The Kerala film industry is in turmoil following the release of a judicial committee report that exposed widespread sexual misconduct. The report, made public on August 19, has led to the resignation of all 16 office bearers of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), including its president and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
Prominent figures, including director Ranjith, have also stepped down from key positions. Ranjith resigned as the head of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after a Bengali actress accused him of misconduct. The committee's report revealed that several actors had experienced sexual abuse by their colleagues.
AMMA, founded in 1994, has 498 members, including 245 women. Some of its top office bearers are under investigation for sexual abuse. AMMA's executive committee issued a statement confirming the mass resignations due to "moral obligations."
The judicial panel, known as the Hema Committee, was set up to examine the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, also known as Mollywood. The report highlighted issues of sexual harassment, gender inequality, and the casting couch, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
The impact of the Hema Committee's findings continues to shake the Malayalam film industry. Many female actors have come forward to share their troubling experiences, adding to the growing demand for change. The fallout from the report has raised serious questions about the industry's treatment of women and has prompted calls for stricter measures to protect women in Mollywood.
The scandal has cast a dark shadow over the Kerala film industry, leading to an urgent need for reform and accountability in addressing the issues of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination.
