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.”

Mollywood actor Mohanlal on Saturday broke his silence on the sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry saying that it was the right decision by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government to release the Hema Committee Report.

Speaking on the matter, he said the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) is not answerable to all the questions, urging everyone not to put all the focus on the Association.

He said, “Please don’t destroy the industry.”

While addressing the media and the audience at the event, Mohanlal said, “AMMA cannot answer all the questions. These questions should be asked from everyone. This is a very hardworking industry. Many people are involved in it. But everyone cannot be blamed for this. Those responsible will be punished, investigation is going on.”

He assured that all the problems would be looked into and investigated, he added, “We will cooperate in the investigation process. We are here only to set things right. I am not aware of any such power group. I am not a part of it. I have not read the Hema Committee report.”

“If you ask why we have all quit our posts in AMMA now, the answer is that the entire Malayalam film industry is accountable. The report has highlighted not just one issue, but several. What exactly they are, you know better than I do”, Mohanlal said.

Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) filmmaker B Unnikrishnan, on sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry, said FEFKA is holding the meetings of its affiliate unions and “we intend to conclude all these meetings by September 4 or 5.”

“They will come out with their definite views and feedback on the Hema Committee report which we will analyse and we will prepare a detailed analytical report on the Hema Committee report and submit it to the government”, he added.

Mohanlal, a prominent actor, has resigned as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Following the shocking findings of harassment and abuse of women professionals by the Justice K Hema Committee, the entire executive committee also tendered their resignation.

The film body announced that a new committee would be formed through an election in two months.

In the aftermath of these revelations, various heads rolled into the Malayalam film industry. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had to step in, calling a high-level meeting with senior police officials, and establishing a seven-member special team to investigate the atrocities faced by women actors.

Additionally, fresh accounts of harassment, including an old case involving actor-politician Mukesh, emerged, as per the reports.

Director Ranjith and actor Siddique both stepped down from their leadership roles in a state-run film academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists respectively.

Amid these developments, actor Shammy Thilakan criticised Mohanlal for not speaking up, suggesting that those responsible for wrongdoing would face consequences.

Speaking to the press earlier, Thilakan criticised Mohanlal for not speaking up. While speaking to the press on recent developments in the film industry, he said that Mohanlal had lost his ability to respond.

He further said that whoever has done wrong will face consequences. He said: “Those who eat salt will drink water, whoever it is,” and added, “I live in fear too. The term ‘power group’ was used by the Hema Committee, and their report contains evidence of its existence. We can identify who is part of that group based on this evidence.”

The situation unfolded further as award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor Ranjith faced allegations from a Bengali female actor, while Siddique resigned as the general secretary of AMMA following a sexual assault complaint raised against him by a young actress. These events have led to significant upheaval within the Malayalam film industry.