Minu Muneer accuses co-stars in Malayalam films of ‘sexual misconduct’

Thiruvananthapuram: An actor revealed on Monday that she faced sexual assault from various actors in Malayalam movie industry, including from a two-time CPI (M) legislator in Kerala Assembly, The Indian Express reported.

Actor Minu Muneer made the revelations a day after Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith and actors’ association general secretary Siddique stepped down from their positions following allegations against them.

“I will file a complaint with the state police team, which was assigned to look into the revelations which came up in the wake of the Hema Committee report,” Minu was quoted as saying.

She alleged that the ‘prominent actor’ had tried to assault her at a hotel during the shooting of the movie ‘Calender’ (2009) and ‘Nadakame Ulakam’ (2011).

She claimed that the actor entered her room and pulled her down on the bed saying ‘I will have to consider those who have to be considered for getting better chances’ adding further she said: 'Later, I left that place.. Before that, while travelling by a car, (another actor) told me that he would come to my room the next night. He too had knocked at my door during the night.’

Accusing a third actor of misconduct in 2008, she said: ‘During a shooting in the state capital, when I was returning from a restroom, (this actor) caught me from behind and kissed. I pushed him down and ran away. He also invited me to his flat. After I rejected the invitation, there was no issue from his side.’

Minu said in 2013 when she applied for a membership in the Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA) she alleged she had faced misbehaviour from yet another actor, a prominent leader of the organization.

‘A person who acted in three films is eligible for membership in AMMA. When I called him over the phone regarding filling the application form, he invited me to his flat. While I was filling the application form at his flat, he kissed on my neck from behind. I ran out of the flat. I did not get the membership either,’ she reportedly said.

The actor said she relocated to Chennai due to these ‘experiences’ , adding that she was ‘seeking justice and accountability for the sufferings and trauma I had endured.’