Sreekumaran Thampi Claims Mohanlal And Mammootty Sidelined Him, Reacts To MeToo Row In Mollywood

The Malayalam film industry is currently going through a tough phase, following the release of the Hema Committee report shedding light on the atrocities faced by female artists in Mollywood. Since then several actresses have come forward and filed sexual misconduct cases against prominent figures of the industry, including Siddique, Ranjith, Mukesh M and Jayasurya. Apart from sexual harassment, the report also highlights the power politics in the industry.

Veteran lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi, who claims to be sidelined by Mohanlal and Mammootty, opened up about "power politics" in Malayalam cinema.

Sreekumaran Thampi on the dominance of power in Mollywood

Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Thampi expressed his disappointment with the dominance of stardom and believes that it has altered the direction of Malayalam cinema. He alleged that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) used their power to destroy the Malayalam Cine Technicians' Association (MACTA). He recalled an incident when he was reportedly forced to relegate actor Ratheesh to the role of a villain in Munnettam and cast Mammootty as the lead actor, per reported by Onmanorama. He also alleged that the superstars decided who would direct and produce their movies.

He also shed light on pay parity in the industry and alleged that with the rise of superheroes, no heroine was able to garner more popularity than them. Owing to this they were paid less.

Sreekumaran Thampi reacts to sexual misconduct allegations against Siddique and Mukesh M

Talking about the sexual misconduct allegations about Siddique, he said, "If he has done it, then it is hundred per cent wrong, same is the case with Mukesh. I am not here to cover up both of them, but this kind of response is wrong. Malayalam cinema is on the verge of getting destroyed due to allegations made by several junior artists.” He hailed those responsible for the formation of the WCC and Hema Committee but criticised the delay in releasing the report after over four years. "Only they know if this was done to protect certain individuals.”