A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.&nbsp;

Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes.

<h2>Hema Committee report: The background</h2>

What set the cat among the pigeons&nbsp;was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up&nbsp;in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent&nbsp;of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault.

AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep.

While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-three-malayalam-films-are-scripting-history-with-massive-box-office-numbers-globally-712996">Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally</a> 
 
Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month.

Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith.

<h2>What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report?</h2>

Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath.

Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion.

Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation

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Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya.

While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented.

<h2>What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings?</h2>

Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-film-producer-actor-vijay-babu-booked-for-rape-revealing-survivors-identity-on-social-media-474387">Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media</a> 
 
The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident.

Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release.

The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals.

The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to&nbsp;enter the film industry and find work. 
It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women.

It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms.

It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry.

It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom. Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes. Hema Committee report: The background What set the cat among the pigeons was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault. AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep. While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down. Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month. Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith. What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report? Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath. Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion. Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation × Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya. While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented. What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings? Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused. Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident. Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release. The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals. The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to enter the film industry and find work. It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women. It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms. It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry. It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing. (With inputs from agencies)

Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: Hema committee report leads to Siddique, Ranjith exits I Story so far

Malayalam actor Dileep's petition in the actress abduction case has been dismissed by the trial court in Kochi, Kerela.&nbsp;The actor sought discharge in the actress abduction case. 
 
The court`s decision came after the prosecution, during the hearing, requested the court to reject the petition of Dileep, an accused in the case.&nbsp;Dileep will have to face the trial in the case that has begun recently.

Sources revealed that following trial court's decision, the actor will now move the Kerala High Court.

According to the allegations, an actress was abducted and assaulted in a moving car on February 17, 2017. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malayali-star-dileep-arrested-in-malayali-actress-molestation-case-17799">Dileep was arrested</a> in connection with the case in July 2017 and after being lodged in jail for several weeks, he secured bail.

Dileep was named as a conspirator in the case and charged with revenge crime.

After securing bail, Dileep has been trying to delay the trial in the case, through legal submissions, even before the apex court.

In December 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that Dileep would not get a copy of the memory card containing footage of an alleged sexual assault.

The actor then approached the trial court which refused his demand for a copy of the records, but he and his representative were given permission to examine the records.

Malayalam actor Dileep's petition in the actress abduction case has been dismissed by the trial court in Kochi, Kerela. The actor sought discharge in the actress abduction case.

Malayalam actor Dileep's petition in the actress abduction case has been dismissed by the trial court in Kochi, Kerela. The actor sought discharge in the actress abduction case. The court`s decision came after the prosecution, during the hearing, requested the court to reject the petition of Dileep, an accused in the case. Dileep will have to face the trial in the case that has begun recently. Sources revealed that following trial court's decision, the actor will now move the Kerala High Court. According to the allegations, an actress was abducted and assaulted in a moving car on February 17, 2017. Dileep was arrested in connection with the case in July 2017 and after being lodged in jail for several weeks, he secured bail. Dileep was named as a conspirator in the case and charged with revenge crime. After securing bail, Dileep has been trying to delay the trial in the case, through legal submissions, even before the apex court. In December 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that Dileep would not get a copy of the memory card containing footage of an alleged sexual assault. The actor then approached the trial court which refused his demand for a copy of the records, but he and his representative were given permission to examine the records.

Actor Dileep's plea in actress abduction case dismissed by trial court

Ever since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, many celebrities have come out spoken in support of the movement. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have categorically refused to work with those who have been accused of sexual misconduct. And while most have spoken in support of the movement, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has called the movement a mere 'fad' with a short lifespan.&nbsp; 
 
“There is no big problem in the Malayalam industry. You shouldn’t think of the #MeToo as a movement actually. It is a fad and it is turning into something of a fashion. Anything like that will have a lifespan for a bit,” Mohanlal was quoted as saying at a press conference in Dubai in a report in Gulf News.&nbsp; 
 
The actor was in UAE &nbsp;to launch his charity fundraiser Onnanu Nammal, which is scheduled to take place on December 7. When Gulf News further prodded him about thoughts on the #MeToo movement, the actor said that he “doesn’t know much about it.”

The actor was quick to add that even men too would have their share of #MeToo stories to recount. The actor then added he will not comment on the matter as he felt that those who have experienced harassment should speak about it. 
 
Incidentally, Mohanlal is the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the primary film body of Kerala which itself has received a lot of flak for reinstating actor Dileep's membership. The move was perceived as anti-women as Dileep is a prime accused in the abduction and molestation case of a Malayalam actress. The actor is currently out on bail.&nbsp;

The Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) has even announced an open revolt against all-powerful AMMA accusing it of failing to protect the interests of its female members. 
&nbsp;

Ever since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, many celebrities have come out spoken in support of the movement. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have categorically refused to work with those who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Ever since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, many celebrities have come out spoken in support of the movement. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have categorically refused to work with those who have been accused of sexual misconduct. And while most have spoken in support of the movement, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has called the movement a mere 'fad' with a short lifespan. “There is no big problem in the Malayalam industry. You shouldn’t think of the #MeToo as a movement actually. It is a fad and it is turning into something of a fashion. Anything like that will have a lifespan for a bit,” Mohanlal was quoted as saying at a press conference in Dubai in a report in Gulf News. The actor was in UAE to launch his charity fundraiser Onnanu Nammal, which is scheduled to take place on December 7. When Gulf News further prodded him about thoughts on the #MeToo movement, the actor said that he “doesn’t know much about it.” The actor was quick to add that even men too would have their share of #MeToo stories to recount. The actor then added he will not comment on the matter as he felt that those who have experienced harassment should speak about it. Incidentally, Mohanlal is the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the primary film body of Kerala which itself has received a lot of flak for reinstating actor Dileep's membership. The move was perceived as anti-women as Dileep is a prime accused in the abduction and molestation case of a Malayalam actress. The actor is currently out on bail. The Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) has even announced an open revolt against all-powerful AMMA accusing it of failing to protect the interests of its female members.

Mohanlal on #MeToo movement: It is a fad with a limited lifespan

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Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: Hema committee report leads to Siddique, Ranjith exits I Story so far

Actor Dileep's plea in actress abduction case dismissed by trial court

Mohanlal on #MeToo movement: It is a fad with a limited lifespan