The Malayalam film industry is going through a “huge crisis” and it is unfair to blame the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) alone as there are 21 such forums, Malayalam film actor Mohanlal said on August 31 in Thiruvananthapuram in his first public reaction to allegations of sexual harassment in the film industry after the release of the Justice Hema panel report. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Kerala Cricket League.
The veteran actor asserted that he was not part of any “power group” and was not even aware of such groups. He remarked that the entire Malayalam film industry should be held answerable for issues raised in the report.
“Movies are only one part of society, and all sectors have such issues. Hema Committee report is welcome. I have deposed before it (the Committee) as an actor and producer. I have told them what I know. They asked about movies in general but I could not answer that,” said Mohanlal.
While referring to criticism that he had not immediately responded to allegations of harassment against prominent actors and filmmakers, Mohanlal attributed it to personal reasons. “I haven’t run away from anything. I was in Gujarat, Mumbai and Chennai,” he replied. He added that his wife was undergoing surgery. Also, the mixing of his upcoming film, Barroz, was in progress, he explained.