An emergency meeting of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in Kochi has been postponed amidst a mounting series of allegations by women who claim they have faced sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior within the Malayalam film industry. The association cited the “inconvenience” of its president and senior actor, Mohanlal, who is reportedly in Chennai, as the reason for the postponement.
The urgency of the meeting had escalated after actor Siddique, general secretary of AMMA, tendered his resignation on Sunday, August 25, following accusations of sexual assault by actor Revathy Sampath. This revelation has stirred a wave of similar disclosures by other women in the industry, leading to a broader crisis within the organization. In recent days, several more allegations have surfaced, prompting calls for immediate action.
Actor Baburaj, joint secretary of AMMA, confirmed the postponement of the executive meeting. “A new date will be announced later after mutual consultations within the committee,” he stated. Baburaj himself has come under scrutiny following allegations from a young actor who claimed he behaved inappropriately with her at his residence in Aluva, Ernakulam, in 2019. The actor alleged that Baburaj had invited her to discuss a new film but misbehaved with her during the encounter.
In response, Baburaj vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that he was not residing in Aluva during the period in question. “I was staying in Munnar in 2019. I moved to my house in Aluva only in 2020. I never invited anyone to my home for film discussions as claimed,” Baburaj maintained. Furthermore, he accused certain individuals within and outside the association of attempting to sabotage his potential candidacy as the new secretary following Siddique’s resignation. “I will take legal action against those raising such baseless allegations,” he added.
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The allegations have not just been confined to individual actors but have also implicate influential names in the industry. Revelations by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra and Revathy Sampath set the stage for resignations by filmmaker Ranjith and Siddique, respectively. Adding to the swelling tide of accusations, actor Minu Muneer recently revealed via a Facebook post that she experienced both physical and verbal abuse from actors Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, and Jayasoorya. Muneer detailed that these incidents occurred in 2013 and led her to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai. “I am now seeking justice and accountability for the trauma and suffering I endured,” she expressed.
Maniyanpilla Raju has rejected these allegations outright, suggesting the possibility of future accusations being motivated by monetary gains or personal vendettas from individuals who failed to secure roles in movies. Attempts to reach Mukesh, Edavela Babu, and Jayasoorya for comments have been unsuccessful.
The postponement of the emergency meeting has left industry watchers and stakeholders in suspense. Many are calling for a swift resolution and actions that address the underlying issues of misconduct and harassment within the Malayalam film industry. The burgeoning crisis has not only tarnished the reputation of several cherished figures in cinema but also raised questions about systemic problems in the industry’s handling of such serious allegations.
In light of recent events, there have been growing demands for AMMA to institute more stringent measures to prevent misconduct and protect vulnerable individuals in the industry. Activists and industry insiders are urging for a more transparent and accountable framework to tackle issues of harassment and abuse, along with providing a safe and supportive environment for victims to come forward.
The ongoing scandal has also caught the attention of the wider public and government officials, with calls for independent investigations into the allegations and the implementation of more robust regulatory policies to govern conduct within the industry. The crisis has sparked debates about the treatment of women in the film industry and the need for cultural and structural change to ensure a safer and more respectful work environment.
As the industry grapples with these revelations, the postponement of AMMA’s emergency meeting underscores the complexity and gravity of the situation, with many awaiting the association’s next steps to address and resolve the allegations that have shaken the foundation of Malayalam cinema.
