Malayalam Actor Tovino Thomas Reacts To Hema Committee Report: Other Industries Have Not...

Hema Committee Report: The revelations in Justice K Hema Committee's report about the rampant harassment and sexual abuse of women professionals in the Malayalam film industry has led to two high-profile resignations. Director Ranjith and actor Siddique stepped down from their leadership roles in a state-run film academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), respectively. Recently, actor Tovino Thomas expressed his views about the ongoing controversy.

What did Tovino Thomas say about issues affecting women in Mollywood?

In a recent media interaction, the Minnal Murali star said, “It’s only the Malayalam film industry that a Hema Committee was formed and such a thorough investigation was initiated. Other industries have not seen similar actions, so it’s incorrect to claim that these issues only occur here."

He also said, “Those who did crime should be punished. It’s basic thing. Women should be safe everywhere and not only in the film industry”. His remarks comes when the Malayalam film industry is facing intense scrutiny and is undergoing what some describe as a clean-up process.

Women share their #MeToo stories

Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra recently alleged that she faced harassment while she auditioned for the movie Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha (2009). The film was directed by Ranjith.

The report by the Justice Hema Committee, constituted by the Kerala government post the 2017 actress assault case, has revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, prompting calls for action against the guilty. In the report, 17 issues faced by women professionals in Mollywood have been highlighted, ranging from sexual harassment to pay disparity.

What’s next for Tovino Thomas?

Tovino Thomas will next be seen in L2 Empuraan alongside Mohanlal. It is the second installment in a planned trilogy, succeeding the 2019 film Lucifer. The film stars Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Sai Kumar, Alexx O'Nell, Shine Tom Chacko and others in supporting roles. The film is jointly produced by Subaskaran Allirajah of Lyca Productions and Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas. 

Tovino Thomas predominantly works in Malayalam films. He made his film debut in Prabhuvnte Makkah. He has worked in several films including Oru Mexican Aparatha, Mayanidhi, Aami, Naam, Tharangam,Oru Kuprasidha Payyan and Thallumala among others.