A day after Mohanlal, the iconic superstar of Malayalam cinema, broke his long-held silence regarding the Hema committee report, another giant of the industry, Mammootty, has now voiced his thoughts. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday, September 1, 2024, Mammootty addressed the larger issues within the Malayalam film industry, particularly those facing women, echoing many of the sentiments Mohanlal expressed the previous day.
Mammootty started off by welcoming the Hema committee report, which has been a focal point of discussions since it was made public on August 19, 2024. He explained that he had been waiting for the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and its leadership to express their stance before offering his own opinions. He emphasized a similar point made by Mohanlal, stating categorically that there is no “power group” in the industry, as suggested in the report.
“Cinema reflects the good and bad facets of society because it is a microcosm of it,” Mammootty wrote. “Given that the film industry is always under the public eye, both significant and insignificant events become subjects of scrutiny. It calls for extra vigilance and careful actions from film professionals to prevent any untoward incidents. The government set up the Hema committee following an unfortunate event that should never have taken place, aiming to scrutinize the film industry and provide insightful recommendations.”
Mammootty also expressed his full support for the recommendations provided in the Hema committee report. According to him, these suggestions and solutions are wholeheartedly welcomed by the industry. He urged all associations within the film industry to collaborate and ensure that these recommendations are implemented effectively.
“Currently, the police are executing a thorough investigation into the allegations brought to light recently. The full version of the Justice Hema committee report is before the court. We must let the police conduct their investigation with integrity and allow the court to decide the appropriate punishments. Implementation of the practical recommendations from the committee report is essential, and new legislation should be introduced if legal obstacles are identified. The ultimate goal is to ensure the survival and integrity of cinema,” Mammootty concluded.
.
The comments from both superstars come as a response to widespread criticism they faced in the public domain for their prolonged silence on the Hema committee report. Mohanlal, who broke his silence a day earlier, had also welcomed the report. He pointed out that many issues identified in the report are not exclusive to the film industry but are societal problems that pervade various sectors.
The backdrop to this report involves a serious incident that drew significant media attention and public outcry. The Hema committee was established to delve into the internal dynamics of the film industry, especially concerning women’s safety and the prevalence of certain power structures. The report aims to bring necessary changes to foster a safer and more equitable work environment.
The committee, headed by Justice K. Hema, undertook an exhaustive study by interviewing various stakeholders in the film industry, from actors and directors to technicians and support staff. The recommendations cover a wide range of measures, including establishing better complaints redressal mechanisms, creating a more inclusive workspace, and addressing pay disparities.
Mammootty’s and Mohanlal’s statements are expected to have a ripple effect, prompting other influential figures in the Malayalam film industry to voice their opinions. This, in turn, may accelerate the implementation of the committee’s recommendations. For years, there have been murmurs and off-the-record conversations about the issues plaguing the film industry, but with the Hema committee report now public, the hope is for a concerted effort towards meaningful change.
Indeed, both superstars recognizing and endorsing the committee’s work signifies a turning point. It highlights the importance of accountability and unity in bringing about reforms. While the road to sweeping changes may be long and fraught with challenges, the statements from Mohanlal and Mammootty could serve as a catalyst for real progress.
As the police investigation continues and the court reviews the full Hema committee report, the industry watches with bated breath. The collective hope is that justice will prevail, necessary reforms will be implemented, and the Malayalam film industry can continue to thrive while setting an example for other sectors to emulate.
