'Lot Of Exploitation In Malayalam Film Industry': Actor Accuses Co-Stars Of Sexual Harassment After Hema Committee Report

After Justice K Hema Committee revealed the sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, actor Minu Muneer on Monday (26 August) made similar accusations against stars M Mukesh and Jayasurya.

The accusations surfaced just a day after director Ranjith and actor Siddique stepped down from their roles in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following comparable allegations.

In a Facebook post, the actor alleged that four of her co-stars—Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and Jayasurya—had subjected her to both physical and verbal harassment during the filming of a movie in 2013.

"I had gone to the toilet and when I came out, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me without my consent. I was shocked and I ran out," Minu told NDTV adding about more work offers if she consents.

In a separate incident, the actor claimed to reach out to AMMA secretary Idavela Babu for a membership application, when she was physically assaulted under the guise of completing the application process.

Minu has also alleged that actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh blocked her membership after she rejected his advances and claimed, "There is a lot of exploitation in the Malayalam film industry."

She said that when the abuse became unbearable, she left the Malayalam film industry and relocated to Chennai. However, she is still seeking justice and accountability for the trauma and suffering.

Meanwhile, actor Maniyanpilla Raju, who is also accused by Minu, rejected the allegations by saying that vested interests are behind it and demanded a comprehensive investigation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that a seven-member special team will be formed to probe the atrocities faced by women actors, as the pressure mounts due to the Hema Committee report.