Mollywood MeToo: Mohanlal assures cooperation, says 'don't destroy the industry'
What's the story
Days after resigning as President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), veteran actor Mohanlal welcomed the observations made by the Hema Committee on Saturday.
The actor also clarified speculations about his resignation and claimed that he never ran away from his responsibilities.
The actor addressed the news around the Hema Committee Report and his resignation at a press event in Kochi on Saturday.
Details
'AMMA is like a family, not a trade union'
Addressing the media, Mohanlal defended the AMMA and said, "AMMA is not a trade union. It is like a family. It is unfortunate that the association is being hounded."
The actor added, "The state of our (Malayalam) industry is better than other film industries."
Mohanlal claimed that Malayalam cinema is currently experiencing a remarkable period of growth, gaining pan-Indian and international recognition.
Statement
'Culprits should be brought before law'
The 64-year-old actor further said, "I have also given my statement to the Hema Commission in my capacity as an actor and producer. I welcome the observations of the committee. The culprits should definitely be brought before the law."
"This is the task of the police. We will cooperate in every way possible... Other industries should also have a Hema Committee report. Let this be a significant moment in the film industry, starting with Malayalam cinema."
Other details
Mohanlal sidesteps questions about sexual abuse allegations
Justifying his silence over the ongoing discussion around sexual harassment in the past week, Mohanlal said that he was occupied with post-production work for his directorial debut, Barroz, and his wife's surgery.
He reportedly 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."
Background
Mohanlal, other AMMA office-bearers resigned after sexual abuse allegations
This was the first time Mohanlal interacted with the media after the release of the Hema Committee Report and his resignation from AMMA.
Apart from Mohanlal, other members of the executive committee have also resigned from their respective posts after sexual abuse allegations were made against some of its members.
A general body meeting will reportedly be called within two months to select the new governing body.
Criticism
Parvathy criticized mass resignation of AMMA office-bearers
Parvathy, another Malayalam actor, recently reacted strongly to the mass resignation of AMMA office-bearers, including President Mohanlal.
She told Mojo Story, "The first thought I had when I heard the news about the collective resignation was - 'how cowardly.' How cowardly of them to step away from a position where they are now accountable to speak to media?"
"Again, the onus falls on us, women, to take the conversation and the debates forward."