Mammootty Breaks Silence On MeToo Scandal In Mollywood, Says 'No Power Groups In Cinema'

Mammottyy, who was being slammed for maintaining silence over the ongoing #MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry, has finally reacted. The veteran actor took to his social media handle to address the issue and revealed the reason behind his silence. In his lengthy note, he also asserted that there is "no power centre" in Mollywood and appealed to the police to investigate the allegations honestly. The superstar's response came just a day after Mohanlal addressed the media and said neither was a part of any “power group” in the industry nor was he aware of any such group.

Waited this much because…: Mammootty

Taking to his Facebook handle, Mammootty penned a note in Malayalam which we loosely translated into English.  The actor stated that he was waiting for the official statement of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) to come first. "This post is regarding the developments that the Malayalam film industry is currently witnessing. The organisational process is that first, the leadership will react. I waited this long because I believe that I, as a member, should comment only after such official responses,” he wrote.

He further mentioned that cinema is a reflection of society and all the good and bad is in the movie too. The film industry is something that the society pays close attention to. Thus all things happening there, small or big will become topics of big discussion. He asserted, “Film personnel need to be careful and vigilant so that nothing untoward happens in this realm.”

There is no 'power centre' in the cinema

Welcoming the Hema Committee report, Mammootty added that the body was formed by the government after something "unfortunate and untoward" happened to study the film industry and prepare a report to suggest solutions and recommend measures (to prevent the same). he referred to the 2017 assault case where an actress levelled charges at a popular actor.

“We wholeheartedly welcome and support the recommendations and solutions outlined in that report. It is high time that all associations in the film industry join hands without distinction to implement them. The police investigation is proceeding vigorously on the complaints that have been raised. The full version of the Justice Hema Committee report is before the court. Let the police investigate honestly. Let the court decide the punishments,” he concluded.

Mammootty's response has come almost a fortnight after the release of the Hema Committee report. Soon after several actresses stepped forward levelling allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent male figures of Malayalam cinema.