It Happens Everywhere: Actor-Filmmaker Lal Makes Shocking Comments Amid #MeToo Uproar, Defends AMMA

#MeToo Grips Mollywood: The findings of the Hema Committee Report made public on August 19 have jolted the Malayalam film industry. The 235-page expose details the harrowing working conditions of women professionals in the industry and accounts for the sexual abuse and misconduct faced by artists on sets. Days after the report, the instances of sexual abuse are still coming forth. Several actresses and working professionals have shared instances of abuse faced by them on the film sets. Amid this, actor and filmmaker Lal has defended the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a governing body led by actor Mohanlal which was dissolved when assault cases were registered on its executive members.

Lal defends AMMA makes shocking statements following Hema Committee findings 

Amid the massive uproar of #MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry, actor and filmmaker Lal has defended the AMMA claiming that it is not a ‘gang' that suppressed anyone. Speaking to the media on August 29, the actor shared, “Those who committed a mistake should be punished. The allegations should be investigated and the perpetrators shouldn’t be spared. However, an innocent person who has been wrongly or mistakenly accused should not be punished.” The senior Malayali artist and director of the film In Harihar Nagar went on to state that ‘there are two sides to everything’.

He further defended the AMMA after the executive committee members of the governing body resigned en masse on August 27. As per OnManorama Lal stated, "Let seniors or juniors take up the leadership of AMMA. The meetings are usually peaceful and we calmly make decisions. AMMA is not a gang that try to suppress someone."

It may happen when people stay in the same hotel: Lal's tone-deaf remark amid Mollywood expose

In the same conversation, Lal admitted that actors are not ‘intelligent’ people like politicians and they are bound to ‘make mistakes’. He stated, “It is true that there are some problems in the industry. But it happens everywhere. I am not washing off my hands from the issue. Things like this shouldn’t happen anywhere. However, it happens more frequently in movies. It may happen when there are long schedules or when people stay in the same hotel."

He further spoke about actor turned politician Mukesh M who has been charged with a rape case. Talking about the same the actor shared, “In Mukesh’s case, it is the political party that should take the decision. I am not a politician; I don’t know what is happening there. If he has committed the crime, then it should be investigated and he should be punished.”

He also spoke about Siddique, who too is facing sexual assault charges and held the position of Chairman in the now-dissolved AMMA. Expressing his dismay at the same, Lal shared, "I was shocked to learn about (the accusation levelled against) Siddique. It was something that we expect from anyone. We can't understand anybody completely these days. We just believe everybody is good souls,"