Prithviraj Sukumaran comments on the Hema Committee report; says, “It’s important to punish those who have committed s*xual abuse”

Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, last seen in The Goat Life, has reacted to the Hema Committee report. It highlights issues like sexual harassment, lack of basic facilities, gender bias, and pay disparities in the Malayalam film industry. At a press conference recently, the actor stated how strict action should be taken on the registered matter. He also shared that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) had erred in handling the issue since the findings.

Prithviraj Sukumaran on Hema Committee report

Addressing a press conference in Kochi, Prithviraj said the allegations should be investigated. He said, “The findings in the report should be treated very seriously. It is important to punish those who have committed sexual abuse. Those in positions of power should step aside while facing such allegations.” Surprisingly, Prithviraj reportedly claimed that he was ‘not shocked’ by the findings in the report. “My responsibility does not end with just ensuring that my movie location is safe, it is important that the entire industry is safe for people,” he added.

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The Hema Committee report said a power group controlled the Malayalam film industry, and Prithviraj said such a power group could not be denied. Prithviraj said: “I have not been affected by the power group, but if people are affected by such groups, their grievances should be heard. If such a power group exists, it should be done away with. To say that such a group exists, I would have had to experience it. That I have not experienced it, does not mean that the group does not exist,” he said.

What is the Hema Committee report?

The Malayalam film industry has been at the center of a boiling controversy stemming from the MeToo movement. It brought serious issues of sexual harassment and assault to light. The sequence of events began in October 2017 when a well-known figure in the industry assaulted a prominent actress. In response, the Hema Committee was established in 2018 to investigate such allegations and recommend measures for reform. The controversy became bigger with the involvement of high-profile individuals, such as actor Dileep, who faced accusations in a separate but equally shocking case.

On the work front, Prithviraj is next gearing up for Salaar 2. He is reportedly a part of SS Rajamouli next directorial which stars Mahesh Babu.

Also Read: Prithviraj Sukumaran to lock horns with Mahesh Babu as plays villain in SS Rajamouli’s Indian version of Indiana Jones