Kerala: The Malayalam film industry is already in hot water as some famous film actors have been accused of sexual harassment. This time, it is the turn of actress Minu Muneer, who has specifically named these men as sexually harassing her: the popular M. Mukesh and Jayasurya. These allegations have caused a stir in the industry, bringing to light the complex issues of women’s security and welfare in the male-dominated industry.
Background: A Storm of Accusations
The timing of these rules is most novel. Just when Mollywood was horrified by director Ranjith and actor Siddique turning in their resignations from AMMA due to similar use of the internet, Minu Muneer lament aroused even more controversy. Meenu’s story illustrates the pattern in which women in the film industry become victims of social media outrages, followed by harassment amongst themselves.
The Hrithik Roshan Case: Police brutality on screen
In a bold post on Facebook, Minu Muneer covered her experience in producing a film in 2013 in quite some detail. She accused four of them, M. Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu and Jayasurya, of both verbal and physical violence against her during the shoot. The most disturbing of such incidents, as recounted by Meenu, took place when she was allegedly hugging Jayasurya after she emerged from the washroom and went to hug him, only to have him kiss her as he embraced her. This particularly horrendous account illustrates the erosion of basic professional and social etiquette on some film sets, where power relations tend to protect criminals and silence victims.
Minu Muneer, a victim speaking to NDTV, amplified the traumatic suffering she suffered. She stated that however much they try to fight these injustices and have their voices heard. They are usually ignored or met with opposition. She has to be commended for taking the bold step to speak out and pursue a path of accountability and justice.
Additional Charges: Improper Conduct by an AMMA Office Bearer
In an even more shocking episode, such an event was narrated by Minu Muneer about an official of AMMA, Edavela Babu, who served as its secretary. When she went to apply for association membership. Babu allegedly asked her to come to his flat to sort things out regarding her application. Once such an invitation is given, such behaviour is reported when she relented. This incident brings forth the misuse of authority and the kind of exploitation that women are frequently subjected to in trying to move up in the film industry.
The Aftermath: Could No Longer Work and Leave the Industry
Such incidents took their toll on Meenu Munir for all these acts. She had come out to resist any abuses, but that became more difficult. And the character of the industry compelled her to quit the Malayalam film industry. She shifted to Chennai, and upon departure. She had to sacrifice her flourishing profession because of the dreadful situations she was subjected to. Such a saga is a pertinent reminder of the impact on careers. And personal lives of persons who suffer from sexual harassment at the workplace.
Demand for Justice and Investigation :
Minu Muneer is not only going for her justice. But she wants to highlight the large crippling effect of sexual harassment where it matters. She clarified that action should be taken against anyone. Who erred when she was a victim, and such behaviour should not be accepted. Due to her accusations, actor Maniyanpilla Raju concurs that a serious investigation should be undertaken. There is recognition that violence has occurred, and there is a need for justice.
Government Action: Constituting A Special Investigation Team
Governor Pinarayi Vijayan answered the government’s urgent pleas about how women are treated in the Malayalam film industry. After the elite Courtesy meeting, the Chief Minister announced. A special seven-member team was set up to investigate the crimes against female actresses. This indicates that the government is taking the issue seriously and is determined to deliver justice.
