Mollywood’s #MeToo Movement: 17 Cases Filed, AMMA Dissolved Amidst Allegations

The Malayalam film industry is currently engulfed in a significant #MeToo movement, with 17 sexual harassment cases registered, leading to the dissolution of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). This upheaval has prompted the Kerala government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address the growing number of allegations against prominent figures in the industry.

Recent Allegations and Complaints
Among the latest allegations is a complaint from actor Sonia Malhaar, who has accused a fellow actor of molestation during a film shoot in 2013. Malhaar has lodged her complaint with the SIT and has urged the media not to link her allegations to actor Jayasurya. Her case highlights the long-standing issues of harassment within the industry, as many women have come forward with similar experiences.

Actor Minu Muneer has also been vocal about her experiences, accusing several well-known figures, including M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, of harassment during filming. Muneer has reported receiving threatening messages since she spoke out, and she shared a screenshot of one such message on social media. In a candid interview, she recounted a disturbing incident where Jayasurya allegedly hugged her from behind and kissed her without consent, further stating that he offered her more work in exchange for compliance.

Muneer also accused Idavela Babu of luring her to his apartment under the pretense of helping her secure AMMA membership, only to physically assault her. She claims that Mukesh denied her membership after she rejected his advances, illustrating the exploitation prevalent in the industry.

Reactions and Responses
In response to these allegations, Mukesh has called for a comprehensive investigation to clear his name, asserting that Muneer had previously sought financial assistance from him and attempted to blackmail him. He described the current situation as a “criminal conspiracy” against him, claiming that a group has been persistently trying to tarnish his reputation.

The situation escalated further when Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused director Ranjith of molestation, reinforcing the notion that harassment is an open secret in the film industry. Mitra emphasized that women often feel pressured to comply with advances due to job insecurity, stating, “The system forces compliance or results in missed opportunities.”

The Dissolution of AMMA
In light of these serious allegations, AMMA announced its dissolution, taking moral responsibility for the actions of its members. Prominent actor Mohanlal stepped down as president, marking a significant shift in the industry’s leadership amid the ongoing crisis. This decision reflects the growing acknowledgment of the systemic issues of harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film sector.

The recent release of the Justice Hema Committee report has further fueled the #MeToo movement, exposing the control exerted by a small group of male producers, directors, and actors over the industry. The report, which had been kept under wraps due to legal challenges, details the pervasive culture of harassment and discrimination against women in the film industry.

As the #MeToo movement gains momentum in Mollywood, the courage of women like Sonia Malhaar and Minu Muneer in speaking out against their abusers is a pivotal step toward addressing the deep-rooted issues of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. The formation of the SIT and the dissolution of AMMA signal a critical turning point, as the industry grapples with its past and seeks to create a safer environment for all its members.