In the wake of the Hema Committee Report, which has unveiled the dark underbelly of the Malayalam film industry with its revelations of sexual exploitation and harassment, veteran actor Mohanlal has found himself at the center of a storm. Resigning from his position as the President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on August 27, Mohanlal attempted to take moral responsibility amidst growing criticism. However, what ensued in his recent media interaction has raised serious questions about how a legend like Mohanlal is being treated by the very industry he helped shape.
During his first public appearance on August 31 following his resignation, Mohanlal broke his silence on the Hema Committee Report, urging everyone not to “destroy the industry” in the pursuit of justice. His words, “We request you not to put all the focus on AMMA. Investigation is going on. Please don’t destroy the industry,” echoed a deep concern for the future of Malayalam cinema, an industry he has dedicated his life to.
Despite his plea for a balanced approach, Mohanlal was met with a barrage of accusations, insults, and even mockery from the media present. It was a disheartening sight for many of his fans, who took to social media to express their dismay. “It’s hard to see him getting insulted & humiliated on stage by his own media groups,” one Twitter user lamented, capturing the sentiment of many who grew up watching Mohanlal’s films. The outpouring of support highlighted a growing frustration with the treatment of an actor who has given so much to the industry.
Critics, however, were quick to pounce on Mohanlal’s leadership at AMMA, accusing him of negligence and inaction in addressing the exploitation within the organization. Some even went as far as to say, “Mohanlal made the mistake of taking up the leadership of AMMA. When you are in leadership of an organisation you are responsible for its action (or lack of it).” While leadership does come with its burdens, the relentless vilification of Mohanlal has led many to question whether he is being unfairly scapegoated.
Mohanlal’s calm demeanor during the media interaction, despite the provocations, has been both praised and criticized. Some saw it as a sign of dignity, with one Twitter user noting, “What media is showing is to get some reaction from Mohanlal to get some scoop so that they can make stories out of it. But he was mostly calm and answered it all in the way he can with utmost humility.” Others, however, viewed it as a failure to fully acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
Amidst the controversy, it’s essential to reflect on Mohanlal’s immense contributions to Malayalam cinema. An actor who has transcended generations, Mohanlal’s body of work is nothing short of legendary. Yet, in the current climate, it seems that his decades of dedication are being overshadowed by the criticisms of his tenure at AMMA. As one fan poignantly put it, “Remember what he has done for our industry.”
It is undeniable that the issues raised by the Hema Committee Report must be addressed with the utmost seriousness, and those responsible must be held accountable. However, it is also crucial to ensure that in our pursuit of justice, we do not erase the legacy of individuals like Mohanlal, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the very industry that now scrutinizes him.
As the Malayalam film industry navigates these tumultuous times, the question remains: are we, in our quest for accountability, forgetting to show respect to those who have built the foundation upon which this industry stands? Mohanlal’s resignation may mark the end of an era, but it should not mark the end of our recognition of his enduring impact on cinema.
