The Hema Committee report has unleashed a wave of revelations about the darker side of the Malayalam film industry, prompting several victims to come forward with their harrowing experiences. Among the latest to step into the spotlight is a man who has accused prominent Mollywood filmmaker Ranjith of sexual harassment. Although the incident occurred 12 years ago, the victim has only now mustered the courage to file a formal complaint with the police, choosing to remain anonymous in the process. ALSO READ: Malayalam Actor Mukesh's First Wife Saritha Makes SHOCKING Claims Amid Sexual Assault Allegations: He Kicked Me In Stomach While I Was Pregnant
As reported by Onmanorama, the victim, originally from Kozhikode, Kerala, recounted the traumatic event to the police. He explained that Ranjith first noticed him during the filming of "Bavuttiyude Namathil," a movie that featured the iconic actor Mammootty. Ranjith allegedly approached the victim in a discreet manner, passing along his phone number on a piece of tissue paper. This seemingly casual exchange soon took a disturbing turn when they met at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru in 2012. According to the victim, Ranjith asked him to undress, expressing an unsettling interest in his physical appearance and even commenting on the beauty of his eyes. The victim, deeply traumatized, refrained from divulging further explicit details but emphasized the severity of the abuse. ALSO READ: Hema Committee Report Case: Sonia Malhar Demands Action Against ‘Womanisers’; Actress Says, ‘Might Disclose The Names To The Media’
The victim revealed that he once harboured dreams of entering the film industry, but the abuse he endured at the hands of Ranjith left him deeply scarred. After the incident, Ranjith reportedly avoided him, further compounding his sense of betrayal and isolation. Ranjith's name first surfaced in the Malayalam #MeToo movement when Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accused him of inappropriate behaviour. Her police complaint added to the growing list of allegations against industry figures, leading to significant consequences for Ranjith. On August 25, following the public disclosure of these accusations, Ranjith stepped down as the Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.
The scandal has had wider repercussions across Mollywood, leading to the resignation of superstar Mohanlal as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on August 27. Along with him, the entire executive committee also stepped down, signaling a significant shakeup within the organization. In response to the escalating crisis, a new committee is set to be formed within two months, and a rigorous investigation has been ordered to thoroughly examine the findings of the Hema report.
This unfolding drama highlights the deep-rooted issues within the Malayalam film industry and reflects the broader challenges faced by victims of abuse in seeking justice. As more voices come forward, the hope is that these revelations will lead to meaningful change and accountability within the industry.
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