The Malayalam film industry, Mollywood, is currently engulfed in a political storm following a series of sexual assault allegations against prominent figures, including actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh. The uproar intensified after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which documented widespread sexual harassment and abuse within the industry. This report, published on August 19, has led to multiple FIRs against at least four actors, prompting calls for accountability and reform in a notoriously male-dominated environment.
Mukesh faces significant public backlash, with demands for his resignation as a legislator following accusations of sexual assault from fellow actor Minu Muneer. The allegations against him and others, including actors Jayasurya and Siddique, have been described as part of a “Pandora’s box” of abuse that has long been ignored. The Kerala government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe these allegations further, indicating a serious commitment to addressing the issues raised.
In a surprising twist, the entire executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), including veteran actor Mohanlal, resigned en masse, taking moral responsibility for the allegations and acknowledging the industry’s failures in addressing such issues. Mohanlal has publicly stated that wrongdoers must be punished if evidence is presented, emphasizing the need for accountability in the industry.
As the #MeToo movement gains momentum in Kerala, many are left questioning the future of both the film industry and the political landscape surrounding it.
