Actor Mammootty on Sunday denied the presence of any powergroup in the Malayalam film industry amid a row over sexual harassment cases after the release of the Hema Committee Report by the Kerala government weeks ago.
The actor called upon everyone working in the field to be vigilant so that nothing untoward happens there.
In a Facebook post, the Malayalam actor praised the state government’s initiative to constitute the Justice Hema Committee and requested it to implement the recommendations of the panel by enacting necessary legislation if there were any legal hurdles.
In response to the report and the subsequent allegations that caused upheaval in the cinema industry, Mammootty expressed his full support for the recommendations and solutions proposed in the committee’s report. He encouraged all film industry associations to come together in implementing these measures.
Emphasising the ongoing police investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse raised by multiple women, Mammootty advocated for the agency to continue its probe diligently.
He further highlighted that with the complete report of the committee now in court, the appropriate decisions and punishments should be left to the judicial system.
Delaying his response until the actors’ organisation and its leadership addressed the committee report, Mammootty stressed the societal significance of cinema, noting that the industry reflects both the virtues and vices prevalent in society.
He underscored the need for caution and vigilance within the film sector to prevent any undesirable incidents.
Mammootty’s statement followed Mohanlal’s recent public remarks on the revelations from the committee’s report. Like Mohanlal, Mammootty also refuted the presence of a power group in the industry and echoed the sentiment that cinema mirrors societal realities, emphasising the need for accountability and justice for any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda hit out at Kerala government and asked why there is a delay in justice to Hema committee report.
During an interaction with eminent personalities from various fields in Palakkad, Nadda said: “What is stopping Kerala govt? What is haunting you? Because you are part and parcel of that. It is something you want to hide because your people are involved. I am very sorry to say that the Hema Committee report very specifically said that communist party people are involved. Chief Minister should come out.”