Kerala actor-turned-politician Mukesh M accused of rape as #MeToo hits the film industry

Actor-politician Mukesh M faces rape charges following accusations by actress Minu Muneer, part of a wider #MeToo movement in Kerala's film industry. Multiple actors stand accused as the state government forms a Special Investigation Team. The case highlights systemic issues of harassment and power abuse within the industry.

A new twist in the Malayalam film industry: Actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh M has been accused of rape by actress Minu Muneer. This case comes in the wake of the #MeToo campaign that has recently hit the Malayalam film industry with many personalities being accused of misconduct. 

Muneer claims that the abuse she suffered made her quit Malayalam films and move to Chennai. Apart from Mukesh M, she has levelled allegations of sexual harassment on the sets against actors Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu. 

The Kerala Police have also stated that an FIR has been filed against Mukesh M under rape charges. Also, actor Jayasurya has been accused under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code which relates to intent to outrage the modesty of a woman. 

Mukesh M has categorically dismissed all the allegations saying that they are politically influenced. He said that Muneer had tried to extort money from him and asked for financial help in the past. 

These allegations come at the same time when the Justice Hema committee report which was tabled recently reveals the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry. The report focuses on the gender relations where male characters are in charge of industries and decisions on employment. 

Due to the increasing scandal, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been suspended for the time being. Some of the prominent personalities of the industry like director Ranjith and actor Siddique have also quit AMMA after allegations were made against them. 

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the government will constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the allegations in detail. The SIT has recorded Muneer’s statement in connection with the case that they are still investigating. 

This case is not an isolated incident but is a part of the larger problem of gender inequality and abuse of power in the film industry, which has been seen in other parts of India and across the world.