Hema Committee report: No ‘power group’ in Malayalam cinema, says AMMA

AMMA welcomes Hema Committee report on Malayalam film industry issues, denies existence of controlling 'power group'.

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has welcomed the K. Hema Committee report on the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry while rejecting its observation that there is a ‘power group’ that wielded significant control over it.

After being slammed for its perceived silence about the damning report released on Monday (August 19, 2024), AMMA eventually responded with its general secretary and actor Siddique addressing the media in a hurriedly-convened press conference on Friday (August 23, 2024).

“We welcome the report and the recommendations should be implemented. Contrary to certain media reports, the report is not an indictment of our organisation,” he said.

The report had revealed horrid tales of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, wage disparity and in some cases, inhuman working conditions.

Mr. Siddique denied allegations that the association had tried to stall the release of the report. “It was up to the (Kerala) government to decide whether or not to release it. In fact, the report is useful for our members too as it spoke of the need for ensuring workplace security for the women in the industry,” he said.

Stating that the association was “pained” over allegations that it was remaining silent on the findings of the report, Mr. Siddique said the organisation will not support those who had wronged the women in the industry.

He, however, rued tarnishing the entire industry based on the report. Cases should be registered against the persons found guilty of committing atrocities against women. There is no power group in the industry and we wonder who the members of this so-called power group are, he said.