The Malayalam film industry is facing a fresh wave of #MeToo allegations as more women professionals have come forward with accusations of sexual harassment and assault. These allegations surfaced on August 26, following the release of a redacted version of the Justice K. Hema Committee report last week, which detailed misconduct within the industry.
#MeToo Allegations Against Prominent Figures, Including Actor-MLA M. Mukesh
Eight prominent figures in Mollywood, including actor and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) M. Mukesh, have been accused by junior actors and technicians of various forms of sexual misconduct. Actress Minu Muneer made a shocking allegation that a 16-year-old girl and her mother were sexually assaulted over two weeks on the set of the 2008 film One Way Ticket, directed by Bipin Prabhakar.
The allegations against M. Mukesh have escalated into a political issue. Members of Yuva Morcha and Mahila Congress held protests at Mukesh’s residence in Kollam, demanding his resignation and legal action against him. Additionally, prominent figures like writer Sara Joseph and Chalachitra Academy vice chairman Premkumar have opposed Mukesh’s participation in a cinema conclave committee organized by the Kerala government.
FIR Filed Against Director-Actor Ranjith and Others
The Ernakulam police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against director-actor Ranjith following a complaint by a Bengali actress who claimed that he sexually misbehaved with her in 2009. The scandal has widened, with other complaints emerging against directors Sreekumar Menon, Sajin Babu, and Thulasidas, as well as actors Baburaj, Jayasurya, Shine Tom Chacko, Idavela Babu, and Maniyanpillai Raju.
Actor Siddique Files Counter-Complaint Amidst Allegations
In a related development, actor Siddique has filed a counter-complaint with the Kerala police chief in response to a junior actress’s claim that he sexually assaulted her about eight years ago. Siddique has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them part of an “agenda” against him. He stated that the actress initially accused him of using offensive language but later changed her allegations to sexual assault following the release of the Hema Committee report, describing her move as a publicity stunt. Despite his denials, Siddique resigned from his position as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists on August 25.
Growing Demands for Accountability in Mollywood
The latest wave of #MeToo allegations has intensified the call for accountability within the Malayalam film industry. The release of the Justice K. Hema Committee report has brought to light long-standing issues of misconduct and harassment, prompting renewed demands for a safer and more transparent working environment for women in Mollywood.
As the Malayalam film industry grapples with these serious allegations, the impact of the #MeToo movement continues to reverberate, highlighting the need for systemic changes and stronger protective measures for women. The industry faces mounting pressure to address these issues head-on and ensure justice for those who have come forward with their stories.
Get your fix of the latest updates, reviews, box office collections, comparisons, and exclusive sneak peeks at Hitflik. The ultimate source for everything cinematic!
