26

Sep

Malayalam cinema industry in turmoil after reports of sexual exploitation

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By Our Correspondent

New Delhi | Thursday | 26 September 2024

The Malayalam film industry has been shaken following the release of the Justice K. Hema Committee report, which reveals disturbing stories of discrimination, exploitation, and sexual harassment against women in the industry. Formed in 2017, the committee was tasked with investigating the issues of gender inequality and sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry after a petition by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). This collective was established in the wake of a well-known female actor's abduction and sexual assault case in Kochi.

 

The Hema Committee, consisting of Justice K. Hema, former actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, submitted its report to the Kerala government in December 2019. However, the report, containing shocking revelations, was only made public in August 2024, with some redactions. It exposed deep-rooted issues such as the prevalence of casting couch culture, where women are often forced to provide sexual favors in exchange for roles. These practices have affected a wide range of women in the industry, including actors, technicians, dancers, make-up artists, and support staff.

 

The report also highlights several other inequities faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Many sets lack basic facilities like toilets, changing rooms, safe transportation, and proper accommodation, which violates women's right to privacy and security. Additionally, there are stark differences in pay between men and women, with female actors and technicians often paid significantly less than their male counterparts. Moreover, the absence of binding contracts often leaves women vulnerable to exploitation, with little legal recourse to challenge unfair treatment.

 

Article at a Glance
The Malayalam film industry is reeling from the release of the Justice K. Hema Committee report, which exposes widespread discrimination, exploitation, and sexual harassment against women.
The report, submitted in 2019 but only made public in 2024, reveals a culture of casting couch, where women are forced to provide sexual favors for roles. It also highlights inequities in pay, lack of basic facilities, and absence of binding contracts, leaving women vulnerable to exploitation.
The report has sparked a wave of police complaints, resignations, and calls for accountability. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the allegations, and the Kerala High Court has directed the government to submit the full report.
The release of the report has given momentum to the fight for gender equality and safe working conditions in the industry, sparking conversations across India about the need for lasting reforms.

 

 

Since the release of the report, many female actors have come forward, sharing their experiences of sexual harassment, reigniting the #MeToo movement within the Malayalam film industry. This has led to an increase in police complaints, with some women filing cases against prominent actors and technicians. Two of these accused men have even lodged counter-complaints, further intensifying the turmoil.

 

The report was made public five years after it was submitted, and its findings have prompted a larger discussion about the state of the industry. It details horrifying incidents of sexual exploitation, illegal blacklisting of actors, and wage disparity. The report states that a select group of male producers, directors, and actors maintain significant control over the industry. It also notes the existence of drug and alcohol abuse on set, further endangering the safety and dignity of women in the industry.

 

In response to the report, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), consisting of senior female police officers, has been formed to conduct preliminary investigations into the sexual harassment allegations. The revelations have triggered resignations at the highest levels, with superstar Mohanlal stepping down as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on moral grounds. The entire governing body of AMMA has since been dissolved.

 

The impact of the report extends beyond Kerala, with other film industries, including Bollywood, closely monitoring the situation. During the #MeToo movement, several women across different states accused actors and filmmakers of sexual misconduct, but few cases were properly investigated. The Hema Committee's report has reignited hope for accountability and justice in these cases.

 

One of the first public accusations after the report's release came from Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra, who accused renowned director Ranjith of sexual harassment. Though Ranjith has denied the allegations, he resigned as chairman of the state's Motion Picture Academy. Mitra has since filed a police complaint, and other women have come forward with similar stories of being pressured into compromising their dignity in exchange for career opportunities.

 

The report confirms the rumors of the casting couch being prevalent in the industry, with women often facing sexual advances even before they are officially employed. In some cases, these demands for favors come from influential people in the industry. Witnesses provided the committee with video clips, audio recordings, and screenshots of conversations as evidence of the harassment they endured.

 

Women working in the industry also face severe threats to their personal safety. Some reported incidents of men in drunken states trying to break into their rooms, while others described being forced to work with their abusers the day after an assault. In one particularly harrowing account, an actress had to act alongside her abuser, portraying his wife, which left her emotionally traumatized. The committee’s findings reveal that women in the industry are often too afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation, and in some cases, they are hesitant to even inform their families.

 

Even junior artists and other support staff face exploitation. They are often subjected to grueling work hours, sometimes up to 19 hours a day, and their payments are either delayed or partially misappropriated by intermediaries. One case cited a 70-year-old woman who sustained severe burns on set but received no financial help for her medical treatment. Additionally, junior artists are not given the benefits or protections that come with being part of any recognized film association.

 

The Hema Committee has also criticized the existing Internal Complaints Committees (ICC), claiming that they are often ineffective, with powerful individuals influencing the outcome of investigations. It recommends the formation of a specialized Tribunal to handle issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry. This would ensure a more structured and fair process for addressing the grievances of women in cinema.

 

Legal experts believe that the findings of the report provide a solid foundation for the Kerala government to initiate a special investigation. Opposition parties have criticized the delay in releasing the report and are demanding an inquiry led by an all-women team of senior police officers. The Kerala High Court has directed the government to submit the full report in a sealed cover and has sought an update on the action to be taken. The next hearing is set for September 10, 2024.

 

The release of this report has given momentum to the fight for gender equality and safe working conditions in the Malayalam film industry. It has sparked conversations not just in Kerala but across India, where similar issues plague other regional film industries. The Women in Cinema Collective, which has been at the forefront of advocating for women's rights, sees the partial release of the report as a victory, though much remains to be done. It is hoped that this exposure will lead to lasting reforms in an industry that has long been revered for its artistic contributions but now faces scrutiny for its treatment of women.

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