In a recent twist of events in the Malayalam film industry, renowned actor and former President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), Mohanlal, has addressed the burgeoning controversy surrounding the Hema Committee report. Speaking to the media on Saturday, August 31, 2024, Mohanlal emphasized that the sharp “arrows of criticism” aimed at AMMA following the report’s publication are misdirected, asserting that “the entire industry is answerable” for the highlighted issues.
This marks the first time Mohanlal has publicly responded to the report, which was released on August 19, and the sudden dissolution of the AMMA executive committee earlier in the week. The veteran actor clarified that his absence from the public discourse was not an attempt to evade responsibility but was due to personal commitments.
“People have been asking where Mohanlal disappeared when such an issue happened. I haven’t run away from anything. I had personal commitments in various cities and later had to be with my wife who underwent a surgery,” he explained. He added that he was also preoccupied with the final mixing of his debut directorial venture, “Barroz,” which has since been postponed due to the ongoing issues.
In his remarks, Mohanlal expressed his inability to conduct authoritative press conferences, stating, “I don’t know how to speak authoritatively. So, I don’t do press conferences usually.” Despite his extensive opening statement, Mohanlal remained evasive when fielding questions from the media. The session concluded abruptly after he answered only a couple of questions, without providing any direct responses.
Mohanlal welcomed the Hema Committee report, underscoring that he had personally appeared before the committee and responded to all queries posed to him. “Issues that are happening in the other sectors are part of cinema too. I welcome the Hema Committee report. I had presented myself before the committee and answered all their questions. The entire industry should answer for the report.
. It is not right to crucify AMMA or an individual for every matter,” he stated. He elaborated that the decision to dissolve the executive committee came after consultations with legal advisors and industry veterans, aiming to curb the undue criticism being funneled towards AMMA.
He also touched upon the broader impact of the controversy on the Malayalam film industry, which he described as being under threat of “destruction” due to the relentless attacks over the past week. “Thousands of people depend on this industry for survival. Now, this industry is facing destruction. I request you to not focus on us too much and destroy this industry,” he implored, adding that only those found guilty should face punishment.
Mohanlal shed light on the emotional toll the controversy has taken on industry members, highlighting the sentimentality of actors and their susceptibility to being excited or shattered by minor issues. “Actors are sentimental beings, who can get excited or even shattered by small issues. What has happened is deeply painful,” he said.
Reflecting on the state of power dynamics within the industry, Mohanlal stated he is unaware of any “power group.” When pressed about whether the names of the perpetrators redacted from the Hema Committee report should be disclosed, he opined that it should indeed come out but left the final decision to the government.
He concluded by acknowledging the potential for positive change elucidated by the report, expressing hope for widespread industry reform. “The report speaks about a lot of possibilities to improve the industry. Let this be a big movement which starts from Kerala. I hope it happens in every other field,” he concluded.
To many inquiries, Mohanlal repeatedly responded with reflections of limited control, saying, “What can I say about this?” and pointing out that many matters were beyond his capacity to answer.
In sum, the notable actor’s press briefing sought to deflect the concentrated criticisms from AMMA to the broader industry landscape, advocating for shared responsibility in addressing the Kerala film industry’s challenges illuminated by the Hema Committee report.
