‘Abuse became unbearable’: Malayalam actors Rajnith, Baburaj and others face renewed accusations of sexual harassment of artistes

The situation surrounding the Justice K. Hema Committee report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has become increasingly tense.

A case has been filed against well-known filmmaker Ranjith after a Bengali actress filed a formal complaint with the Kochi City Police Commissioner on Monday.

This has led to several actresses coming forward with their own disturbing experiences of mistreatment by male colleagues. The report has clearly sparked a significant shift in how these issues are addressed within the industry. PTI reported.

Also read: Malayalam director Ranjith resigns as head of Kerala Chalachitra Academy after Sreelekha accused of touching her skin

The complaint against filmmaker Ranjith alleges that he inappropriately touched the Bengali actress with sexual intent after inviting her to act in the film Paleri Manikyam in 2009. This led to the registration of a case under IPC section 354, which relates to assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman, according to Kochi Police Commissioner S. Syamsundar.

Besides Ranjith's case, actress Minu Muneer has made serious allegations of sexual abuse against several notable personalities in the Malayalam film industry, including well-known actors M. Mukesh (who is also an MLA), Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, and small-time actress Idavela Babu, who holds an important position in the actors' association.

On Monday, a well-known actress from the 1990s added to the mounting allegations by accusing a well-known filmmaker of past misconduct.

Also read: 'Invited me for dinner and…': Young artist says Malayalam actor Baburaj sexually abused her at his house in Aluva

In a Facebook post, Minu Muneer said, “I am writing to report a number of cases of physical and verbal abuse that I have suffered in the Malayalam film industry at the hands of 1. Mukesh, 2. Maniyan Pilla Raju, 3. Idavela Babu, 4. Jayasoorya (Jayasurya), 5. Adv Chandrasekaran, 6. Production Manager Noble and Vichu.”

“In 2013, I was physically and verbally abused by these individuals while working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working, but the abuse became unbearable,” claimed the actress, who signed her Facebook post as Minu Kurian.

Except for Maniyanpilla Raju, none of the actors responded. On the same day, a young artist accused Baburaj, an actor known for his villainous roles, of sexual assault.

Baburaj, an office-bearer of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), denied the allegations and alleged that it was an attempt by film industry vested interests to prevent him from becoming the general secretary of AMMA and replacing Siddique, who resigned on Sunday amid similar allegations.

Meanwhile, serious and detailed revelations about sexual harassment charges against two-time CPI(M) MP M Mukesh have embarrassed the state government.

Also read: Malayalam actor Minu Muneer alleges sexual abuse: ‘Pull me on the bed and say…’; Mukesh, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya under fire

Although the opposition parties accused the left-wing government of providing protection to sex offenders, their party leadership defended itself by saying that a special investigative commission had been set up to examine the allegations.

But the continuing allegations against Mukesh, who represents Kollam constituency in Parliament, have put the CPI(M)-led government under pressure. On Sunday, a molestation allegation made by a woman years ago against Mukesh also resurfaced.

Hours after Minu Muneer made allegations against Mukesh on Monday, Yuva Morcha and Mahila Congress workers organised separate protest marches to his residence in Kollam, demanding that action be taken against him and that he resign from his mandate as a legislator.

Also read: Outrage alone is useless to ensure women’s safety

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said he expected Mukesh to resign, just like Ranjith and Siddique. Reacting to the revelations against Mukesh, Higher Education Minister R Bindhu said every allegation against a person must be verified on the basis of facts.

“The culprits should be punished. Innocent people should not be punished,” she told the media here. Noted writer Sara Joseph and Kerala Chalachitra Academy vice-chairman Premkumar raised objections to the alleged inclusion of Mukesh in the film policy committee of the state government's upcoming cinema conclave.

“The inclusion of Mukesh in the panel is ridiculous. If he has any self-respect left, he should resign as MP,” Joseph said.

Mukesh claims that he was targeted by vested interests as a CPI(M) MP. The actress who accused him has also accused three other well-known Malayalam actors of sexual abuse.

Also read: Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: Actor Siddique files complaint against Revathy Sampath over harassment allegations

Actor Maniyanpilla Raju is demanding a comprehensive investigation. “Some people will try to capitalize on the situation,” he says. “Among the accused, there will be both innocent and guilty. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary.”

Meanwhile, lead actor Prithviraj demanded remedial action and a comprehensive investigation from AMMA into the various allegations. This comes a day after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their leadership positions in Kerala Chalachitra Academy and AMMA respectively following allegations of sexual abuse against them.