In a candid revelation, acclaimed actor and former president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), Mohanlal, addressed the media on Saturday, August 31, 2024, expressing his concerns about the undue criticism aimed exclusively at AMMA following the release of the Hema Committee report. The actor emphasized that the issues highlighted in the report require the entire Malayalam film industry’s collective accountability.
Speaking for the first time since the report’s publication on August 19, and the sudden dissolution of the AMMA executive committee earlier this week, Mohanlal clarified his absence and assured that his silence was not a sign of evasion. “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. The final mix of my debut directorial Barroz was also ongoing. The release has now been postponed due to these issues. I don’t know how to speak authoritatively. So, I don’t do press conferences usually,” he explained.
Mohanlal’s interaction with the media, marked by an emotional appeal, was brief and left many questions partially answered. The actor’s engagement with the press concluded rather abruptly after addressing a couple of queries. Despite this, his opening remarks set a clear tone of defense for AMMA and a call for broader industry responsibility.
“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 each and every matter.
. We decided to dissolve the committee after consultations with lawyers and seniors as most of the criticism was being unnecessarily directed at AMMA,” Mohanlal asserted.
The Hema Committee report, which addressed pressing issues within the Malayalam film industry, including allegations of misconduct, sparked an intense debate with AMMA becoming the focal point of criticism. Mohanlal highlighted the historical significance and international acclaim of the Malayalam film industry, warning against its potential downfall due to continuous negative scrutiny. “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. Those who are found to have done wrong should be punished. Actors are sentimental beings, who can get excited or even shattered by small issues. What has happened is deeply painful,” he urged.
During the discussion, Mohanlal expressed ignorance about any so-called power groups within the industry. When probed about whether the names of those implicated in the Hema Committee report should be disclosed, he remarked that although he believed transparency was necessary, the decision ultimately lay with the government.
“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 commented, indicating his support for comprehensive reform across various sectors, not just cinema.
Throughout the press meet, Mohanlal repeatedly underscored the limitations of his influence over the issues at hand. “If you ask me more questions, I won’t be able to answer because these are things beyond my control,” he remarked, acknowledging the complexity and multi-faceted nature of the challenges outlined in the report.
As the Malayalam film industry navigates the repercussions of the Hema Committee’s findings, Mohanlal’s statements have added a significant layer of discourse, shifting attention to the broader responsibility that spans across the entire industry. The actor’s plea for equitable scrutiny and his call for unity and collective action come at a crucial juncture, signaling a potential turning point for Malayalam cinema’s acclaimed yet embattled legacy.
