South Indian Films specially Malayalam movies got hype after covid times on OTT platform. We call it Mollywood and we have seen its highs—award-winning films and a passionate global fanbase—and its lows, especially the systemic issues harming its women. The Justice Hema Committee report, released in August 2024, sparked a #MeToo wave, exposing a grim reality of sexual harassment, exploitation, and power imbalances. Female actors have bravely shared their stories, naming prominent figures, while political ties seem to protect some accused, like Shine Tom Chacko. Here’s a human look at the reported cases and the political dynamics at play, based on what’s known as of April 18, 2025.
The Justice Hema Committee: A Wake-Up Call
In 2017, the abduction and assault of actress Bhavana Menon shocked Kerala, leading to the formation of the Justice Hema Committee, led by retired Justice K. Hema, actress Sharada, and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari. Their 290-page report, submitted in 2019 but made public in August 2024, revealed a “mafia-like” control by 10–15 male producers, directors, and actors. It listed 17 types of exploitation, from demands for sexual favors to no basic facilities like women’s restrooms, and a fear-driven silence among victims. The report, though redacting names for privacy, triggered 17 FIRs by August 2024 and gave women the courage to speak out.
Cases Reported by Female Actors
The #MeToo movement in Mollywood gained momentum as women named their abusers, facing immense personal risk. Here are the key cases:
Vincy Aloshious vs. Shine Tom Chacko (April 2025) Allegation: Vincy Aloshious lodged a complaint with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, accusing Shine Tom Chacko of harassing her and others while under the influence of drugs during the filming of Soothravakyam. Vincy first shared her trauma anonymously on Instagram, describing a lead actor’s inappropriate behavior, before naming Chacko. She said the experience made finishing the film agonizing.
Context: The complaint came after a police raid on a Kochi hotel on April 16, 2025, where Chacko allegedly fled during an anti-narcotics operation. CCTV footage showed him escaping, amplifying public outrage. The Excise Department planned to question Vincy, and AMMA vowed to act, with official Jayan Cherthala stating, “AMMA can never condone such behavior.”
Outcome: No FIR has been filed yet, but the case has stirred debate, with social media praising Vincy’s bravery and questioning AMMA’s consistency.
Minu Muneer vs. M. Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and Others (August 2024) Allegation: Minu Muneer accused CPI(M) MLA and actor M. Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and others of sexual misconduct. She claimed Mukesh and Jayasurya attempted to assault her on sets, Idavela Babu misbehaved during an AMMA membership process, and Maniyanpilla Raju acted improperly in a car. A junior artist also accused Baburaj and director Sreekumar Menon of assault, alleging Chacko arranged a meeting for a role that led to misconduct.
Context: Minu’s detailed media interviews led to FIRs against Mukesh (rape, non-bailable), Jayasurya (sexual harassment), and others. She withdrew her complaints in November 2024, citing “lack of support from society, government, and media” and a false POCSO case against her, showing how survivors are silenced.
Outcome: Mukesh was arrested but bailed, Jayasurya faces ongoing investigations, and others denied the claims. The withdrawal highlighted systemic barriers.
Sonia Malhaar vs. Unnamed Actor (August 2024) Allegation: Sonia Malhaar filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), alleging molestation by an actor on a 2013 film set. She clarified it wasn’t Jayasurya, urging media to stop speculating.
Outcome: The SIT is investigating, with no recent updates.
Sreelekha Mitra vs. Ranjith (August 2024) Allegation: Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accused director Ranjith of inappropriate touching during a 2009 film discussion. Her emailed complaint led to an FIR for a non-bailable offense.
Context: Ranjith, then chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, resigned, calling the allegations “politically motivated.”
Outcome: The case continues, with Ranjith denying the claims.
Unnamed Actress vs. Siddique (August 2024) Allegation: A female actor accused AMMA general secretary Siddique of sexually assaulting her at 21, luring her to a meeting with a film role promise. She described a “terrifying” incident involving a locked door.
Context: Siddique resigned from AMMA and filed a counter-complaint, alleging a “criminal conspiracy.” An FIR was registered for rape and criminal intimidation.
Outcome: Siddique secured Supreme Court anticipatory bail, and the case remains unresolved.
Bhavana Menon Assault Case (2017) Allegation: Bhavana Menon was abducted and assaulted in a moving car on February 17, 2017. Actor Dileep, her co-star, was named the eighth accused, charged with criminal conspiracy. The assault was filmed to blackmail her.
Context: This case led to the Hema Committee and the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). Dileep was arrested, bailed, and the case lingers.
Outcome: No conviction yet, exposing judicial delays.
Sreedevika vs. Thulasidas (August 2024) Allegation: Actress Sreedevika alleged director Thulasidas repeatedly knocked on her hotel room door late at night during the 2006 shoot of Avan Chandiyude Makan. Her mother intervened, and AMMA ignored her 2018 complaint.
Outcome: The SIT is investigating, with no further action reported.
Unnamed Writer vs. V.K. Prakash (August 2024) Allegation: A young female writer accused director V.K. Prakash of attempting to kiss and force her onto a bed during a script discussion at a Kollam hotel.
Outcome: The SIT is reviewing, with no updates.
Divya Gopinath vs. Alencier (2018, Revisited 2024) Allegation: Divya Gopinath accused actor Alencier of misconduct during a shoot. Alencier admitted to some inappropriate behavior under alcohol’s influence but disputed the extent, apologizing. Divya reported to AMMA in 2018 but got no support, losing work.
Outcome: No action post-2018; the Hema report revived the issue.
Junior Artist vs. Baburaj, Sreekumar Menon, and Shine Tom Chacko (August 2024) Allegation: An anonymous junior artist alleged Baburaj assaulted her at his Aluva home in 2019, luring her with a role. She accused Sreekumar Menon of molestation at a Kochi hotel and claimed Chacko facilitated a meeting that led to misconduct.
Outcome: The SIT is probing, with no confirmed FIRs.
Political Support and Protection
Kerala’s film industry and politics are deeply intertwined, with some accused actors shielded by affiliations, especially with the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). This has fueled accusations of selective protection, notably for M. Mukesh and, to a lesser extent, Shine Tom Chacko.M. Mukesh: CPI(M) MLA’s Shield Political Backing: As a CPI(M) MLA from Kollam, Mukesh faced protests from the Congress and BJP after Minu Muneer’s allegations, demanding his resignation. The CPI(M) defended him, with ministers citing the SIT’s formation as action enough. Mukesh called the allegations a “political conspiracy” tied to his MLA role. His inclusion in a state film policy committee drew ire from writer Sara Joseph, who called it “ridiculous.”
Impact: Mukesh’s arrest and quick bail, with no resignation, suggest CPI(M) protection. The party’s stance has fueled perceptions of shielding its own.
Shine Tom Chacko: Industry Tolerance, Not Direct Politics Allegations and Context: Chacko’s troubles include a 2015 cocaine case (acquitted in 2024 due to police errors), Vincy’s harassment claims, a junior artist’s accusation of facilitating misconduct, and his April 2025 hotel raid escape. These paint a troubled picture.
Political Support?: Chacko holds no political office, unlike Mukesh, but his career resilience raises questions. He called his 2015 arrest a result of being an “ordinary person” without “clout,” yet starred in hits like Kurup and Bheeshma Parvam. AMMA’s quick response to Vincy’s complaint contrasts with its silence on Mukesh, leading social media to speculate Chacko is a scapegoat to protect bigger names. One user wrote, “These are the same folks who’ve been siding with literal rapists. For them, drug use is clearly a bigger crime than SA.”
Impact: No direct CPI(M) link exists, but Chacko’s ability to secure roles despite controversies suggests industry leniency, possibly from influential figures. His acquittal and ongoing projects hint at indirect protection.
Wider Political Dynamics CPI(M) and LDF Influence: The LDF government, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, formed the SIT, but critics call it a hollow move. The opposition alleges the government protects predators like Mukesh due to CPI(M) ties. The Hema report’s delayed release (2019–2024) and initial resistance from Culture Minister Saji Cherian fueled suspicions of a cover-up.
AMMA’s Role: AMMA, led by figures like Mohanlal, denied systemic issues until its August 2024 dissolution after Siddique’s resignation. Its selective response to Chacko’s case versus silence on Mukesh suggests political pressures.
Opposition Push: The Congress and BJP have demanded accountability, but their protests haven’t led to legal consequences for most accused, reflecting the LDF’s political dominance.
The Human Cost and Industry Crisis
These women’s courage has forced a reckoning, but the toll is heavy. Minu’s withdrawal after facing a false POCSO case shows how survivors are intimidated. Vincy’s stand, risking her career, is seen as “radical,” with social media noting Mollywood’s history of targeting vocal women like Bhavana and Parvathy.
The industry is in turmoil. AMMA’s collapse and resignations signal change, but no convictions—Dileep’s case drags on since 2017—highlight judicial delays. The Hema report’s call for FIRs and a cinema code of conduct, backed by the WCC, remains stalled, leaving women exposed.
Why Protection Persists
Kerala’s cinema-politics nexus is strong. Mukesh’s CPI(M) status offers clear protection, while Chacko benefits from Mollywood’s reluctance to shun a bankable star. The LDF’s grip on institutions like the Kerala Chalachitra Academy fosters perceptions of impunity. Social media reflects public anger: “The patriarchal outfits of Malayalam film industry… have been siding with rapists.”
Yet, change is brewing. The SIT, public outrage, and WCC’s advocacy are pushing accountability. Vincy’s case against Chacko, with AMMA’s promised action, suggests drug scandals may prompt quicker responses than sexual assault, a troubling double standard.
A Long Road Ahead
Mollywood’s #MeToo wave, sparked by the Hema report and driven by women like Vincy and Bhavana, has exposed deep flaws. Mukesh’s political clout offers overt protection, while Chacko’s resilience hints at subtler industry support. The SIT and public pressure offer hope, but without reforms—a binding code of conduct, swift justice, and dismantling the “mafia”—the industry risks failing its women.
As a reporter, I feel the weight of these stories: the late-night calls from sources, the fear in survivors’ voices, the frustration of stalled justice. Mollywood’s shine hides dark shadows, but women like Vincy are fighting for light. Will Kerala’s political and cinematic powers let it shine or snuff it out? Only time will tell.