HomeEntertainment Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal have done little of note to stem the rot in the industry

Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal have done little of note to stem the rot in the industry

by Richa
Malayalam superstars

Mammootty and Mohanlal were criticised for speaking up late about the Hema Committee results.

Malayalam superstars : A generational shift is necessary with increasing momentum within the industry advocating for the new generation of actors to take the helm at AMMA. This evolving voice underscores the need for fresh perspectives and leadership from younger talent to drive the organization forward.

Malayalam superstars :Mammootty and Mohanlal are two iconic figures in cinema whose legendary status is deeply ingrained in the hearts of Malayalis. Their enduring presence in the industry coupled with their extensive range of roles and exceptional acting skills, has set them apart on a global scale.

Both actors have amassed a vast and devoted fan base over the years. Despite their close friendship the loyalty of their fans is palpable and intense with each camp passionately defending their favorite star’s legacy. This rivalry is particularly pronounced online where the fervor of their supporters is evident in every debate and discussion.

The admiration for both actors underscores their unparalleled impact on Malayalam cinema reflecting a career longevity and versatility that few can match. Their contributions have shaped the industry and their enduring popularity highlights their remarkable influence on both fans and cinema alike.

Parvathy Thiruvothu says Hema Committee is more than Me Too part two

Malayalam superstars
In August, the Hema Committee report which exposed incidents of sexual misconduct within the Malayalam film industry sent shockwaves through society.

The revelations were startling and the response from the two iconic superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal, fell short of the expectations many had. Although neither actor faces direct allegations the report has put significant pressure on several prominent figures in the industry.
Many leading actors including Siddique the influential general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) Jayasurya known for his wholesome family-man image and actor-politician Mukesh are now on the defensive following various allegations of sexual harassment made by actresses. The accusations have cast a shadow over their careers and forced them to address the allegations publicly.
Additionally well-known director Ranjith and several other actors such as Maniyan Pilla Raju, Baburaj and Edavela Babu are also entangled in the controversy. They face allegations of sexual misconduct that have further fueled the debate within the industry and among the public.
The fallout from these revelations has been significant, prompting a broader discussion about the culture of silence and complicity in the Malayalam film industry. The exposure of such misconduct has highlighted the need for systemic change and greater accountability. The industry is now grappling with the ramifications of these revelations and the urgent need for reform to address and prevent sexual harassment and abuse.
Mohanlal who recently stepped down as President of AMMA under intense pressure, struggled to answer many questions during his media briefing. His press conference was notably delayed, leading to speculation that he was reluctant to publicly defend the industry.

Meanwhile Mammootty largely stayed out of the limelight, making only a brief statement to deny the existence of any power groups within Malayalam cinema. This minimal response from both stars has contributed to criticism and scrutiny, as many feel their reactions were insufficient in addressing the serious allegations facing the industry.
The decades-long reel images of Mammootty and Mohanlal have been significantly tarnished by their lack of proactive response during this crisis. This situation serves as a stark reminder to fans that real-life challenges can be far more complex than the fictional battles portrayed on screen.

Similarly, Suresh Gopi, the BJP MP from Thrissur, Kerala, who was once considered a superstar alongside Mammootty and Mohanlal has also been uncooperative. Known for his intense action-hero persona, Gopi has struggled to handle media scrutiny, often resorting to verbal hostility to deflect questions and avoid addressing the issues directly.

A sharp contrast with WCC

Malayalam superstars
In stark contrast to the tepid responses from some industry giants, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has taken a decisive stand, playing a crucial role in bringing the Hema Committee report to light. Their steadfast commitment has been pivotal in addressing the issue of sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry.

The bravery of many junior artists, both men and women, who have come forward with allegations of harassment, has been commendable and courageous.
The industry has been mired in controversy ever since allegations against actor Dileep emerged several years ago. Dileep’s case, which led to him serving a brief period in jail, stemmed from complaints made by a prominent actress who had frequently appeared opposite him in films. his incident was a catalyst for ongoing scrutiny and debates about sexual harassment within the Malayalam cinema community, underscoring a pattern of troubling controversies that continue to affect the industry.

During that period, AMMA held a press conference where actor Mukesh took most of the questions, while both Mohanlal and Mammootty chose to remain notably silent. For fans who have long admired their on-screen personas, this was an unforgettable moment.

Seeing them typically seen as the larger-than-life heroes of Malayalam cinema now appearing subdued and silent was a striking contrast to their usual powerful screen presence. It was the first time they didn’t embody the strong characters they portray in their films.

There is an increasing perception of a “power group” within the Malayalam film industry, a notion that has been reinforced by the Hema Committee report. Many believe that AMMA, originally established as a welfare organization to support artists, has evolved into a formidable and even intimidating force.

The organization is often seen as operating with a mafia-like influence, where crossing its path can make survival within the industry exceedingly difficult. This has been evident in the treatment of legendary actors like Thilakan, who experienced significant repercussions for challenging AMMA’s authority.

AMMA, once intended to be a supportive body for artists, has increasingly been viewed as a punitive system. This transformation has sparked criticism and concerns about its impact on the industry. Director Aashiq Abu has highlighted the lack of democratic values in many of the film organizations, including FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala), pointing to a broader issue of governance and representation within the industry.

His observations underscore the need for reform and greater transparency in these organizations, which are crucial for fostering a fair and supportive environment for all artists.

Mammootty and Mohanlal, given their substantial influence in the industry, could have played a pivotal role in managing the situation more effectively. Within AMMA, some members with criminal records hold prominent positions despite lacking notable credentials.

Many believe that Mammootty and Mohanlal have limitations in addressing the current issues. With police investigations underway and court decisions pending, some argue that dragging these esteemed actors into the turmoil is unfair. However, Mohanlal, in his role as AMMA President, had a moral obligation, which led to his resignation.

Is it time for change in AMMA?

Malayalam superstars
A generational shift in approach and attitude is essential with a growing call within the industry for new actors to lead AMMA. Prithviraj Sukumaran Tovino Thomas, and Parvathy Thiruvothu are seen as potential leaders though it’s uncertain if they are ready to step up at this moment.
Prithviraj has been a prominent advocate for creating a fair and just platform in the industry. He has consistently voiced his opinions boldly despite facing significant opposition.

Despite the challenges and hostility directed at him, he has continued to thrive with a successful production house and a growing star power. Prithviraj has previously spoken about certain forces that attempted to hinder his progress but he has managed to overcome these obstacles and continue advancing in his career.
The key point is that these controversies have emerged during a remarkable era for Malayalam cinema. For over 15 years, the industry has consistently produced high-quality films making it impossible to list all the notable works without being unfair to some. The OTT revolution has expanded the reach of Malayalam movies across India and audiences in other markets have been impressed by the exceptional quality of films coming out of Kerala.
It’s important to note that the Hema Committee report with its serious allegations represents a progressive step towards addressing longstanding issues of harassment within the industry.

This initiative highlights the need for similar actions across other regional film industries. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and other language industries should establish their own committees to investigate sexual harassment and produce comparable reports. Considering the scale of these industries such measures could have even more significant repercussions underscoring the urgency for widespread reform and accountability.

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