THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Anger, tears and finally a resolve marked the Trivandrum Film Fraternity meeting at the Manaveeyam Veedhi here on Monday. The meeting was called to express solidarity with the actor who was molested in Kochi the other day. Film artist Bhagyalakshmi made an emotional appeal to launch a united fight to end harassment against women. Likening the recent attack to the ordeal of a homemaker in Vadakkanchery, she said the film industry was late in addressing the issue pervading society. Her demand for harsher punishment was backed by actor M R Gopakumar. Secretary of Purogamana Kalasahitya Sanghom, Vinod Vaisakhi, heaped praise on the government for taking prompt action.
Actor Parvathi T said: “People from various quarters have advised against going public with abuse cases as it will put pressure on the Pinarayi-led Government. But, if the government has the resolve to fight atrocities against women, then the criminals should feel the pressure and desist from indulging in such crimes”. Producer Suresh Kumar, while sharing his experience with the police after complaining about an unsuccessful abduction attempt on his wife and actress Menaka, said infiltration of criminals into Mollywood will be reviewed in the industry meeting on Wednesday.
Actress Priyanka, Sreelatha, singer Kavalam Sreekumar, music director M Jayachandran, producers M Ranjith and Kireedom Unni, among others, spoke at the occasion. Former minister Pandalam Sudhakaran administred a pledge to the gathering.