THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malayalam film industry is going through a “huge crisis” and it is unfair to blame Association of Malayalam Movie Artists alone as there are 21 such forums, actor Mohanlal said Saturday in his first reaction to allegations of harassment after release of the Hema Committee report.
Speaking after inaugurating Kerala Cricket League, Mohanlal asserted that he was not part of any “power group”, nor was he aware of such groups.He argued that the entire film industry should be held answerable for issues raised in the report.
“Movies are only one part of society, and all sectors have such issues. The Hema Committee report is welcome. I have deposed before it (the panel) as an actor and producer. I have told them what I know,” Mohanlal said.
The actor pointed out that AMMA did not have characteristics of a trade union and was like a family founded to help artistes. “I resigned as AMMA president because we found its executive committee and I were getting blamed for everything, when entire Malayalam movie industry is answerable,” he said.
Maintaining that he does not have “answers to everything”, Mohanlal expressed fears that the industry, which employed thousands, could collapse. “I don’t have an ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Please don’t blame only us. There is a system, a govt, police and courts. My view is that anyone who has committed a mistake should be punished,” he said. At the same time, he indicated it was time to “start a clean-up” and “take things forward for a better future”. “Let’s start with the Malayalam industry. This is a crisis. There is a need to reconstruct the industry.”
The actor batted for an association that would represent junior artistes – several of whom have alleged harassment after the report’s release.