Who are the stars in Mollywood who have been accused in Me Too cases? What is the way forward in battling the rampant sexual harassment?
Published Aug 30, 2024 | 7:00 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 30, 2024 | 7:00 PM
MeToo in Mollywood.
The Malayalam film industry, once a beacon of artistic integrity and cultural depth, is now mired in controversy ever since the release of the Justice Hema Committee report.
Released on 19 August after five years, it has opened Pandora’s box in Mollywood as expected, bringing to light a deeply entrenched culture of sexual harassment, discrimination, and misconduct existing in the industry in what is being referred to as ‘adjustments’ or ‘compromises.’
As the report exposed the sinister underbelly of Malayalam cinema, it also triggered ripples across the industry and beyond within days as it ignited a firestorm of revelations, implicating some of the biggest names in the industry and forcing the community to confront its long-buried demons.
The Hema Commission report, released after a protracted legal battle, got diluted due to the redactions imposed by the State Information Commission. While certain sections were deemed sensitive and exempted to protect individual privacy, the government’s decision to withhold additional portions has raised suspicions.
Critics argue that these omissions are intended to shield the identities of those implicated in the alleged wrongdoing. However, the publicised findings were enough to send shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, laying bare the disturbing realities that have long plagued the male-dominated sector.
For many, the report’s findings were not entirely surprising, yet the scale and specificity of the allegations have been nothing short of a nightmare for some of the industry’s most powerful figures. Names that once commanded respect and admiration now stand tarnished, as accusations of sexual harassment and professional misconduct come thick and fast.
Allegations that had been raised in the past, but failed to gain the attention they deserved, have resurfaced with renewed vigour, leading to a wave of scrutiny and potential consequences. Among the many revelations, the report highlighted the systemic silencing of voices – especially those of women – who dare to speak out against the injustices they face.
The report’s impact was so alarming that the government was compelled to take swift action, constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by women IPS officers. This team has already begun investigating several high-profile figures within the Malayalam film industry, whose dark actions had remained hidden behind the glamour and glitz of stardom for years if not decades.
The investigation marks a critical step in holding these powerful individuals accountable for their transgressions.
The industry’s glamorous façade has crumbled, revealing a dark side characterised by power imbalances, exploitation, and a pervasive fear of retribution.
The Justice Hema Committee, established in the wake of mounting pressure from various quarters, was tasked with investigating the industry’s inhuman practices and providing recommendations for reforms. However, the report’s release, despite being only partial, has already begun to dismantle the existing power structures.
Influential organisations and individuals are now facing a reckoning, with some being forced to step down from their positions of authority. The implications of the report are far-reaching. The renewed attention on old allegations has reignited public discourse, leading to potential legal actions and the dissolution of long-standing associations.
The developments so far has reminded people of one thing; the stars we admire in the limelight often have darker shadows than we can imagine. Those who idolise them might struggle to accept the unsettling truth that behind their dazzling smiles, they conceal fangs capable of causing deep harm.
The industry, known for its artistic excellence, now stands at crossroads, grappling with the consequences of its past and the urgent need for systemic reform. As the dust begins to settle, the Malayalam film fraternity must confront the uncomfortable truths that have come to light.
The road to redemption will be long and arduous, but for the industry to regain its former glory, it must first acknowledge and rectify the deep-rooted issues that have been exposed. The era of impunity is over. The demand for accountability and transparency is growing louder.
The Justice Hema Committee Report has not only opened a Pandora’s box but has also provided a crucial opportunity for the industry to introspect, heal, and rebuild on a foundation of respect, equality, and integrity.
In the wake of the report’s release, a number of prominent names in the Malayalam film industry have been exposed. While some face serious allegations of sexual assault, including rape, others are accused of verbal abuse and mental harassment. As days progresses, the list of those implicated seems to be growing, revealing a pervasive culture of misconduct that had long been concealed from public view.
These are the people who have been accused so far:
Siddique : A senior actor who was the general secretary of AMMA had to quit the post after an actress came out with the complaint that he sexually assaulted her in 2019. The actor has now been booked under various sections including rape. He denied the allegation and said that legal action would be initiated.
Ranjith : A senior director who was also the chairperson of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy had to quit the post after a Bengali actress alleged sexual abuse. A case has also been registered against him. He denied the complaint and said that legal action would be initiated.
Mukesh : Senior actor and Kollam MLA, he is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour. A junior artist accused him of misconduct. Another actress has also come out against Mukesh, alleging that he demanded sexual favours in exchange for membership in the AMMA. The allegation of inappropriate behaviour by him towards a casting director, several years ago, is also being discussed now. Pressure is mounting on the government to drop him from the committee appointed by it to frame the cinema policy. Mukesh said that the allegations were politically motivated. A protest is now brewing demanding his resignation as MLA.
Shaji N Karun : National award-winning director and senior filmmaker is facing complaints of mental harassment. Couple of women film directors – Indu Lakshmi and Mini – alleged that Shaji as chairman of Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) deliberately delayed the release of their films which were made under the project ‘Films by Women Directors’ of KSFDC.
Jayasuriya – The actor is facing a couple of complaints including that of sexual harassment. One such complaint was that the actor behaved inappropriately during the filming of a project. She disclosed that he groped her while she was leaving a restroom and later hugged and kissed her without her consent.
VK Prakash – The director and actor was accused of sexual assault by a scriptwriter, a native of Ernakulam, who alleged that he did that after inviting her to a hotel in Kollam to discuss a film project. He has now approached he Kerala High Court.
Thulasidas – Two women actors have come out with allegations against director Thulasidas. One of the actresses said that he made sexual advances towards her in 1991 during the shoot of a film. Another actress said that the director knocked on her room in a hotel.
Seven persons : A female actress in a social media post revealed that she had to suffer physical and verbal abuse at the hands of actors M Mukesh, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Idavela Babu and Jayasoorya, advocate V S Chandrasekharan (who had to step down as KPCC Legal Cell chairman and state president of Lawyers’ Congress) and production controllers Noble and Vichu.
Riyaz Khan – He is facing the charge of making sexual advances towards an actress over a phone call. She alleged that despite not showing interest, he reportedly asked the actress if she could ‘arrange’ some of her friends.
Baburaj – A junior artiste alleged that Baburaj sexually assaulted her after offering a role in a movie. She alleged that upon promising that the director, the casting director, and the production controller of the film were all at his house, he invite her and then sexually assaulted her.
VA Shrikumar – The same artist who came out against Baburaj alleged bitter experience with director Shrikumar, when he allegedly invited her to a hotel in Kochi and offered her a role in an advertisement, and sexually abused her.
Sajin Babu – Director of critically acclaimed film Biriyani facing charges of sexual abuse. Two women came out against him. They said that he sexually abused them while they were relative newcomers in the industry.
Complaints of misbehaviour were also raised against Sudheesh Sankar (serial director), actor Suraj Venjaramoodu and Sudheesh. In the case of director RS Vimal, a woman claiming to be his former household help claimed in a social media post that he misbehaved with her.
With a storm of allegations emerging against numerous individuals, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) faces the daunting task of separating the wheat from the chaff. Sifting through the myriad of accusations to discern the truth will be a challenging endeavour, as the sheer volume of claims threatens to obscure the line between fact and fiction.
(Edited by Neena)
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