A second FIR has been filed against actor Jayasurya amidst ongoing #MeToo allegations in the Malayalam film industry. The case was registered following a complaint by an actress, adding to the growing list of accusations surfacing after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report.
Kerala Police confirmed the development, stating, “A second FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya under sections 354, 354A(A1)(I), and 354D of the IPC. The case was initially registered in Thiruvananthapuram and will be transferred to the Thodupuzha Police Station.”
The allegations against Jayasurya are part of a broader wave of accusations that have rocked Mollywood. The Justice Hema Committee report, which highlighted the widespread sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, has prompted several women to come forward with their experiences.
One of the actresses, Sonia Malhar, shared her harrowing experiences with ANI, detailing the mistreatment she faced early in her career. She recounted an incident on a film set in Thodupuzha, where she felt disrespected despite initially being treated with unusual courtesy due to her background in social work. Malhar described how, after changing into her costume in an old building, she was suddenly grabbed by someone, leaving her terrified. The incident had long-lasting effects on her career, leading to delayed payments and being replaced in films after her involvement was publicly announced.
Malhar’s decision to speak out was motivated by the stories of other actresses from different states who faced similar mistreatment. She expressed deep frustration with the industry’s lack of response to the Hema Committee report, which had exposed the harsh realities of working in Mollywood. “The silence from many people deeply hurt me,” she said.
The accusations against Jayasurya are not isolated. On August 28, the first FIR was registered against actor Mukesh M, who is also a CPI (M) MLA from Kollam, following a complaint by actress Minu Muneer. Muneer has accused multiple actors, including Jayasurya, Mukesh M, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, of both verbal and physical abuse during their collaborations on film projects.
In her statements to ANI, Muneer provided detailed accounts of the alleged misconduct. She described how Jayasurya once hugged her from behind and forcefully kissed her. She also accused Idavela Babu of expressing interest in a sexual relationship with her, and she recounted troubling interactions with Maniyanpilla Raju, including inappropriate suggestions regarding her hotel accommodation.
Muneer initially shared her allegations on her Facebook page, where she recounted incidents dating back to 2013. Her post mentioned several other individuals, including Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and Vichu, whom she accused of physical and verbal abuse.
The allegations against these prominent actors have led to significant fallout within the Malayalam film industry. Shortly after the accusations emerged, director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their positions in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), amid separate accusations against them.
As the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues to gather statements and investigate the allegations, the Malayalam film industry finds itself grappling with the repercussions of these serious claims. The growing #MeToo movement in Mollywood is prompting a long-overdue reckoning within the industry, as more women step forward to share their stories of harassment and abuse.
Sources By Agencies
