Justice Hema Committee Report: Sophia Thilakan recalls how AMMA targeted her father Thilakan; Suresh Gopi asks, ‘Is this only happening in cinema?’

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Sophia revealed that AMMA’s agenda was clearly to keep the actors in line, and shared a harrowing experience she faced from someone she looked up to growing up. “I received a message from a senior member of the industry, who wanted to apologise for everything that happened with my father, and wanted to sort out things. With subsequent messages I received, I realised that his intent was something really nefarious,” said Sophia, pointing out how tough it would be for people within the industry to deal with such men. “I can’t even discuss the kind of messages I received, and I am someone who is only remotely connected with Malayalam cinema. Imagine what would happen to someone trying to make their mark in cinema, or even established actors. There are many more unsaid stories.”

While praising the Hema Committee Report, a pragmatic Vinayan also said it might not change a lot of things on the ground. “But I am sure that the power vested in certain people to do whatever they wanted has been reduced. It is important that the power centres take cognisance of the issues ailing the industry, including security for women in cinema. Don’t act as if you are sleeping, it will only push the industry to doldrums,” said the filmmaker, who repeatedly called the power centres as a mafia group who were calling the shots.

“I am probably one of the earliest affected people under the reign of this mafia group in cinema. Honestly, back in the day, when I spoke about this power group, and how this behaviour won’t do any good for Malayalam cinema, they didn’t like it at all. That is why MACTA was attacked. Even in the report, it is mentioned that an actor, who didn’t like being answerable for his actions, destroyed the union,” said Vinayan, who listed out the various good things that happened during his tenure as the General Secretary of MACTA. “I knew I had a target on my back. They stopped MACTA’s growth. They had a meeting with the bigwigs of the industry to stop me in my tracks. This included actors who later became important politicians, and even ministers,” said Vinayan, who recalled how he held some of the biggest actors of that time responsible for their actions when they stepped out of line. “An actor I introduced did something untoward to a costume assistant, and I made him apologise to the entire unit. When a director of a Superstar film insulted Thilakan sir, I asked the filmmaker to apologise to the thespian. He still holds a grudge against me. That is the kind of organisation that AMMA destroyed.” reminisced the filmmaker.

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Meanwhile, actor-politician Suresh Gopi, who is also the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Tourism, said, “A commission was formed. They submitted their findings, and today, the report is out. Why talk about the delay unnecessarily? It has come out, right?” Adding that the various organisations will come together to heed to the government’s demands and enforcements to better the machinations of the industry, Gopi said, “Is this only happening in cinema? Isn’t it there in banking? Or any other field? But yeah, we would find a solution, and use the Hema Committee recommendations to do what is required. The required changes will happen in due course. All of us are waiting for it.”

Talking about how the maligning of the Malayalam cinema industry has deeper repercussions, the Garudan actor said, “A atmosphere is getting destroyed. Cinema is not just about the actors who are earning in crores. It is also about the various technicians earning in thousands too. There is an unorganised sector in cinema, and the production of films is their bread and butter. Cinema is a magnetic medium with many people getting attracted to it. You shouldn’t destroy that either.” However, he was quick to point out that it doesn’t mean there aren’t issues in the industry. “I am not saying nothing happened to warrant such reactions. But it is time to let the good things happen. Of course, we might face newer problems in the future, and it is important to evolve with time. I will support them in this endeavour if they ask for it.”

Meanwhile, a defiant Vinayan, who has kept silent all these years, said that if the proposed conclave to discuss the safety in Malayalam cinema, features the members of the ‘power group’ then he would resist it with all his might. “I will fight against the organisation (AMMA) even if I am the only one fighting it. There are a lot of other organisations in Malayalam cinema. All of them should give it their all to push the industry forward,” said Vinayan, asserting the need for stricter laws and reforms in place. Joining Vinayan’s clarion call, Sophia said, “Survivors should get their justice. Equality is for all.”