Actor Prithviraj pledges to ban misogyny in his films: will others emulate?

The disturbing incident of a Malayali actress recently being abducted and allegedly molested in a moving car in Kochi has shocked the people of Kerala, and has caused a lot of discomfort in a film community that has been known to showcase chauvinism on screen. In light of this, the Kerala government also became the first state in the country to commit to putting up a public domain registry containing a list of sex offenders.

Surprisingly, the assaulted actress resumed her work by returning to the sets of her upcoming film 'Adam', which is in the process of shooting. Praising this move by the actress, saying it's an act of courage and excellent work ethics, popular actor Prithviraj Sukumaran took to Facebook. He spoke about how he encouraged such scripts previously and apologised for it. He pledged that he will never disrespect women in his life, through his movies.

Here is what he said:

"Some of the most poignant moments in my life have been punctuated with moments of incredible courage. Courage from what I have now fully realised are God's most benevolent yet intricate creations. WOMEN!

From a mother picking up pieces of a suddenly derailed life, to bring up two young boys to be the men they are today..to a wife who at the fag end of a 40 hour labour, just as she was being cut open without an anaesthetic, holding my hand and telling me "It's alright Prithvi"..I have repeatedly been dumbfounded in realising how much of a lesser being I am in the company of the women in my life.

And today..as my dear friend walks in to the sets to kick start the shooting of her new film "ADAM", I once again bear witness to an extraordinary moment of courage from an extraordinary woman in my life! Today..she makes a statement..a statement that will echo through time, space and gender..that no one or no incident has control over your life but YOU! A statement that will now be part of counselling sessions and pep talks around the world. A statement that you my friend..are making in a million unheard voices!

And to those voices I apologise..for at an age and time when I wasn't wise enough..I have been part of films that celebrated misogyny..I have mouthed lines that vilified regard for your self respect and I have taken a bow to the claps that ensued. NEVER AGAIN..never again will I let disrespect for women be celebrated in my movies! Yes..I'm an actor and this is my craft! I will whole heartedly trudge the grey and black with characters that possess unhinged moral compasses...but I will never let these men be glorified or their actions justified on screen.

Once again..ladies and gentlemen..stand up and applaud for her! Behind the gutsy spunk, there is a vulnerable celebrity who knew well enough what this decision of hers would mean to a life under constant scrutiny. But she also knew..that she had to see it through...for that would set an example..light a torch that will show a path for many to follow!Today she makes a statement..

A statement of extraordinary courage!

Fanboy for life...dear friend..fanboy for life!

Love always,

Prithvi."

Prithviraj was one of the first few celebrities who reached out in support of the actress. This is a welcome move by the actor, and there is going to be a massive societal change if other actors and directors follow it.

The prime accused in the molestation incident, Pulsar Sunil, was arrested by Kochi police recently, and the others were also taken into custody. They shall be charged under Sections 366 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) of the IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act.

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