Mohanlal Silent On MeToo Culprits In 1st Press Conference Since Hema Committee Report | 13 Takeaways

Mohanlal Press Conference: The actor made his first public appearance after the explosive findings of the Hema Committee Report to attend the logo launch of the Kerala Cricket Academy on August 31 in Thiruvananthapuram. Addressing the media at the event, the former President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) called for action against those accused in the sexual assault matter while also defending the governing body and stating that the situation is worse in other industries. At the press event, the Barroz actor also addressed his continued silence for days after the committee published its report and the subsequent dissolution of the AMMA executive committee. He reasoned that he was tending to his wife who underwent surgery last week and was also occupied with the post-production work of his film. 

While the veteran actor spoke at length about the various sexual abuse and misconduct that have plagued the Malayalam film industry, he skipped the mentioned of any accused. For the unversed actor Siddique who was the former chairman of the AMMA, a governmening body led by Mohanlal, has also been accused of sexual abuse. Here are the key takeaways from the actor's first address. 
 

1. ‘I have not run away anywhere’

Since the findings of the Hema Committee Report were made public, all eyes had turned to industry bigwigs like Mohanlal to issue a statement on the condition of the industry. The demands for the actor to issue a statement severed after his resignation from the AMMA president position. Addressing why he took a long time to break his silence, the 64-year-old actor shared, "Last 47 years I have been with you. I have not run away anywhere. I was not in Kerala for the last several days. I was with my wife who underwent surgery."

2.'I welcome the observations of the committee'

Mohanlal also shared that the findings of the Hema Committee Report are the need of the hour for the industry. He shared, "We welcome the Hema Committee report. It was the correct decision by the government to release that report. We welcome that. I was AMMA president for the last two terms. The entire Malayalam cinema is answerable for the resignation of the executive members" He added that he had already given his statement to the committee twice. First, as an actor and then as a producer.

3.'I have not read the Hema Committee report' 

Mohanlal assured his fans that he would do everything in his power to make things right. He also shared that all complaints made by the junior artists are also being investigated. The actor added, "Problems faced by junior artists are also being looked into...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."

4.'AMMA is not a trade union'

The actor served as the President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). However, he stepped down from the position after members of the governing body were accused of sexual assault. This also led to the en masse resignations of the 17-member executive committee. The actor justified, “AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) is not a trade union. It is like a family. Unfortunately, the association is being hounded. We have done a lot of good work for its members. The state of affairs in our industry is better than other film industries.”

5.‘Don’t destroy what we as artists have tried to build over the years’

The veteran star urged the media not to taint the image of AMMA as it is a body that has been working hard for years. He added, “Don’t destroy what we as artists have tried to build over the years. Over 10,000 people are earning their bread and butter in this industry. Let us all stand together to find a solution for the better functioning of the industry.”

6. 'These issues are beyond my capacity to address'

Mohanlal also asserted that the ongoing issues in the Malayalam film industry can be best resolved by the government and lawmakers. He shared, "These issues are beyond my capacity to address. It is up to the government to take action and ensure justice. If individuals in the film industry have committed such acts, they should be punished. That's my personal view."

7. ‘It is unfair to blame everyone for the actions of a few’

The superstar remarked "The Malayalam film industry is known for its dedication and hard work. It is important to remember that the industry comprises many people and it is unfair to blame everyone for the actions of a few."

8. 'Actors are deeply affected by it' 

Mohanlal stated that the AMMA is a body that is built after subsequent hard work. He asserted that while those in the wrong must be punished, the entire industry should not be targeted. He explained, "We need to reconstruct this industry. Actors in this industry are people who get excited and emotional very quickly, and when something like this happens, they are deeply affected by it."

9.'We cannot change the law for anyone' 

Absorbing AMMA from responsibility the actor shared, "AMMA cannot answer all the questions. Everybody should be asked these questions. This is a very hard-working industry. A lot of people are involved in this, but not everyone is to be blamed. The responsible ones will be punished. The investigation is underway. We cannot change the law for anyone; those involved will be punished. Don't destroy the industry."

10.'We are helpless here' 

The actor further assured that an investigation is ongoing and the only thing that can be done is to wait for the solution. He asserted, "The investigation will definitely happen. We cannot suddenly come up with a solution. Problems faced by junior artists are also being looked at. Suddenly, there is an explosion of names coming out."

Mohanlal further justified, "We are helpless here. We will cooperate in the investigation process. We are only here to make things right."

11.'It is the police's task to punish the culprits' 

While speaking on the sidelines of the KCA event, the actor also shared, “The culprits should definitely be brought before the law. That is the task of the police. We will cooperate in every way possible.” He also appealed to the media to not malign the image of the Malayalam Film industry in general as the livelihood of several people depends on it.

12. 'The state of affairs in our industry is better than other film industries'

In the same press meet, the actor made another controversial statement. While he stated that the accused must be punished and enquiries must be held to protect the victims, he added that the condition of Mollywood is better than other industries. He shared, “We (AMMA) have done a lot of good work for its members. The state of affairs in our industry is better than other film industries.” For the unversed, the ripple effects of the Justice Hema Committee Report have spilt over to Tollywood and Kollywood as well, with women artists in Tamil, Telugu and Bengali cinema demanding a safer workplace.  

13. 'Other industries should also have a Hema Committee report'

Mohanlal also remarked, "Other industries should also have a Hema Committee report. Let this be a significant moment in the film industry, starting with Malayalam cinema."