as it spoke of the need for ensuring workplace security for the women in the industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hema Committee report, a redacted version of which was made public earlier this week, has recorded explosive accounts of harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women working in the film industry and alleged that a ‘power group’ is controlling the industry where unyielding women are squeezed out.


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