Introduction
Malayalam cinema, or Mollywood as it’s popularly known, has long been hailed for its nuanced storytelling, brilliant performances, and trailblazing films. Yet, behind the glowing screens and award-winning productions lies a less talked about issue: Nepotism in Mollywood. This shadowy side of the industry, although not as glaringly obvious as in Bollywood, has its fair share of controversies, speculations, and undeniable truths.
The conversation about nepotism is not new. However, it has taken on a life of its own in recent years, especially with more and more actors, directors, and technicians coming forward to speak about it. This isn’t just about who gets cast in films, but about a deeply entrenched system that favors lineage over merit — the idea that your last name matters more than your talent.
The Silent Roots of Nepotism in Mollywood
For decades, Mollywood has functioned under an unwritten rule: if you are the child of a star, the industry opens its doors more easily for you. While the phenomenon of film families is prevalent across Indian cinema, the impact of nepotism in Kerala’s film industry has been less scrutinized. Some might argue that Malayalam cinema, with its reputation for realism and content-driven films, has little room for nepotism. But the truth is, the system has quietly enabled star kids to dominate the industry, leaving behind several talented actors and filmmakers struggling for their big break.
Look at the long list of actors whose family legacies precede them. Prithviraj Sukumaran, son of actor Sukumaran, and Dulquer Salmaan, son of Mammootty, are two prominent examples. While they’ve both undeniably proved their mettle with critically acclaimed performances, it’s difficult to ignore how their family backgrounds eased their entry into the industry. Dulquer, for instance, walked into the world of cinema carrying his father’s colossal legacy. But would he have been given the same opportunities had he been just another aspiring actor without a famous last name?
Some defenders argue that actors like Prithviraj and Dulquer are exceptions because they have earned their stardom through hard work. Fair enough, but how many immensely talented actors remain undiscovered simply because they lacked connections? Nepotism in Mollywood isn’t just about big names getting bigger; it’s about gatekeeping, missed opportunities, and silenced dreams.
The Public Debate and Industry Responses
In recent years, there has been a growing discontent among the public about the industry’s reluctance to acknowledge nepotism. Many feel the issue has been brushed under the carpet, with industry stalwarts choosing to remain silent or deny its very existence. When asked about nepotism, several top actors and directors have either sidestepped the issue or downplayed its significance. They claim that “talent always wins,” but the hard reality for many budding artists is that without a godfather, your chances are slim.
Ranjini Haridas, a popular TV anchor and actress, recently shared her thoughts on the film industry’s inner workings, expressing discontent with how nepotism in Mollywood often intertwines with exploitation and power dynamics. In a recent interview, she voiced what many have been silently thinking: the industry is structured in such a way that those who lack family ties or influential contacts face tremendous challenges. “It’s not just about harassment or casting couches, it’s also about who you know,” she explained. “For many of us, the road is far more difficult, but no one wants to talk about it.”
Haridas’s frustration is shared by many others who have dared to step outside the industry’s status quo. Often, outsiders with no connections are relegated to minor roles or are forced to languish in obscurity, while star kids walk into plum roles, sometimes even with lackluster performances.
Nepotism in Mollywood: A Historical Overview
Nepotism has long roots in Mollywood, and the trajectory of star families illustrates this clearly. The generation of stars that ruled the 80s and 90s—Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Suresh Gopi—laid the groundwork. Today, their children (Dulquer, Pranav Mohanlal, Gokul Suresh) are comfortably nestled in the industry. And it’s not just actors. Directors, producers, and technicians have all passed on the torch to their offspring, making it harder for newcomers to break in.
Take the example of Pranav Mohanlal, son of the legendary actor Mohanlal. He made his much-hyped debut in Aadhi (2018), a film that was widely promoted as the next big thing in Malayalam cinema. Despite a lukewarm reception from critics, the movie was a commercial success, and Pranav quickly became a household name. But did Pranav’s entry into films rely on sheer talent, or was it more about the enormous shadow of his father?
Similarly, actors like Kalidas Jayaram (son of Jayaram) and Kalyani Priyadarshan (daughter of director Priyadarshan) have also benefited from their familial connections. Though both have showcased their acting chops, the question remains: would their careers have taken off as smoothly had they not been related to industry giants?
The WCC’s Role and the Hema Committee Report
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has played a significant role in bringing to light the darker, more exploitative aspects of Mollywood. While the WCC has primarily focused on issues related to gender discrimination and harassment, nepotism is often an unspoken part of the conversation. After all, nepotism in Mollywood isn’t just about opportunities; it’s also about control—who gets to make decisions, who gets to set the rules.
In 2023, the much-awaited Hema Committee report brought forward testimonies of harassment, exploitation, and discrimination within the industry. Though the report primarily focused on sexual harassment, the whispers of nepotism were omnipresent, with many junior artists speaking out about the suffocating atmosphere of favoritism.
What Nepotism Means for the Future of Mollywood
Is there hope for a Mollywood without nepotism? Not entirely. As long as family dynasties exist in the industry, nepotism will likely continue to be a fixture. However, the new generation of filmmakers is gradually shifting the focus towards content and talent. Directors like Lijo Jose Pellissery and Mahesh Narayanan have created opportunities for actors outside the usual film families, proving that genuine talent still has a place in Malayalam cinema.
Still, nepotism in Mollywood remains a hurdle. It limits diversity, creativity, and the rise of fresh talent. For the industry to thrive, it needs to move beyond the comfort of lineage and truly embrace meritocracy. Cinema, after all, is about storytelling, and stories deserve to be told by the best, not just the privileged.
In a rapidly changing world, where audiences are increasingly demanding better and more diverse content, Mollywood cannot afford to cling to outdated practices. If it continues to prioritize star kids and legacy families, it risks losing the very essence of what makes Malayalam cinema special: its authenticity, its relatability, and its undeniable brilliance. Nepotism may be a part of the industry’s DNA, but it shouldn’t define its future.
Nepotism in Mollywood is a reality that has quietly persisted for decades. It’s time for the industry to confront it, not with denial or excuses, but with a commitment to genuine change. Only then can Malayalam cinema continue to flourish, evolving into an inclusive space where talent triumphs over legacy.