The Malayalam film industry is currently in turmoil following serious accusations made by South Indian actress Revathi Sampath against veteran actor Siddique. The actress has come forward with claims of harassment that date back to her school days, leading to widespread discussions and controversy in the industry.
Revathi Sampath’s Allegations: A Disturbing Account
Revathi Sampath, in a recent interview, revealed that the harassment began when she was still in her teens. According to her, Siddique started communicating with her through a social media account that appeared to be fake. Revathi, who was then a 10+2 student, mentioned that Siddique initially approached her under the guise of offering acting opportunities. She stated, “He used to call me ‘moll,’ which in Kerala is a term of endearment for a young girl, but I had no idea of his real intentions back then.”
The actress went on to describe how Siddique’s behavior became increasingly inappropriate over time. She recalled that what started as a professional relationship took a disturbing turn, leading to physical and mental trauma. Revathi alleged that Siddique exploited her interest in acting and used it as a means to manipulate and harass her. “He is a criminal, and he must have planned everything meticulously,” she said.
A Traumatic Experience
Revathi shared a harrowing experience where she was lured into a meeting under the pretense of discussing a film opportunity. However, the situation quickly turned uncomfortable, with Siddique allegedly making inappropriate comments about her body. She described feeling trapped and terrified, saying, “The door was closed, I was helpless and very scared.”
The actress also mentioned that she sought help but received no support at the time. Despite taking legal action once, she expressed her reluctance to pursue it again unless guaranteed protection. “If you assure that we will get security, then I am ready to come forward with evidence,” she said.
Siddique’s Response: Filing a Complaint
In response to the allegations, Siddique, who also serves as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, has filed a complaint against Revathi Sampath. The complaint has been submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP) in Kerala, as confirmed by a statement from the Kerala Police.
The Hema Committee Report: Uncovering the Dark Side of the Industry
Revathi’s accusations come at a time when the Malayalam film industry is already reeling from the revelations of the Justice Hema Committee report. The report, which investigated the working conditions and exploitation of women in the industry, has uncovered numerous cases of harassment and misconduct. The findings have caused a significant stir, prompting the Kerala government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to further probe the matter.
The Hema Committee’s report has shed light on the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, including systemic exploitation and a lack of support for victims. With the SIT now involved, there is hope that these issues will be addressed and that justice will be served for those affected.
A Call for Change
Revathi Sampath’s allegations and the broader findings of the Hema Committee report highlight the urgent need for reform within the Malayalam film industry. As more voices come forward, it is becoming increasingly clear that systemic changes are necessary to create a safer and more equitable environment for women in the industry. The formation of the SIT marks a significant step in this direction, but much work remains to be done.
As the investigation unfolds, the industry, and the public at large, will be watching closely to see how these serious allegations are handled and whether meaningful change will follow.
