#MeToo In Mollywood: End Of AMMA? Students Put Wreath Outside Office After Hema Committee Report

Justice K Hema Committee report, which studied issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, was finally released on August 19 amid opposition from various stakeholders. It has caused uproar in the Malayalam film industry with actresses coming forth and narrating their harassment and sexual abuse stories. In the latest development, Ernakulam Law College students have taken the protests a further step.

Ernakulam Law College Students protest after Hema Committee Report findings

A picture went viral on X in which protests were held in front of Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) office. A wreath was placed as a sign of protest. According to reports, the translation on the wreath read, “For the fatherless mother".

Top developments after Hema Committee Report was made public

After the shocking revelations in Justice K Hema Committee's report about rampant harassment and abuse of women professionals in Mollywood, two high-profile resignations took place over allegations of #MeToo. Director Ranjith and actor Siddique stepped down from their leadership roles in a state-run film academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), respectively.

Why was the Justice K Hema Committee formed?

The panel was formed after the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep, to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam cinema. Even though the report was filed in 2019, it took over five years to release its details as it was suspected to contain sensitive information.

The actress-victim who has worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films was allegedly abducted and molested in her car for two hours by some of the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped in a busy area. The entire act was filmed by some of the accused to blackmail the actress. There are 10 accused in the case, including Dileep, who was also arrested and sent to jail. He was released after the court granted him bail. The case is still pending.