Kerala's Film Industry in Turmoil: Politician-Actors Under Scrutiny

Leading Malayalam actor and CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh faces pressure to resign following sexual misconduct allegations, as another actor, Siddique, is also implicated in a similar case. Both the Congress and BJP demand Mukesh's resignation, while ongoing investigations and protests highlight the troubled state of Kerala’s film industry.

Leading Malayalam film actor and CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh faces mounting calls for resignation over allegations of sexual misconduct. A female actor has filed a police complaint against him, but his party awaits the outcome of the investigation before taking action.

On the same day that a sexual abuse case was registered against actor Siddique based on a complaint by a woman actor, the Left government has taken a cautious stance. Two ministers stated that further action depends on the findings of the special police team's probe.

Addressing the issue, senior CPI(M) leader and state Finance Minister K N Balagopal emphasized that the state government is committed to a proper and transparent investigation, as recommended in the Justice Hema Committee report. Forest Minister A K Saseendran added that Mukesh should have the chance to prove his innocence.

Meanwhile, the Congress and BJP have intensified their demand for Mukesh's resignation. BJP State President K Surendran reiterated the call, and BJP workers protested outside Mukesh's residence in Kollam.

The opposition parties opposed Mukesh's inclusion in the cinema policy-making committee and the government-organized conclave on women's issues in the film industry. Additionally, an FIR under Sections 376 and 506 of the IPC has been lodged against Siddique for allegedly raping a woman in 2016.

Siddique resigned from his position as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists following the allegations. Amidst these controversies, director Vinayan urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to remove B Unnikrishnan from the film policy-making committee due to past disciplinary issues upheld by the Supreme Court.

The Congress-led opposition launched a severe critique of the Left government's handling of the Hema Committee report, accusing it of covering up crimes and protecting guilty individuals. The Justice Hema Committee, formed after the 2017 actress assault case, had exposed harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam cinema industry, prompting the establishment of a special investigation team.

(With inputs from agencies.)