After the release of the Hema Committee report, the entire 17-member executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA) including the president of the association and superstar Mohanlal resigned. Several questions were raised about the actor’s silence on the crucial matter. And, now the actor has finally broken his silence, saying that he’s not part of the “power group” mentioned in the report.
Adding that AMMA should not be blamed alone, the director said, ”We welcome the Hema Committee report. It was the right decision by the government to release that report. 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”.
As reported by news agency ANI, the actor urged not to destroy the industry during his first public appearance after his resignation. “We request you not to put all the focus on AMMA. Investigation is going on. Please don’t destroy the industry,” said Mohanlal.
The Kireedam actor said, “Wrongdoers should be punished if there is evidence against them,” referring to the members of the association facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
In the wake of the Hema report, several female actors come forward, accusing their male counterparts of sexual harassment. Notably, several members of the AMMA association have been accused of sexual misconduct.
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.”
At the press conference, Mohanlal said that he had read the reports of him running away amid the tense situation. On these allegations, the actor said that he was away from the state due to his work commitments and his wife’s surgery.
Mohanlal defends AMMA
Speaking in favour of AMMA, the actor said that the association should not be blamed alone.
He said “cinema is only a slice of society, but I am not justifying what happened. AMMA Members are sentimental and are vulnerable to be shattered.”
“I welcome the report. I had turned up before the committee and shared everything I know. I am not a member of the power group (mentioned in the report). The report mentioned several issues. The entire Malayalam film industry is answerable. AMMA is not answerable for all issues,” he said.
He added, “AMMA alone should not be crucified. A lot of organisations are involved. But only we are facing the questions,” he said.
Urging not to destroy the industry, the Drishyam actor said, ”We had toiled a lot to take the industry to the present stature. Please, do not destroy the industry by just focusing on this issue. AMMA is facing the questions. I haven’t run away from the issue. I was away from Kerala and was busy with my film project and wife’s surgery”.