Mohanlal-led Malayalam film body dissolves amid assault allegations

PTC News Desk: The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), led by actor Mohanlal, has dissolved following serious allegations of sexual harassment within the organisation. Mohanlal, a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, resigned from his position, citing moral responsibility after multiple sexual abuse accusations emerged against some members of the AMMA governing body.

The decision to dissolve the executive committee was announced on August 27, just days after the release of the Hema Committee report on August 19. The report exposed widespread sexual harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry, prompting several female actors to come forward with their allegations against filmmakers, actors, and technicians.

In a statement, AMMA expressed hope that new leadership would emerge to rejuvenate and strengthen the organisation, acknowledging the criticism and corrective feedback received. The association also announced that a general body meeting will be convened within two months to elect a new governing body.

The dissolved committee included notable figures such as actors Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol, and Tini Tom. The committee’s silence in response to the allegations and the Hema Committee report had drawn widespread criticism from both the public and industry insiders.

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The Hema Committee report uncovered severe issues within the industry, including rampant sexual harassment, casting couch practices, pay disparities, exploitation, and lobbying. The revelations led to a wave of accusations against several senior actors and filmmakers.

Actor Siddique, AMMA’s former General Secretary, resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct. Siddique confirmed his resignation in an interview, stating, “Yes. I have tendered my official resignation to the president of the organization, Mohanlal. Since there were allegations against me, I have decided not to continue in the post and resigned.”

The report also implicated other prominent figures, including filmmakers Ranjith and Thulasidas, and actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, and Suraj Venjaramoodu. The silence of high-profile figures such as Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil, in the wake of these allegations, has further fueled public scrutiny.

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