Mohanlal Resigns as AMMA President Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations and Hema Committee Report Fallout

Actor Mohanlal resigns as AMMA President following a Justice Hema Committee report revealing sexual harassment and discrimination in the Malayalam film industry. The Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the allegations. Several high-profile actors face serious accusations from their female colleagues.

Actor Mohanlal has stepped down as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in response to the Justice Hema Committee report and sexual harassment allegations against members of the executive committee. Mohanlal and all executive committee members have tendered their resignations. Mohanlal communicated this decision to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The release of the Hema Committee report prompted a section of AMMA members to demand the resignation of those facing sexual harassment allegations. They stated that individuals facing such allegations should not delay their resignations, as their continued presence would be detrimental to the association.

Following the disclosure of the Hema Committee report, more female actors have come forward with complaints of discrimination and harassment within the Malayalam film industry. The government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the issues faced by women in the industry. The Kerala Police confirmed that the SIT held a meeting at the police headquarters on Tuesday.

A Kerala Police release stated, "The SIT has been strengthened by including additional women officers. All related cases registered at local police stations are to be handed over to the SIT for further investigation." On August 26, Malayalam film actor Minu Muneer made sexual harassment allegations against some of her co-stars, naming actors M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu. She accused them of verbal and physical abuse during movie productions.

In a conversation with ANI, Minu detailed her experiences and difficulties, including issues with AMMA membership, denial of roles, and derogatory remarks. She recounted an incident where Jayasurya allegedly hugged and kissed her forcefully. She also accused Idavela Babu of expressing a sexual interest and detailed inappropriate behavior by Maniyanpilla Raju.

Minu's allegations came a day after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their AMMA positions following accusations against them. A redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry revealed shocking accounts of exploitation and ill-treatment of women professionals. Submitted in 2019 and made public recently, the 235-page report noted that the industry is dominated by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who exert considerable control.

(With inputs from agencies.)