#MeToo storm hits Malayalam cinema: Mukesh and Jayasurya face FIR over sexual misconduct claims

In the latest development in Malayalam film industry's #MeToo case, (First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against actors Mukesh and Jayasurya under section 354 which deals with intent to outrage modesty. As per the Police, the FIR was filed on the basis of allegations made by the actress. For the unversed, she has alleged them of both verbal and physical abuse during the shooting of various movie projects.

Actress alleges sexual assault

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | An FIR has been registered against Mukesh, Actor and CPIM MLA from Kollam on the complaint of an actress. Another FIR has been registered against Actor Jayasurya on the complaint of the same actress, u/s 354 which deals with intent to outrage modesty.¡­

¡ª ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2024

In an interview with ANI, the Malayalam actress alleged a range of misconduct and said, "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully¡­ After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me." Not just Mukesh M and Jayasurya, she also accused Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu of sexual misconduct. "After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me," she said.

Mukesh M says these accusations are politically directed

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | On sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry, Kerala BJP President K Surendran says, "Allegations have been made against actor-sitting MLA Mukesh but the CM is not demanding his resignation. Ranjith has resigned from his post in AMMA¡­ pic.twitter.com/uS2NPFJvtS

¡ª ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2024

The actor and CPI (M) MLA from Kollam on the other hand has declared himself innocent. Furthermore, he alleged that the accusations against him are politically directed. He pointed out he faced similar charges in 2018 as well as part of a political drama, which was dismissed by the public. Furthermore, he alleged that the actress had previously sought financial assistance and even attempted to blackmail him. "This group, which has been persistently blackmailing me for money, has now turned against me at this opportune moment," Mukesh stated. He welcomed the ongoing investigation against him expecting a fair and transparent inquiry.

Justice Hema Committee report

I read justice K Hema committee report today. Hope it's done in every film industry, this is whole nexus. https://t.co/wZ4fqNYpbA pic.twitter.com/xjFJnd35Kq

¡ª Shadow Home Minister of India ?? (@Bahujan_connect) August 26, 2024

On August 19, 2024, 233 pages of the Justice Hema Committee report (originally submitted to the state government on December 31, 2019) was made public while about 65 pages and several paragraphs containing sensitive information about the privacy of individuals were withheld, in response to an RTI query. The report highlights cases of harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry and sheds light on how it is dominated by a small group of male figures within the industry.

The Malayalam actress who alleged sexual assault had first posted about it on her Facebook page, where she recalled incidents from 2013. This came shortly after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their positions in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following separate accusations against them.

Mohanlal quits as AMMA chief

Following this, the 17-member committee of Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA), including its president and actor Mohanlal have resigned from their posts. As per a statement from AMMA, the committee dissolved itself "in light of allegations made by some actors against some of the committee" considering it to be their moral responsibility.

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