The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : A total of 17 cases have been filed concerning sexual harassment allegations that have rocked the Malayalam film industry, culminating in the dissolution of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). This scandal has led to the scrutiny of various prominent figures within the industry, including film stars and filmmakers.
The latest complaint comes from actor Sonia Malhaar, who alleges that she was molested by an unnamed actor on a film set in 2013. Malhaar has filed her complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Kerala government to address the ‘#MeToo’ crisis in the industry. She has also requested that actor Jayasurya not be linked to her allegations.
In addition, actor Minu Muneer, who has previously accused actors M. Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu of harassment, has reported receiving threatening messages since making her accusations public. Muneer shared a screenshot of one such threat on social media, highlighting the ongoing intimidation faced by those speaking out. She detailed an incident with Jayasurya, claiming he hugged her from behind and kissed her without consent during a film shoot, while offering additional work in exchange for compliance.
Muneer also alleged that former AMMA secretary Idavela Babu invited her to his apartment under the pretense of assisting with AMMA membership but then physically abused her. Additionally, she claimed that actor Mukesh, an MLA from the ruling CPM, denied her AMMA membership after she rejected his advances.
In her statements, Muneer emphasized the widespread exploitation within the Malayalam film industry and expressed frustration over the lack of support she encountered when she moved to Chennai. Her experiences serve as a stark reminder of the systemic issues and underscore the urgent need for significant reforms and robust support systems for victims of harassment.
In response to the accusations, actor Mukesh has expressed his willingness to undergo a thorough investigation to clear his name. Mukesh has claimed that actor Minu Muneer previously sought financial assistance from him and attempted to blackmail him. “This group, which has been persistently blackmailing me for money, has now chosen to target me at this opportune moment,” Mukesh stated.
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