CPI-M Drops Actor Mukesh's Name From Film Policy Committee

The Hema Committee Report released recently has caused a stir in the Malayalam cinema. It has unravelled how many actresses were harassed and intimidated by the deep-rooted misogynistic attitude of many male actors. Many actors had come under the radar of the report including Mukesh, who is also serving as an MLA from the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Police in Kerala’s Maradu have filed a rape case against Mukesh based on a complaint by fellow actress Minu Muneer. Now, amidst these allegations of sexual misconduct, CPI (M) has dropped Mukesh’s name from the film policy committee. According to the reports, this political party has decided to remove all the members with sexual harassment allegations against them. As of now, the report mentions, that only Mukesh is a member with such charges.

Mukesh, however, has denied these allegations. In a Facebook post this week on Tuesday, he demanded a “transparent investigation to reveal the true nature of allegations discussed in the public”. He claimed Muneer first approached him in 2009 and then in 2022 when she asked for “at least ₹ 1 lakh” and her husband then demanded “a huge amount of money”. “But I am not ready to surrender to blackmail tactics. The truth must come out..I welcome inquiries into allegations against filmmakers, including myself,” he said on Facebook.

Meanwhile, amid these allegations, Mohanlal has resigned as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Not him, the entire 17-member executive committee has stepped down in solidarity. The statement from the association read, “We are hopeful that AMMA will have a new leadership capable of renewing and strengthening the association. Thanks to everyone for criticising and correcting.”

Besides the sexual harassment allegations, Hema Committee Report has come up with various other grave charges. The report mentioned that An “all-male”, powerful and privileged group of 10-15 people controls the industry. They are at the top of the pecking order of Malayalam cinema and hand out bans to actors.