The Malayalam film industry has been rocked by a series of sexual harassment allegations that have led to the dissolution of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the industry’s most prominent organization. A total of 17 cases have been registered, and several film stars and filmmakers are expected to be questioned in connection with these disturbing claims.
The latest in a string of complaints comes from actor Sonia Malhaar, who has accused a fellow actor of molesting her on a film set in 2013. Malhaar lodged her complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Kerala government to address the ‘#MeToo’ wave that has swept through the industry.
She has explicitly urged the media not to associate actor Jayasurya with her allegations, stressing the importance of accurate reporting during this sensitive time.
Another prominent voice in the ongoing scandal is actor Minu Muneer, who had previously accused actors M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu of harassment. Muneer recently revealed that she has been receiving threatening messages after speaking out about her experiences.
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Last evening, she posted a screenshot of one such threat on social media, further highlighting the backlash faced by women who come forward with allegations.
Kissed without consent
In an interview to NDTV, Muneer recounted a harrowing experience on a film set, where she alleges that actor Jayasurya hugged and kissed her without consent after she exited a restroom. “I was shocked and I ran out,” Muneer said, adding that the actor later offered her more work in exchange for her companionship.
She also accused former AMMA secretary Idavela Babu of luring her to his flat under the guise of helping her secure AMMA membership, only to physically abuse her. Moreover, Muneer claims that Mukesh, who is also a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), denied her membership after she rejected his advances.
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“There is a lot of exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. I am a witness and a victim,” Muneer said, lamenting the lack of support she received after moving to Chennai. Responding to these allegations, Mukesh has called for a thorough investigation to clear his name, alleging that Muneer and others have been blackmailing him for money. “This group, which has been persistently blackmailing me for money, has now turned against me at this opportune moment,” Mukesh claimed.
Beyond Malayalam film industry
The controversy extends beyond the Malayalam industry, with Bengali film actor Sreelekha Mitra also speaking out about harassment in the film world. Mitra accused film director Ranjith of molestation and described the pervasive harassment of women as an “open secret” in the industry. “Women actors should learn to say no. They are insecure about the job. They think if I say no, someone else will say yes. The system is such that you have to comply or let go,” Sreelekha Mitra said.
In response to the mounting allegations, AMMA, the Malayalam film industry’s top decision-making body, has dissolved itself, taking “moral responsibility” for the accusations leveled against some of its members. The decision comes on the heels of prominent actor Mohanlal stepping down as the organization’s president, a move that signals the profound impact of the ‘#MeToo’ movement on the industry’s leadership.
Justice Hema Committee report
The wave of allegations has also been spurred by the recent public release of the Justice Hema Committee report, a 235-page document that sheds light on the systemic issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry. The report, which was published after the names of witnesses and accused individuals were redacted, highlights how the industry is controlled by a small group of 10-15 male producers, directors, and actors, creating an environment ripe for exploitation.
The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government in 2017 and submitted its report in 2019. However, the document had been withheld from the public due to legal challenges, only now coming to light amidst the ongoing crisis.
As the investigation unfolds, the Malayalam film industry is bracing for further revelations and the potential for significant changes in its structure and culture. The dissolution of AMMA and the flood of allegations against some of the industry’s most prominent figures suggest a reckoning is underway—one that could reshape the future of Malayalam cinema.
