In a dramatic turn of events, actor Mohanlal has stepped down as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). The resignation follows intense criticism and scrutiny after the release of the Justice K Hema Committee’s findings on harassment within the industry. As a result of the mounting pressure, all members of the executive committee of AMMA have also tendered their resignations.

Fallout from Justice K Hema Committee Report

The resignation comes in the wake of explosive revelations made by the Justice K Hema Committee, which highlighted disturbing cases of harassment and abuse directed towards women professionals in the Malayalam film industry. The report’s findings have spurred significant backlash and led to a wave of resignations, including prominent figures from the film world.

Government Response and Investigation

Under increasing public and political pressure, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened an urgent meeting with senior police officials. The meeting concluded with the decision to form a seven-member special team tasked with investigating the reported atrocities faced by women actors. This move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the serious allegations and ensuring justice.

Additional Allegations and Industry Reactions

The situation has been further compounded by new allegations of harassment coming to light. Among these, an older case involving actor-politician Mukesh has resurfaced, adding to the turmoil. Director Ranjith and actor Siddique have resigned from their respective positions in the state-run film academy and AMMA, signaling a broader reckoning within the industry.

The resignations and the ongoing investigations mark a significant moment for the Malayalam film industry, as it confronts deep-seated issues of harassment and seeks to reform its practices.

What is Justice K. Hema Committee all about?

The Justice K. Hema Committee was established by the Kerala state government to investigate and address issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, also known as Mollywood. The committee, led by retired Justice K. Hema, was created in response to growing concerns about sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry, particularly following a high-profile case involving the assault of an actress.

The committee’s report, released on August 19, 2024, highlighted significant problems within the industry, including:

  1. Discrimination: Women in Mollywood face extreme discrimination and are often compelled to make uncomfortable compromises.
  2. Casting Couch: The report suggested that the industry has a problematic “casting couch” culture where women are subjected to inappropriate advances and coercive behavior.
  3. Gender Inequality: There are systemic issues related to gender inequality, affecting various aspects of women’s professional experiences in the industry.
  4. Industry Practices: The report advocated against industry-wide bans on individuals, promoting a more inclusive and fair approach.

The committee’s findings underscore the need for structural changes within the industry to create a safer and more equitable environment for women.