The Malayalam film industry is currently navigating a critical period in the wake of the Justice Hema Committee report and sexual harassment allegations against several members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) executive committee. Among those accused of sexual misconduct are Siddique, Ranjith, Baburaj, Jayasurya, Riyaz Khan, Idavela Babu, Mukesh, Sudheesh, Shine Tom Chacko and Maniyanpilla Raju. In response to these serious allegations, the Kerala government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the situation. The Kerala Police have issued a statement confirming that all cases registered by the victims will be transferred to the SIT for further inquiry. Hema Committee Report Impact: Siddique, Ranjith, Mukesh, Jayasurya, Baburaj, and More – Malayalam Celebs Named and Accused Under #MeToo of Sexual Misconduct.

The increasing number of sexual misconduct cases has also led to actor Mohanlal's resignation as AMMA President. Mohanlal, along with all executive members, stepped down, with the actor personally informing Kerala’s CM Pinarayi Vijayan of this decision. Amid these developments, actress Shweta Menon has called for actor Baburaj to resign from his role as acting General Secretary. According to a report by Onmanorama, Shweta Menon emphasised that anyone facing such accusations should step down from their positions within the organisation. She further stated that if Baburaj believes this is a scheme to prevent him from becoming the General Secretary, he should disclose the names of those behind it.

Regarding Mohanlal’s resignation, Shweta Menon remarked, “Mohanlal should explain why he remained silent on the allegations against some members. I also feel that women should also be appointed in higher positions in the association. It was a point raised during the general body meeting as well. Anyone can be the president, and it’s time for new faces to come up. As for me, I have no desire to be the president; I just want to focus on doing good films,” reports Mathrubhumi. Mohanlal Resigns as AMMA President, Executive Committee Dissolved Over Increasing #MeToo Allegations Against Malayalam Actors Post Hema Committee Report.

The Justice Hema Committee Report was made public earlier this month after redacting the names of witnesses and the accused. The report sheds light on the harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2024 07:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).