Mohanlal-Led Malayalam Film Body Leadership Resigns Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

The entire governing body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) resigned on Tuesday, taking moral responsibility following sexual assault allegations against some members. This move follows the release of the Hema Committee report. Actor Mohanlal, who was serving as President, along with the 17-member executive committee, has stepped down.

AMMA announced that a general body meeting would be held within the next two months to elect a new governing body. In a statement, the organization expressed hope for new leadership that could “renew and strengthen AMMA,” while thanking everyone “for criticizing and correcting.”

The committee comprised notable figures including Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol, and Tini Tom.

This decision comes after the Justice Hema Committee report exposed alarming cases of discrimination, exploitation, and sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report, submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019, was released with minimal redactions.

AMMA had faced significant public and industry criticism for its silence on these allegations and the Hema Committee’s findings. The report highlighted widespread issues within the Malayalam film industry, including sexual harassment, casting couch practices, pay disparities, exploitation, and lobbying, with accusations against senior actors and filmmakers.

Actor Siddique, who was AMMA’s General Secretary, resigned after facing sexual misconduct accusations from a female actor. In his resignation statement, Siddique cited the allegations as the reason for his departure.

Besides Siddique, filmmakers Ranjith and Thulasidas, and actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Edavela Babu, and Suraj Venjaramoodu have also been named by female actors as alleged perpetrators.

The release of the Hema Committee report has sparked questions about the silence of major industry figures, including Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil, among others.