“Mohanlal Breaks Silence on Hema Committee Report: Denies Fleeing, Calls for Industry Accountability”

Thiruvananthapuram: Mohanlal Responds to Hema Committee Report, Denies Fleeing

Actor Mohanlal has firmly denied any claims that he “ran away” in response to the Hema Committee report. Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, the veteran actor clarified that he had not absconded and emphasized that “AMMA” (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) is like a family, and it is not solely responsible for answering questions raised by the report.

Mohanlal stressed that the entire film industry, not just AMMA, should be accountable and that AMMA should serve as an open platform for discussions. He welcomed the Hema Committee report, acknowledging that he only had limited information from the media regarding its findings. He also mentioned that this was the first time he had heard of the alleged “power group” within the industry, dismissing the notion that AMMA should be blamed for everything.

Mohanlal explained his delayed response, citing personal reasons, including his wife’s surgery and his involvement with Baroz’s work, which kept him occupied. He also noted that several film releases were postponed due to these commitments.

He emphasized that AMMA is not a trade union but an organization founded for the welfare of its members, providing pensions, insurance, housing, and organizing medical camps. Mohanlal clarified that his decision to resign from AMMA’s responsibilities was made with the consent of all office bearers via a Google Meet.

Expressing concern for the future of the Malayalam film industry, Mohanlal warned against attempts to dismantle it. He recalled the challenging conditions when he first entered the industry, urging everyone to focus on strengthening the industry rather than tearing it apart. He also mentioned the importance of government and police action against wrongdoers, highlighting that the issue has reached the courts and affects thousands of workers.

Mohanlal stated that his resignation from AMMA was not a defeat or an escape but a response to unnecessary allegations. He acknowledged the numerous suggestions made by the Hema Committee and expressed support for any initiative that would help the industry move forward positively. He urged the police to be notified if people encounter difficulties and stressed that it is unfair to target a single organization like AMMA.

He also suggested that similar studies to the Hema Committee’s should be conducted in other languages and regions. Mohanlal concluded by emphasizing the need for justice for everyone and urged the public to support the Malayalam film industry through this crisis. He reiterated that AMMA was created to protect the actors and called for cooperation to overcome the current challenges.

Mohanlal clarified that he has no answers for questions currently under judicial consideration and urged for efforts to prevent future issues. He expressed disappointment at the sudden alienation from the organization and reiterated the purpose of AMMA in protecting actors. Mohanlal called for solidarity within the industry and urged the public to focus on the well-being of Malayalam cinema rather than individual organizations. He also mentioned the need for a junior artists’ association and encouraged everyone to work together to ensure the industry’s survival.

In conclusion, Mohanlal expressed hope that the Hema Committee would become a significant movement in Kerala and stressed that those guilty should be punished. He called for everyone to cooperate and help the industry overcome this crisis, just as Kerala overcame floods and landslides in the past.