In an impassioned address on Saturday, August 31, 2024, acclaimed actor and former president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), Mohanlal, sought to redirect the critical gaze that has fixated on AMMA following the release of the Hema Committee report. Speaking to the media for the first time since the report’s publication on August 19 and the subsequent disbanding of the AMMA executive committee earlier this week, Mohanlal emphasized that the issues highlighted in the report should be a concern for the entire Malayalam film industry rather than AMMA alone.
“When the Hema Committee report was released, many directed their arrows of criticism solely at AMMA. But I firmly believe that the entire industry is answerable for the issues raised,” Mohanlal asserted.
Mohanlal addressed speculations of his absence during a critical juncture. “People have been asking where Mohanlal disappeared when such an issue surfaced. I haven’t run away from anything. I had personal commitments in various cities and later had to be with my wife who underwent surgery. Additionally, the final mix of my debut directorial, Barroz, was ongoing, and the release has now been postponed due to these issues. I don’t generally hold press conferences as I don’t know how to speak authoritatively,” he explained.
During the brief media interaction, Mohanlal was notably elusive in responding to the journalists’ queries. The session ended abruptly after the actor took a handful of questions, none of which were addressed directly.
“Issues that are happening in other sectors are present in cinema too. I welcome the Hema Committee report. I had presented myself before the committee and answered all their questions. The entire industry should be responsible for the report. It is unfair to crucify AMMA or any individual for every matter,” he stated. Mohanlal revealed that the committee’s dissolution was a strategic decision made after discussions with legal experts and senior members, in response to what he cited as disproportionate criticism toward AMMA.
.
Reflecting on the broader implications for Malayalam cinema, he painted a grim picture, cautioning that relentless attacks are jeopardizing the industry, which has been painstakingly built over years and has garnered international acclaim.
“Thousands of people depend on this industry for their livelihood. Now, this industry is facing the threat of destruction. I urge you not to overly focus on us and risk ruining this field. Those who are found responsible for any wrongdoing should indeed be punished. Actors, being sentimental beings, can get quite excited or shattered by minor issues. What has happened is deeply painful,” he conveyed.
Addressing the notion of power hierarchies within the Malayalam film industry, Mohanlal claimed ignorance about any such existence. When questioned about whether the identities of perpetrators, redacted in the Hema Committee report, should be revealed to the public, he deferred to the government’s judgment, affirming that it should be made public if deemed appropriate by authorities.
Mohanlal also acknowledged the report’s broader objectives, suggesting that it proposes numerous avenues for improvement within the industry. “Let this be a substantial movement starting from Kerala. I hope it sets an example for other fields as well,” he noted.
Many of the questions posed to the actor met with a similar refrain: “What can I say about this?” He concluded the session by admitting his limitations in addressing these complex issues. “If you ask me more questions, I won’t be able to answer because these are things beyond my control,” he concluded.
The Hema Committee report, which has already stirred significant debate within the industry and among the public, contains a plethora of recommendations aimed at addressing systemic issues within the Malayalam film industry. The report has called for a comprehensive overhaul of policies and practices to ensure a safer, more equitable work environment.
This statement by Mohanlal is expected to add another layer to the ongoing discourse, providing a perspective that calls for industry-wide accountability rather than focusing the blame on a single organization or individual. As the discussions evolve, it remains to be seen how these proposed changes will be implemented and whether they will indeed transform Malayalam cinema for the better.
