In the wake of a rather tepid response from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) leadership to the Hema committee report on industry issues, the organization finds itself facing heightened criticism. Many of its own women members are now calling for more robust and decisive actions. Simultaneously, questions are proliferating in public discourse over the continued silence from both veteran male superstars and the emerging younger actors on the report’s findings that include allegations of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry.
On Saturday, actress Urvashi addressed the media, urging AMMA to take a strong stand based on the committee’s recommendations. “The situation calls for a strong response from AMMA. I heard the lukewarm responses in yesterday’s press conference,” she said. “Perhaps Siddique felt restrained as it was the first response, but simply, that won’t be enough anymore. The testimonials provided by these women before the committee need to be given their due importance. If these women wanted to falsely accuse someone, they could have held a press conference and made such claims. This official deposition before a committee should be treated with utmost seriousness. The government needs to establish a mechanism to prevent such instances, but the first step should be taken by AMMA,” Urvashi emphasized.
Expressing concern for the credibility of the Malayalam film industry, Urvashi noted that individuals from other film industries are also aware and inquiring about the report’s findings. This cross-industry scrutiny only amplifies the need for credible actions from AMMA.
Former AMMA vice-president and actress Shweta Menon opposed the AMMA leadership’s assertion that there are no power groups or illegal bans within the industry. “I have experienced illegal bans myself. At one point, I had signed nine films. However, abruptly, all these offers vanished. I have always fought for myself and maintained a strong stance. Many who faced difficulties have not spoken about it openly.
. If more women come forward in support, they will find the courage to speak out. It is a positive sign that more women are now vocal about these issues,” Shweta remarked.
Further intensifying the call for transparency, AMMA’s executive member, actress Ansiba Hassan, insisted that those named in the report as perpetrators need to be publicly identified, provided there is evidence of their misbehavior. “These incidents cannot be brushed off as isolated. If numerous women have come forward to say that these bans are a reality, then why should anyone deny it? Only those who have lived through these experiences can comprehend the extent of the pain. All these women have exposed their negative experiences hoping that no one should undergo this again. It was a grave error that the publication of the report was delayed by five years because delayed justice amounts to denied justice,” Ansiba stressed.
In the broader context, the continued silence of male superstars in the industry is generating significant debate. Veteran actors and rising stars alike have so far refrained from voicing their opinions on the troubling allegations detailed in the committee report. This silence is seen by many as a tacit complicity or, at the very least, a reluctance to confront the darker aspects of the industry.
Throughout the industry, there is a growing discourse centered on the need for change, with many advocating for systematic reforms to ensure safety and fairness. The Hema committee report, which highlighted numerous issues, including sexual harassment, coercive acts, and power imbalances, serves as a watershed moment for Malayalam cinema.
So far, the governmental response has been measured, with calls for AMMA to initiate the first steps in rectifying the industry’s issues. Political leaders and social activists have urged for concerted efforts that extend beyond the film industry, encompassing broader societal change.
The debate surrounding the report and its findings underscores the urgent necessity for actionable reforms within the Malayalam film industry. As influential members of the industry continue to speak out, and as public pressure mounts, AMMA’s leadership is finding itself increasingly cornered. The coming weeks may well prove pivotal for the organization and the industry at large, as they grapple with the weight of these revelations and the clamor for accountability and change.
The unfolding narrative signifies a significant moment in the Malayalam film industry, with women actors leading the charge for transformation. Their voices and demands for immediate and meaningful action resonate louder, pushing for a future where accountability, safety, and justice are not mere suggestions but standard practice.
