Malayalam film industry plunges into fresh turmoil as actress alleges sexual abuse; spotlight falls on four male actors

Malayalam film industry burst on to national news headlines on Monday for all the wrong reasons when a female actor accused four prominent male actors, including CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh, of sexual abuse.

The accusations instantly intensified turmoil in an industry already under scrutiny from the Justice K Hema Committee’s findings of harassment. Following these allegations, Yuva Morcha and Mahila Congress members marched towards Mukesh’s residence in Kollam, demanding a case be filed and his resignation, news agency PTI reported.

Mukesh has yet to respond to these accusations. The female actor also implicated three other notable actors in the Malayalam film industry in her allegations of sexual abuse.


In response to these emerging allegations, actor Maniyanpilla Raju has called for a comprehensive investigation.

"Some people will try to capitalize on the situation. Among those accused, there will be both innocent and guilty parties. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary," PTI quoted Raju as saying.

This development follows the resignation of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their leadership roles in a state-run film academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), respectively, amid sexual abuse allegations.

Having come under rising public pressure, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting with senior police officials. He announced the formation of a seven-member special team to investigate the reported abuse faced by women actors in the industry.

A report by the Justice Hema Committee, formed by the Kerala government following the 2017 actress assault case, has documented instances of harassment and exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema. This has led to increased calls for action against the accused.