Allegations, resignations, and police complaints have caused a stir in the bustling film industry of the southern Indian state of Kerala.
The industry, producing 150-200 Malayalam-language films a year, has been rocked by sexual abuse allegations against top male stars following the release of a landmark report on women’s issues in the industry.
The 290-page report by the Hema committee highlighted poor working conditions and widespread sexual harassment in the industry.
Since the report’s release, several women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment, leading to over a dozen police complaints against male stars.
The entire governing body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) was dissolved after its president, superstar Mohanlal, resigned on “moral grounds” due to accusations against some members.
The reactions to the report have been closely watched by India’s film industries, including Bollywood, as the #MeToo movement had previously seen few investigations into harassment allegations.
The report’s release has sparked a range of responses within the industry, with some calling for a proper investigation into the allegations while others caution against labeling all men in the industry as abusers.
Despite the controversy, many see the shake-up as a positive and much-needed change in an industry known for producing progressive cinema.
Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu, a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective, emphasized the importance of addressing issues within the industry, stating that it is essential to fix the problems and not overlook them.
