The Malayalam film industry, popularly known as Mollywood, continues to face significant upheaval as the #MeToo movement gains momentum. Recent developments have brought new allegations to light, leading to further investigations and resignations within the industry.
► Case Registered Against Director V.A. Shrikumar
Based on a complaint of sexual assault made by a junior artist, Kerala police have opened a case against director V.A. Shrikumar of "Odiyan." The director allegedly sexually assaulted DIG Ajitha Beegum in a hotel room after inviting her under false pretences of appearing in an advertisement, according to the complaint, which was sent to her via email. The Marad Police Station in Kochi is where the case has been filed.
► Sexual Assault Complaint Against Actor Baburaj
The same junior artist has also filed a complaint against actor Baburaj, alleging sexual assault at his home in Aluva in 2019. According to the complainant, Baburaj invited her to his house under the pretext of meeting a director for a potential film role, but then allegedly assaulted her. Baburaj has denied these allegations, suggesting they are an attempt to prevent him from becoming the general secretary of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists).
► Second Case Filed Against Actor Jayasurya
A second FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya following complaints from an actress. The case was filed under sections 354, 354A(A1)(I), and 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Thiruvananthapuram and will be transferred to Thodupuzha Police Station.
► New Allegations Against Director Ranjith
Director Ranjith is now facing multiple serious allegations of sexual misconduct:
♦ Case Registered by Kasaba Police: The Kasaba police in Kerala have registered a case against Ranjith following a complaint by a 33-year-old youth from Kozhikode alleging sexual assault. The incident reportedly occurred in Bengaluru in 2012 when the complainant met Ranjith to discuss his entry into cinema.
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The police have charged Ranjith under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (punishment for unnatural sex) and various sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act for allegedly sharing nude pictures of the complainant with another actor.
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The complainant says he got in touch with Ranjith in December 2012 while the Malayalam movie "Bavuttiyude Namathil" was being filmed.
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The survivor has given his statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual assault cases involving film personalities in Kerala.
♦ Bengali Actor's Complaint: Earlier, a Bengali actor filed a complaint alleging sexual assault by Ranjith in a hotel in Kochi. The Kerala Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on this petition accusing Ranjith of molestation.
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ºResignation from Kerala Chalachitra Academy: Following these legal developments and related controversies, Ranjith has resigned from his post as the chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy.
These allegations have contributed to the ongoing upheaval in the Malayalam film industry, prompting discussions about power dynamics and the need for systemic changes to ensure a safe working environment for all.
Actor Mukesh and CPI(M) MLA Are Both Charged with Sexual Assault
On August 29, 2024, the Maradu police filed a complaint against actor-politician Mukesh, an MLA for the CPI(M)-led government in Kerala, alleging that he had sexually assaulted a female actor. According to the complaint, Mukesh was harassed several times between 2008 and 2012.
For more on this, read : AMMA Dissolved Amidst #MeToo Storm, Kerala MLA Mukesh Booked for Sexual Assault
Actress Sonia Malhar Speaks Out
Actress Sonia Malhar has come forward with allegations of mistreatment and exploitation during her early career. She detailed an incident on a film set in Thodupuzha where she was unexpectedly held and later faced difficulties in her career.
Ongoing Investigations and Responses
1. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established by the Kerala government to address the #MeToo allegations in the film industry.
2. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe the allegations made in the wake of the Hema Committee report.
3. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has seen mass resignations, including its president, Mohanlal, in response to the allegations against its members.
Impact on the Industry
The release of the Justice Hema Committee report has prompted more individuals to come forward with their experiences of harassment, reigniting the #MeToo movement in Mollywood. The report exposed the existence of a 'power group' that dominates the industry and perpetuates the 'casting couch' culture.
As investigations continue and new leadership takes over in AMMA, there is hope that these steps will lead to a more equitable and respectful film industry in Kerala. However, the ongoing revelations highlight the urgent need for systemic change to protect all individuals in the industry and ensure a safe working environment.
The Malayalam film industry is at a crucial juncture, and the coming weeks and months will be critical in determining how it addresses these serious issues and moves towards a more inclusive and safe environment for all its members.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Sources
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