Mammootty echoes Mohanlal on Hema report, denies 'power group' in Malayalam cinema: 'I was silent because...'
Mammootty's comments follow closely on the heels of Mohanlal's response, as the industry grapples with the fallout of the Hema Committee report.
Updated : September 01, 2024 02:01 PM ISTMammootty's comments follow closely on the heels of Mohanlal's response, as the industry grapples with the fallout of the Hema Committee report.
Mammootty and Mohanlal
Malayalam superstar Mammootty has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the Hema Committee report, which has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. His comments come shortly after his colleague Mohanlal, who recently stepped down as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), also spoke out on the matter.
The Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in the wake of a sexual assault against a popular actress to investigate the safety concerns of women working in the Malayalam film industry. The report, which is now under court review, has sparked intense debate, with several prominent figures in the industry coming under scrutiny.
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Mammootty echoed Mohanlal’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to approach the issue with a balanced perspective. He cautioned against demonizing the entire film industry, asserting that the problems within cinema are a reflection of broader societal issues. "Cinema is a reflection of society, and all the good and bad within society can also be found in cinema. The film industry is something that society closely observes, which is why even the smallest occurrences within it become topics of extensive discussion. It is crucial for those working in this field to be vigilant and careful to prevent anything undesirable from happening," Mammootty said in a statement.
Mammootty expressed his full support for the recommendations of the Hema Committee report, urging the industry to unite in implementing its suggestions. He stressed the importance of allowing the legal process to take its course, with ongoing police investigations and the court's eventual judgment playing a crucial role in addressing the allegations.
"The practice of the actors' organization and leadership is to respond first to such matters. I waited this long to express my opinion because I believe that as a member, one should speak only after official responses are made," Mammootty explained, justifying his initial silence. He also dismissed the notion that the film industry is dominated by "power centres," insisting that such influence does not exist within cinema.