What Is Justice Hema Committee Report? From Mohanlal’s Resignation As AMMA President to Siddique Getting Booked for Rape and More, A Look Into the Recent Turmoil in Malayalam Film Industry

The Justice Hema Committee was set up by the Kerala government after the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) petitioned in response to the 2017 assault case involving an actress from Malayalam Cinema. The WCC, an organisation representing women in the industry, requested the formation of the committee to address issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality. Led by Retired Justice K Hema of the Kerala HC, the committee investigated these issues and submitted its report in December 2019. The 233-page report was publicly released on August 19, 2024. Justice Hema Committee Report Exposes Sexual Exploitation of Women in Malayalam Film Industry; Kerala Opposition Demands Police Probe.

In light of these serious allegations, the Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough investigation. The Kerala Police have announced that all cases filed by the victims will be handed over to the SIT for further investigation. The list of individuals accused of sexual misconduct includes Siddique, Ranjith, Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Shine Tom Chacko, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Mukesh, Sudheesh, Jayasurya and others.

VD Satheesan has criticised the state government for delaying the release of the Hema Committee report, which has been kept from the public for five years. Speaking to ANI about it, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly stated, “The government has been concealing the report for nearly five years. Many actresses working in the Malayalam film industry have lodged complaints with the committee, and their testimonies are documented. The report, along with a pen drive containing the evidence and WhatsApp messages, has been with the government for nearly five years.” He also added, “Unfortunately, the government has long been aware that a series of offences have occurred. This report, prepared on the basis of the victims’ testimonies, is accurate and authentic. Now, after nearly five years, the report has surfaced. We demand that the government constitute an investigation team comprising senior women IPS officers.” Hema Committee Report Impact: Siddique, Ranjith, Mukesh, Jayasurya, Baburaj, and More – Malayalam Celebs Named and Accused Under #MeToo of Sexual Misconduct.

Since the release of the Hema Committee Report, numerous actresses and female industry workers have come forward with their harassment experiences in the Malayalam film industry. Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has accused director Ranjith of sexual misconduct, which he has denied. In response to the allegations, Ranjith stepped down as Kerala State Chalachitra Academy’s chairman. The alleged misconduct is said to have occurred during the making of the 2009 film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha. Revathy Sampath levelled sexual abuse allegations against Malayalam actors Siddique and Riyaz Khan. Subsequently, Siddique resigned as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). As per the latest reports, Siddique has been booked for rape and criminal intimidation after Thiruvananthapuram’s Museum Police recorded her statement.

The surge in sexual misconduct allegations has led to actor Mohanlal stepping down as AMMA President. On Tuesday, the actors’ union issued a statement announcing the mass resignation of its office-bearers, including Mohanlal. AMMA stated that the current administrative panel has resigned to take moral responsibility for the allegations. Mohanlal Resigns as AMMA President, Executive Committee Dissolved Over Increasing #MeToo Allegations Against Malayalam Actors Post Hema Committee Report.

AMMA Committee Resigns

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by AMMA (@amma.association)

Geetha Vijayan spoke about her negative experiences with Malayalam film director Thulasidas and producer Aroma Mohan during the filming of Chanchattam in 1991. Sridevika also shared an incident involving Thulasidas while working on Avan Chandiyude Makan in 2007. Minu Muneer accused actors Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju and Edavela Babu of inappropriate behaviour during a 2014 film shoot in Kochi. She also alleged that Mukesh demanded sexual favours for AMMA membership. Junior artiste Sandhya reported a negative experience involving her friend’s mother and Mukesh. An anonymous scriptwriter accused director VK Prakash of misconduct, while junior artiste Amrutha described a encounter with director VA Shrikumar and actor Baburaj Jacob. She claimed that Baburaj allegedly invited her to his house in 2019 with promises of a film role. Justice Hema Committee Report: Khushbu Sundar Urges Women To Speak Up Amid Ongoing #MeToo Allegations in the Malayalam Film Industry.

In response, WCC members Parvathy Thiruvothu and Rima Kallingal have reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to justice and dignity, urging for decisive action and aiming to ignite a ‘new revolution’ within the industry.

Women In Cinema Collective ‘Call For Action’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Women In Cinema Collective (@wcc_cinema)

The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has demanded that the names of those accused be made public. FEFKA’s statement read, “The names of the accused in the Hema Commission report should be made public. We will not tolerate anyone who is found guilty of the crimes they have been accused of,” reports Onmanorama. FEFKA plans to discuss the report and industry developments in detail from September 2 for three days.

The release of the Justice Hema Committee Report has caused major upheaval in the Malayalam film industry by revealing widespread sexual harassment and misconduct. As more victims and insiders speak out, how the government and industry respond will be key to improving Malayalam Cinema's future.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2024 05:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).