Escalating Scandal: Harassment Allegations Shake Malayalam Film Industry

The Malayalam film industry is in turmoil as multiple harassment allegations have surfaced, implicating prominent figures. Following the Justice K Hema Committee report, acclaimed filmmaker Ranjith faces charges, and actresses have accused actors including MLA M Mukesh of misconduct. A special investigation team has been formed to probe these claims.

The fallout from the Justice K Hema Committee report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry intensified on Monday. A case was charged against well-known filmmaker Ranjith, and several female actors have stepped forward with disturbing accounts of mistreatment by their male counterparts.

The charges against Ranjith arose after a Bengali actress lodged a complaint with the Kochi City Police Commissioner. She alleged that Ranjith had touched her inappropriately after inviting her to act in the movie 'Paleri Manikyam' in 2009, leading to a case registered under IPC Section 354.

Adding to the controversy, actress Minu Muneer and others have accused prominent actors, including MLA M Mukesh, Jayasurya, and Maniyanpilla Raju, of sexual abuse. The state government is under pressure to act, with a special investigation team now probing the allegations. On the same day, junior artist accused actor Baburaj of sexual assault, which he denied.

(With inputs from agencies.)