The Malayalam cinema industry scandal has taken a new turn with actor Minu Muneer recently making sexual harassment allegations against fellow actors M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu. Meanwhile, director Ranjith is facing a case following a complaint from Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra, who alleged inappropriate behavior. These incidents have come to light after the redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report was made public on August 19.
The seed of doubt that led to the creation of the Justice Hema Committee was sown in 2017 when actress Bhavana Menon was assaulted by a group of men, with actor Dileep being implicated in the incident. This incident prompted the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and eventually led to the creation of the Hema Committee to address the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
The findings of the committee shed light on the challenges faced by women in the industry, including lack of basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms on sets, and the control exerted by a group of male actors, producers, and directors. The report highlighted the need for a change in the industry’s power structure to ensure women’s safety and rights are protected.
Following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, more women came forward to speak out about their experiences, leading to the formation of a special investigation team by the Kerala government to probe allegations of sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that appropriate action would be taken against the perpetrators, regardless of their status in the industry.
Several women, including Sreelekha Mitra and Revathy Sampath, have spoken out about their experiences of harassment and abuse in the industry. Mitra accused director Ranjith of assault in 2009, while Sampath accused actor Siddique of sexual misconduct. These incidents have brought attention to the pervasive culture of harassment and abuse in the Malayalam cinema industry that needs to be addressed and eradicated.
The recent allegations by Minu Muneer against her co-stars highlight the systemic issue of harassment and abuse that exists within the Malayalam film industry. Her accusations against prominent actors have sparked a conversation about the need for accountability and justice for victims of harassment in the industry. It is essential for authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure a safe and respectful working environment for all individuals in the industry.
