More Actors Come Out With Accounts of Physical Abuse in the Malayalam Film Industry

Thiruvananthapuram: More actors have come forward with accounts of physical abuse within the Malayalam film industry, raising allegations about the conduct of several senior actors.

Veteran actress Geetha Vijayan recounted her distressing experiences during movie productions. "In 1991, while filming 'Chanchattam', director Thulasidas acted inappropriately. Although there was no physical abuse, he persistently knocked on my door and made repeated calls through the intercom in my room," she disclosed.

Geeta said she protested against the inappropriate behaviour and later she was deprived of many opportunities in the industry for standing up.

Previously, actress Minu Muneer brought forth startling accusations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry. In a Facebook post, she claimed that actors Mukesh, Maniyanpillai Raju, Idavela Babu, and Jayasurya had subjected her to sexual and verbal abuse during the filming of a movie project.

Sharing her experiences with news channels, the actor said she had a harrowing experience with actor Mukesh who is also ruling CPM MLA. "I had worked in six films and when I sought membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Mukesh told me that I would get the membership if I sexually complied with them.

She accused actor Jayasurya of physically abusing her.

Another junior artist alleged that she was sexually abused by actor Baburaj at his house in Aluva a few years ago. Baburaj is tipped to replace actor Siddique as the general secretary of AMMA following the latter's resignation in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment.

The actress told news channels; ``I was promised a role in a film in 2019 and invited by Baburaj to his house, stating that a screenwriter and director would be present there. On reaching the house I found that Baburaj was alone. He gave me a room to rest and told me that the filmmakers would come shortly. After some time he knocked at the door and started physically abusing me. I left the house and never met him again. However, I continued to get sleazy messages on WhatsApp. I never responded to these messages.

Baburaj and Maniyanpillai Raju refuted the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against them by the women actors. Both demanded a detailed probe into the allegations levelled against them.

Those facing allegations of sexual harassment should step down: actor Prithviraj

Actor Prithviraj on Monday said people in positions of power should step down while facing charges of sexual abuse.

Responding to questions during a press conference organised as part of his football club "Forca Kochi FC" in Kochi on Monday, the actor said stringent measures should be taken based on the findings of the Hema Committee report.

"The findings of the Hema Committee should be considered seriously. It is important to punish those who have committed sexual abuse," he said.

The actor said that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) should have appropriately handled the Hema Committee report. Stringent action should be initiated against those found guilty, he said.

Govt allocates Rs 1 crore for new film policy

The Kerala government has allocated Rs 1 crore for expenses related to the drafting of a new film policy.

The Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) managing director informed the government that a consultancy has been appointed to study various issues about cinema production, distribution and exhibition.