While veteran actors Mohanlal and Mammootty have stayed silent about the Justice Hema Committee report — which highlights issues like sexual harassment, lack of basic facilities, gender bias, and pay disparities in the Malayalam film industry — younger actors are speaking out. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran recently addressed the report and the stories shared by survivors.
Prithviraj mentioned that he was among the first to give a statement to the Justice Hema Committee. He also expressed his hope that action will be taken against any offenders identified. Prithviraj further criticised the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for not properly handling complaints from survivors, specifically pointing to the organisation’s lack of response to a complaint by his Avan Chandiyude Makan co-star Sridevika against director Thulasidas. He said, “Stronger intervention and actions are needed from AMMA.”
When asked about the impact on the film industry, Prithviraj said there should be a strong response. “Just because I haven’t faced any issues from a so-called influential group doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I haven’t experienced it, but if anyone in Malayalam cinema has been affected by such a group, their grievances must be heard. If such a body exists, it should be dismantled,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Justice Hema Committee report has sent ripples across the Malayalam film industry. Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith resigned as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy on Sunday after Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accused him of misconduct. Meanwhile, veteran Malayalam actor Siddique, who is also the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has also resigned from his post, after being accused of sexual abuse. He has also filed a police complaint against actress Revathy Sampath who alleged she was assaulted by him.
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) responded to the Justice Hema Committee report on working conditions and sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry last week. AMMA welcomed the report but denied the presence of powerful groups and dismissed the casting couch claims.
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