A day after the leadership of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) gave a cautious response to the Hema committee report on issues plaguing the industry, the organization found itself under heavy scrutiny from its own female members demanding more decisive action. Public outcry has also grown over the silence of both the veteran male superstars and the younger male actors regarding the report, which highlights alarming issues, including sexual exploitation within the Malayalam film industry.
In a press meeting held on Saturday, actress Urvashi urged for a strong response from AMMA based on the findings of the report. “The situation calls for a strong response from AMMA. I listened to the vacillating responses in the press conference yesterday. Maybe, Siddique cannot say anything more at this stage since it’s the initial response, but it will no longer suffice. We must accord high value to the testimonials of these women before the committee. If their goal was to accuse someone unjustly, they could have easily done so in a press conference. Their decision to testify before a committee must be treated with the utmost seriousness. The government needs to establish mechanisms to prevent these issues, but the first step must come from AMMA,” Urvashi emphasized.
She further pointed out that decisive actions are imperative for the credibility of the Malayalam film industry, as even people from other film industries are discussing and inquiring about the committee’s findings. “Our industry’s reputation is at stake, and only stringent measures can redeem it,” she added.
Former AMMA vice president and actress Shweta Menon also spoke out, seemingly contradicting the AMMA leadership’s claim that there were no power groups or illegal bans in the industry. “I have also experienced illegal bans. Once, I signed nine films, but suddenly, all those offers vanished overnight. I have always fought for myself and taken a strong stand. Many who faced such difficulties haven’t spoken up. Encouragingly, more women are now coming forward to share their experiences, which could give others the courage to do the same,” Menon stated.
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Executive member of AMMA, actress Ansiba Hassan, insisted that the names of the perpetrators cited in the report should be made public, provided there is proof of their actions. “These cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents. When so many women have stepped forward to say that being banned from films is a harsh reality, it’s unjust to deny it. Only those who have experienced such adversity can understand the pain. All these women have come forward, sharing their harrowing experiences with the hope that no one else has to endure the same. The fact that the report’s publication was delayed by five years is a grave error because justice delayed is justice denied,” Hassan commented.
These comments have thrown AMMA’s response to the Hema committee report into the limelight, raising questions about what action the organization plans to take. The Kerala state government formed the Hema committee to delve into the serious allegations of sexual misconduct, professional victimization, and other troubling issues within the Malayalam film industry. The report, submitted in 2019, had faced delays in its publication, causing widespread dissatisfaction among those affected by the undercurrents of misconduct and power abuse in the film fraternity.
Public discourse has also been fired up by the apparent silence of Malayalam cinema’s leading male actors. Critics argue that these influential figures have a responsibility to speak up and take a stand given their status and power in the industry. The lack of a forthright response from these powerful figures has led to growing frustration among the public and other industry members.
The report’s revelations have trodden into treacherous waters, stirring debates about the existence of an entrenched power hierarchy that often leaves women vulnerable to exploitation and victimization. This notion resonates with the larger global #MeToo movement, urging transparency and accountability in industries plagued by power imbalances and ethical breaches.
With mounting pressure from within and outside the industry, all eyes are on AMMA to see how it will navigate these complex waters. The path forward will not only shape the future of Malayalam cinema’s operational environment but also influence its standing in the global cinematic community.
As voices for justice and reform grow louder, AMMA’s leadership faces the critical task of addressing these demands earnestly, lest it risk irreparable damage to the industry’s reputation and integrity. Whether they will rise to this challenge or falter remains a compelling question.
