MeToo: Parvathy slams Mohanlal-led film body's mass resignation as 'cowardly'
Prominent actor Parvathy Thiruvothu has criticized the mass resignation of the Mohanlal-led executive panel from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following the release of a report on sexual harassment within the industry. Parvathy described the move as a "cowardly act" and highlighted the presence of an authoritarian rule in AMMA. She also expressed her relief at having resigned from the association earlier.
Parvathy criticizes AMMA's lack of accountability
In a recent interview with Barkha Dutt's Mojo Story, Parvathy shared her initial reaction to the mass resignation of AMMA's governing body. She said, "The first thought I had when I heard the news about the collective resignation was - 'how cowardly.' How cowardly of them to step away from a position where they are now accountable to speak to media?" "Again, the onus falls on us, women, to take the conversation and the debates forward."
'AMMA welcomed prime accused of sexual assault back'
Parvathy criticized AMMA for welcoming actor Dileep, the prime accused in a sexual assault case, back into the association while the case was still ongoing. She said, "This is the same executive committee that claimed none of these things actually exist at all until the allegations against them came out." "It'd would have been amazing if they had atleast shown the intention of working with the government and stakeholders to figure a way out."
'Government was also careless,' says Parvathy
Parvathy criticized the government for its lack of sensitivity. She said, "The government was also careless to make statements like, 'If women have complaints, they should just file an FIR and come up with the names." "The entire onus is put on women to name and shame and take the brunt of it after that." "After that, what happens to us in our career, life, legal fees and mental health issues - no one gives a damn about that."
Parvathy highlights the need for better leadership in AMMA
Parvathy also shed light on the fear-induced environment within AMMA that prevents members from speaking up for their rights. She said, "AMMA has a massive membership and I think it will benefit them to have better leadership at this point in time." She added, "It's a fear-induced atmosphere, and you cannot speak up for your rights. It was an authoritarian space, for sure."
AMMA executive panel's resignation followed Hema Committee report
The mass resignation of the AMMA executive panel, led by actor Mohanlal, occurred on August 27, following the public release of the Hema Committee report. The report exposed widespread sexual harassment, casting couch practices, pay disparities, and systemic issues within the industry. The decision to resign was made during an online meeting convened by Mohanlal to address the allegations and criticisms against the association. Over 15 cases have been registered amid the Malayalam film industry's #MeToo movement.
