Mohanlal, renowned actor and former president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), recently resigned from his position amid growing sexual assault allegations in the Malayalam film industry. His resignation, along with that of the entire 17-member executive committee, came after the release of the Hema Committee report, which revealed rampant sexual exploitation in the industry.
Mohanlal, who was attending the launch of the Kerala Cricket League in Thiruvananthapuram, welcomed the Hema Committee report, saying, “The Hema Committee report is welcoming. I have been before the committee twice. My request: Please don’t destroy the industry.” He added, “We welcome the Hema Committee report. It was the correct decision by the government to release that report.”
Reflecting on his role, he added, “I was AMMA president for the last two terms. The entire Malayalam cinema is answerable to the Hema Committee report. What we are seeing is that all questions are directed only at AMMA. AMMA cannot give answers to all the questions. Everybody should be asked these questions. This is a very hard-working industry. A lot of people are involved in this, but not everyone is to be blamed in this. The responsible ones will be punished.”
Regarding junior artists, he suggested, “Junior artists should have an association. What normally happens is that they have agencies.” He also stated, “I can’t give answers to your questions; Kerala police has to give answers. The government is there, and the police are investigating. Investigation is underway. We cannot change the law for anyone; those involved will be punished.”
Mohanlal urged, “Don’t destroy the industry.” He responded to criticism about the management of AMMA, saying, “There are many people now saying that this is not how it should be done. AMMA should be run. All these people should come forward and stand for election. The general body should be called, and they should stand for election. This is a crisis; let’s all fight together.”
He acknowledged internal disagreements within AMMA, saying, “There are some disagreements in the association as well. So we will take appropriate action. There will be an election soon. This is not any kind of escape. Please don’t put unnecessary blame on the association.”
On the topic of the so-called “power group,” Mohanlal said, “Let the names be revealed. I am not aware of any such power group. I am not part of it. I have not read the Hema Committee report.”
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