Thiruvananthapuram: The release of the Justice K Hema Committee Report on Monday has sent shockwaves across Kerala, revealing the grim conditions faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report, which was originally submitted in 2019, unveils a slew of allegations about rampant sexual exploitation.
Responding quickly to these disturbing revelations, Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, voiced sharp criticism against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government for allegedly suppressing the report since its submission. Satheesan demanded immediate action, including a police probe led by a high-ranking female IPS officer, to expose and punish all wrongdoers within the industry.
“This is a grave crime done by the Vijayan government, and we wish to know why this report was kept in cold storage. Was it to save those who did the exploitation?” asked Satheesan. He emphasized the urgency of forming a special police team led by a top woman IPS official to investigate and bring all culprits to justice, regardless of their status or influence.
The Justice Hema Committee, formed by the Vijayan government in 2017, took two years and Rs 1.50 crore to complete its report. However, it only saw the light of day after a protracted legal battle, despite attempts to further delay its publication until the last moment.
Interestingly, Saji Cherian, the State Culture and Films Minister, said he had not received any complaints about exploitation throughout his tenure, which spans over three years.
“Now that a report has been published addressing such matters, I am prepared to initiate a probe if any complaints are filed. I assure everyone there is no need to worry and any woman coming forward with a complaint will face no duress,” stated Cherian. He also announced plans to hold a conclave within the next few months, inviting key figures from the film industry to discuss and resolve the industry’s pressing issues.
The 289-page Hema Committee report opens with an evocative caution: “The sky is full of mysteries; with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But, scientific investigation revealed that stars do not twinkle, nor does the moon look beautiful. The study, therefore, cautions: ‘Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar’.”
The report delves into the horrendous experiences of many women in the film industry, detailing that some incidents were so severe that victims did not even disclose them to close family members. It was surprising to uncover that men too faced significant challenges, with some prominent artists being informally banned from the industry for insignificant reasons by powerful industry figures.
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“The major issue that women face in the film industry is sexual harassment. It is the worst evil which women in cinema face. Most women, known for their bold personas, are hesitant to reveal their bad experiences, particularly of sexual harassment, even to their colleagues. They fear severe consequences, including being banned from the industry and suffering further harassment due to the powerful lobbyists who protect the perpetrators,” the report elucidates.
Social media platforms play a ruthless role in the harassment campaign, as fans and fan clubs often launch severe online harassment against female artists who speak out. These women also face threats to their lives and those of their family members, effectively silencing them.
According to the testimonies collected by the committee, the harassment starts at the very beginning of a woman’s career in the industry. Production controllers or others involved in offering roles imply that women must make “adjustments” and “compromises”—euphemisms for sexual favors—to secure a spot in cinema. These terms are all too familiar among women in the Malayalam film industry.
“There may be instances of consensual sex, but women in cinema generally are not willing to share a bed to get a role. Another witness shared that some women adjust to such demands, while she has seen mothers who accept the situation, believing there is nothing wrong. This is a shocking reality. Women have to surrender to sexual demands to get a job in cinema, a scenario that doesn’t exist in other fields,” the report captures.
The report also highlights the threat of unauthorized banning, where men, including some prominent artists, were barred from working in the industry for petty reasons. These actions were often executed by influential people within the industry, who exercised their power based on personal vendettas.
In response, Minister Cherian reiterated his commitment to addressing these issues. “We are holding a conclave in the next few months where all leading figures from various segments of the film industry will be invited. A deep and thorough discussion will ensue, and we’ll address all burning issues,” he assured.
As the public digests the contents of the Hema Committee’s report, the demand for accountability and systematic change grows louder. The hope is that this report will catalyze a thorough investigation and lead to the much-needed reform in the Malayalam film industry.
