Serious aftershocks continue to occur following the devastating earthquake unleashed by the release of the Hema Committee report, which reveals various harsh truths about the suffering of women in Malayalam filmdom.
Day by day, more allegations are surfacing against various actors, with increasing numbers of actresses coming forward to the press to report sexual abuse by male actors or directors. As a result, Renjith, the popular filmmaker and chairman of the State Government-controlled State Chalachitra Academy, resigned on August 26 in response to the allegations made by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra.
Siddiq, the popular artist and general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA), resigned after Revati Sampat levelled allegations against him. Although Joint Secretary Baburaj took over, he too had to resign after another actress made allegations against him.
Now, the strategy of the State Chief Minister, Culture Minister, and other CPM leaders to slow down the response is likely to fail. Sreelekha Mitra has made it clear that they will face challenges. They stated that legal action would be pursued if the victims reported their complaints to the authorities. Sreelekha Mitra has now sent her complaint to the Kochi City Police Commissioner, and the police have filed an FIR. Consequently, Renjith has approached the court for anticipatory bail. The future remains uncertain, with hints of a significant upheaval starting to emerge. The mass resignation of AMMA office-bearers, including its president and megastar Mohanlal, signals the beginning of what is to come. In other words, AMMA is now rudderless; its ‘mother’ has become an orphan.
The decision for a mass resignation was made during an online meeting of the AMMA office-bearers. It is said to be a consequence of the differences in opinion that have emerged among AMMA’s leadership and leading members.
The other day, leading young superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran expressed his dissatisfaction with the affairs of AMMA. If this is any indication of what is to come, the future of AMMA may be bleak. Prithviraj suggested the idea of ‘women’s leadership,’ which could be a great idea. Additionally, another young actor proposed a generational change in leadership, which is also a promising suggestion.
However, some people believe that the mass resignation is a ploy to divert public attention and save certain individuals. Others view it as an escapist route. Several AMMA members are anxious about the organisation’s future because there will be no one to manage the funds without a secretary and treasurer. This could jeopardise the program that provides financial assistance to needy members during Onam, which falls on September 15.
Meanwhile, public opinion is rising for the resignation of superstar Mukesh MLA from the assembly membership in view of serious sex allegations being levelled against him by actresses.
BJP president K. Surendran has demanded the immediate resignation of Mukesh, a CPM MLA. He alleged that the Hema Committee report deviates from its intended purpose due to Government lapses. Surendran pointed out that while the chairman of the Chalachitra Academy and the AMMA general secretary have resigned, Mukesh has not stepped down despite facing various allegations. He claimed that even the mothers of the actresses are victims of Mukesh. Surendran questioned, “Is he greater than Renjith and Siddiq?” He also accused Mukesh of being confident in receiving government protection. The appointment of Mukesh to the ‘Consultancy for Preparing Cinema Policy’ is seen as a challenge to women, according to Surendran. The Government has reportedly allocated Rs 1 crore for this purpose. Surendran asserted that the Government’s plans to conduct the cinema conclave could not proceed if Mukesh is involved, and the BJP will not permit it.
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president Praful Krishna stated that his organisation will not allow the cinema conclave to proceed if Mukesh participates. Yuva Morcha workers marched to Mukesh’s MLA office in Kollam, demanding his resignation. They laid a wreath at the office gate, and several women also participated in the march.
In the meantime, there are reports of serious criticism within the CPM Kollam district secretariat against Mukesh. Allegations and criticisms regarding the MLA have tarnished the party’s image. Women members have reportedly called for a detailed investigation. There have also been criticisms of Mukesh’s appointment as a member of the ‘Consultancy for Preparing Cinema Policy.’ However, the CPM State leadership appears to be trying its best to protect Mukesh MLA.
CPI leader Annie Raja, wife of CPI General Secretary D. Raja, has demanded Mukesh’s resignation and an investigation into the allegations against him. Annie Raja’s statement has placed the CPI Kerala unit in an unenviable position, making it difficult for them to influence the pro-Mukesh mindset of the CPM leadership.
In short, the Malayalam film industry is facing the worst challenges in its ninety-six-year history.
