The report from the Justice Hema Committee compiles testimonies from an array of women who have spent their careers in the industry.
Mollywood, also known as the Malayalam film industry, has recently been in the limelight due to the revealing Justice Hema Committee report. Notably, prominent actor and producer Siddique, known for his roles in movies like Drishyam and 2018, found himself at the center of controversy. On Monday, resorted to legal measures by filing a complaint against a female actress who implicated him in sexual misconduct allegations.
His complaint has been officially submitted to the Director-General of Kerala Police. Moreover, Shammy Thilakan, the well-known Malayalam actor, openly expressed his disagreement with the Mollywood megastar, Mohanlal, who holds the position as the Leader of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
He expressed that Mohanlal’s ability to respond has lost in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations. The Justice Hema Committee report encompasses multiple testimonies from women in the industry. Interestingly, it uses the term “girls” in some circumstances, hinting at the possible involvement of minor victims. It further underscores the profound lack of basic amenities like changing areas and restrooms for women.
Reports Emerged About Instances of Sexual Misconduct in the Malayalam Film Industry
- A young woman came forward stating that Siddique violated her in 2016. Adding more to her shocking disclosure, she shared that the actor called her ‘moley’, referring to her as his own daughter.
- The actress told Indian Express how exhausted she is from the incidents that took place. She revealed that her first encounter with Siddique happened online, a place where they messaged and he seemingly suggested a role in a movie, but only if she agrees to meet with him in person.
- Their paths crossed at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, where she claimed he asked her to ‘do him a favour’. According to the woman, Siddique allegedly intimately targeted her in the hotel room and further subjected her to witness his act of self-intimacy.
- Actor Shammy Thilakan voiced his apprehension, warning that those accountable will face the consequences. He also drew attention to the Hema Committee report, indicating that it endorses the existence of a so-called ‘power group’. The report, according to him, offers enough clues to unravel the identities of this group’s members.
- Director Ranjith recently gave up his chairmanship at the Kerala Chalchitra Academy. Simultaneously, well-known actor Siddique resigned from his position in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The reason for Ranjith’s resignation was a serious allegation of sexual misconduct levelled against him by a Bengali actor.
- The High Court in Kerala has recently directed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government to deliver a comprehensive report to the court, confidentially enclosed in a sealed envelope, no later than September 10th.
- This follows the formation of the Justice Hema Committee in November 2017 after a distressing incident where a prominent Malayalam film actress was kidnapped and reportedly assaulted by a group of five men in a moving vehicle. The situation unfolded and was filmed by a bunch of guys who later abandoned her at an undisclosed location. Later, the incident was reported to authorities.
- Justice Hema, who once served as a High Court judge, led the Justice Hema Committee. This committee also featured the celebrated actor, Sharada, and the retired IAS officer, KB Valsala Kumari.
