Superstar Mammootty reacts to #MeToo controversy: Denies power groups in Malayalam film industry

“There is no centre of power in cinema. Cinema is not the place where such a thing can exist,” wrote Mammootty.

He also explained why it took him more than 12 days to respond to the tectonic shift in his industry where his colleagues like Siddique, director Ranjith and Mukesh are accused of sexual misconduct. In the wake of this scandal, Kerala film body AMMA (Association For Malayalam Movie Artists) also saw mass resignations of its president Mohanlal, general secretary and #MeToo accused Siddique and 17 other board members. AMMA was dissolved, with its core members claiming “moral responsibility” since the release of the Hema Committee report. Mammootty was an AMMA member and cited the protocol as one of the reasons for his silence.

“This post is about the developments that the Malayalam film industry is currently witnessing. The organisational process is that the leadership responds first. I have waited so long because I believe that as a member, I should comment only after such official responses,” Mammootty said.

His post comes a day after Mohanlal claimed to the local press in Thiruvananthapuram that there are no power groups in Malayalam cinema. Like him, Mammootty too urged everyone to protect Malayalam cinema from collapsing under this avalanche of sexual harassment allegations. He urged everyone to protect and strengthen its film industry.

“Cinema is a reflection of society: everything good and bad in society is reflected in the film industry. The film industry is more scrutinised than any other sector. Therefore, everything, big and small, is more monitored and highlighted. So, anyone working in the film industry should be careful that nothing untoward happens,” said Mammootty.

At no point in his post did he express his direct support to survivors or women who had experienced sexual harassment.

He added that he welcomed the findings of the Hema Justice Committee report and hoped that the changes recommended in that report would be implemented soon.

Celebrities like Mammootty and Mohanlal have come under criticism for their supposedly timid stance on these burning issues.

Earlier, Jayasurya – who is accused of sexual misconduct and faces two trials – had claimed that the allegations against him were false. In the statement he posted on social media today on his birthday, he said he was in the United States but would return for the court proceedings.

“Due to my personal commitments, my family and I were in America last month and during that time two false allegations of sexual harassment were made against me. Naturally, this has shocked me, my family and everyone close to me,” the actor said.

He also stressed that he has complete confidence in the legal system and that the truth will prevail.

“A lie spreads faster than the truth, but I believe the truth will prevail,” he added.

Two women have accused him of sexual misconduct. Kerala Police have registered two cases, including one of sexual assault, after an actress accused him of sexually harassing her on a film set in Thodupuzha, Kerala, in 2013.

The film industry in Kerala has undergone a radical transformation since the Hema Committee's findings were released. Actors like Siddique, Mukesh, Edavela Babu and many others have been accused of sexual misconduct. The report also alleges that the film industry in Kerala uses harmful labour practices, including unofficial boycotts by a select group of 10 to 15 actors and artists. They allegedly control decisions such as which actress can be cast in a film. If a woman rejects sexual advances, she is punished by being denied work.