The top governing body of the Malayalam cinema industry, led by veteran actor Mohanlal, resigned on Tuesday following the revelation of widespread sexual harassment faced by women within the industry. The 64-year-old actor stepped down, citing moral responsibility after allegations of sexual misconduct were directed at members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) executive committee.
The dissolution of Mohanlal and the entire executive committee on August 27 came after female actors publicly accused certain committee members of sexual misconduct. These accusations gained traction after the Hema Committee report, which was made public on August 19, laid bare the extent of sexual abuse, casting couch practices, pay disparities, and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry.
In a statement, the association expressed hope for new leadership capable of revitalizing and strengthening AMMA, thanking those who had offered criticism and guidance. The association also announced plans to convene a general body meeting within two months to elect a new governing body.
The dissolved committee included notable actors such as Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol, and Tini Tom. The silence of AMMA regarding the allegations and the findings of the Hema Committee had drawn sharp criticism from both the public and members of the film fraternity.
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The Hema Committee report has unleashed a wave of revelations, with numerous women coming forward to accuse prominent filmmakers, actors, and technicians of sexual misconduct. Actor Siddique, who held the position of General Secretary in AMMA, resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct by a female actor.
Speaking to a television channel, Siddique confirmed his resignation, stating, “I have officially tendered my resignation to the president of the organization, Mohanlal. Given the allegations against me, I felt it was necessary to step down.”
In addition to Siddique, several other industry figures, including filmmakers Ranjith and Thulasidas, and actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, and Suraj Venjaramoodu, were named by female actors as perpetrators of abuse. The silence of high-profile figures such as Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil in the wake of the report’s release has also been a point of contention.
