Mindaathirikku’’ [keep quiet] has been the strong but unstated message to women in Malayalam cinema. “Shut up! And put up with whatever is thrown your way. Be grateful you are still getting work”—That’s the nauseating subtext of all that is rotten in the state of Mollywood. Hopefully, this toxic environment is about to change, now that the Justice K. Hema committee report has been made public. It has dominated the media discourse ever since.
Unfortunately, legendary actor Mohanlal has become embroiled in the controversy, after he resigned as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), along with most members of the executive committee, as soon as victims started speaking out. Mohanlal started his career as a villain and went on to dominate Malayalam cinema, along with his contemporary, Mammootty. This column is not about vilifying Mohanlal. It is to provide a perspective. In an interview, back in 2018, when Mohanlal was asked to comment on the #MeToo movement, he airily dismissed it. He called it a “trend” and shrugged it off with a jeer, “We [men] can also start #MeToo.”
Mohanlal is a powerful, well-connected actor, director, producer, distributor, singer with more than 350 films over four decades to back him. He is popularly known as “the universal star’’ and “the complete actor”, whose net worth is pegged at Rs370 crore, making him the highest paid actor in Malayalam cinema. So Mohanlal, more than any other individual is—and was—in a position to address the myriad problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Perhaps, the same women he has acted with. The film industry works like a close unit, a fraternity. It’s a pretty small world, united by a passion for cinema. And, yet, when it came to helping victims who have endured years of discrimination, ignominy, insults and abuse, Mohanlal chose to resign and not assume any responsibility. This is not leadership.
Mohanlal addressing the media on his stand related to Justice Hema committee report | J. Suresh
Personally, his conduct came as a huge shock. I have been a diehard admirer of Mohanlal (and Mammootty) for years, having followed their careers, watched their films and admired their extraordinary talent as actors par excellence. I have hailed both men publicly, describing them as the most accomplished thespians in India. They deserve the same adulation fans heap on Bollywood heroes. Suddenly, an idol has diminished himself in my eyes. “Don’t destroy Malayalam film industry,” Mohanlal thundered.
It was only after the all-India outrage that Mohanlal bothered to pledge support and take a serious look at what his women colleagues are agitating about. Mammootty has distanced himself from AMMA and backed the recommendations and solutions in the Hema committee report. A bit late in the day for that. Further, it was unnecessary for him to add, “There is no power group in cinema,” echoing Mohanlal’s vehement declaration, “I am not part of any power group.” These statements don’t help boost the confidence of victims. The same old clichés are being trotted out, like ‘we will cooperate with the investigation’. Where was his conscience when actor Dileep, who was an accused in the abduction and sexual assault of a female actor in 2017, was reinstated in AMMA by Mohanlal and cohorts, despite protests?
Mohanlal said he did not run away, and that he is not a coward. I am scratching my head to find politer words to describe his attitude and the callous disregard shown by his team, when the nasty news went national. It is too late for excuses, cover-ups and justifications.
Stand up, be counted. Remaining neutral, or on the sidelines, is an unheroic position for men who have been venerated as living legends by fans.
@DeShobhaa @shobhaade