#MeToo Accusations Cast A Shadow Over 'Golden Year Of Mollywood', What Happens To The New Releases?

The 235-page Hema Committee Report has unearthed the deep and dark secrets of the Malayalam film industry. Mollywood, which was enjoying a commercially successful year with back-to-back hits and some of the most critically acclaimed and talked-about movies, has suddenly witnessed a massive setback after Hema Committee findings were made public, bringing to light the industry's dark side where sexual harassment and discrimination is rampant. 

With releases like Manjummel Boys, Aavesham, Aadhujeevitham, Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, Bramayugam and Premalu, the industry was on a roll with back-to-back successes. Adding yet another feather to its hat was Aattam, which won the National Award for Best Film this year. However, with the ripples created after the Hema Committee Report findings, it seems like Mollywood has hit a roadblock.
 

‘Golden Year’ under threat?

Up until the Hema Commitee's findings, Malayalam movie industry was flourishing and was spoken in high regard. In just the first five months of this year, Mollywood releases grossed a record-breaking ₹1000 crore. The staggering collection was because of hits like Manjummel Boys, Aadujeevitham, Aavesham, Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, Premalu and Bramayugam, which, along with other releases, contributed to the historic box office landmark. This came at a time when legacy industries like Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood continued to bleed at the box office. Now, the industry might be at a crossroads.

With massive protests across Kerala, several actors under fire for sexual harassment and rape allegations and new developments coming to light each day, it could be that the negativity surrounding the industry and its artists prove to be a deterrent for the audience to make a trip to the big screen to catch the new releases. 
 

Onam to be a dry period for the box office?

Onam will be celebrated on September 6 this year. Given the festive spirit, several releases were lined up. However, it will be interesting to see how this period, which is otherwise good for the film business, fares. Tovino Thomas-starrer Ajayante Randam Moshanam, Asif Ali’s Kishkindha Kaandam and Kondal starring Antony Varghese Pepe are among the top Malayalam films lined up for Onam release.

Several insiders fear that the ongoing #MeToo movement in the industry will act as a repellent for people to watch a new film on the big screen. A producer told OnManorama on the condition of anonymity, "We are not sure whether people would be keen to go to theatres amid the controversies." 
 

Several stakeholders also told the publication that the audiences will show some "displeasure" with the industry by not watching films. At the same time, theatre owner Suresh Shenoy claimed that none of the movies feature the accused in the controversies so far so it would not be a problem for any new releases.

He told the publication, “We don’t see any such indications. The controversies will not be any deterrent for the people to watch films.” The filmmakers and insiders are confident that people will look forward to celebrating the festive season with new releases.

Protests to discourage movie-watching?

Amid the ongoing controversy, protests demanding the resignation of rape-accused M Mukesh from his position as MLA are rampant in Kerala. Given the situation, it is likely that the audience will be wary of stepping out of their house, fearing social unrest.

Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see if the viewers celebrate the Onam spirit by watching new releases or if the #MeToo controversy tolls the bell on Mollywood's golden period.