Mohanlal Denies Power Group Allegations in Malayalam Cinema

B Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), denied the existence of 'power groups' in the Malayalam cinema industry, acknowledging strong commercial alliances but rejecting the idea of secret lobbies aimed at isolating individuals. This comes in the wake of the Justice Hema Committee report, which detailed allegations of sexual harassment and gender inequality, with actor Mohanlal also asserting his lack of knowledge regarding any such groups and expressing concern over the industry's portrayal in media. Mohanlal emphasized the collective responsibility of the industry while defending the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) as a supportive family rather than a trade union. He resigned as AMMA's president in light of the report's findings, calling for accountability but urging that the entire industry should not be scapegoated. Both Unnikrishnan and Mohanlal acknowledged the industry's challenges but stressed the need for its protection and reconstruction, with Mohanlal advocating for punitive measures against wrongdoers. The Hema Committee report has sparked significant discussions and protests regarding the treatment of women in the industry.