The Indian film industry is long overdue for a paradigm shift, as the draconian structures of patriarchy and exploitation persist, threatening the safety and well-being of female professionals. This is the collective voice of numerous female artistes and technicians who recently spoke to The Hindu, following the bombshell revelations of the Justice K. Hema Committee report. This 235-page document, presented to the Kerala government in 2019 and publicized with limited edits five years later, laid bare a grotesque array of sexual abuse, gender bias, unlawful bans, and severe labor violations predominantly in the Malayalam film industry.
The aftermath of the report’s release was nothing short of a seismic shake-up. A deluge of accusations of sexual harassment cascaded from several female actors, implicating well-known figures in Malayalam cinema. The resulting furor precipitated the dissolution of the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). All 17 committee members, including its president, the esteemed actor Mohanlal, tendered their resignations amid mounting allegations of sexual misconduct and misconduct.
The Hema panel’s findings reverberated throughout the entire Indian film industry, compelling film bodies and unions nationwide to confront these sordid revelations and establish redressal mechanisms. In the Tamil film sector, the South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA) vowed to impose a five-year industry ban on any individual found guilty of sexual offences. Concurrently, the Film Industry For Rights and Equality (FIRE) prompted the Karnataka government to form a similar committee, helmed by a retired judge, to investigate and report on the endemic issues faced by women, including sexual harassment within the Kannada industry. Similar demands have been echoed by stakeholders in Telugu, Bengali, and Hindi cinema. Meanwhile, in Malayalam cinema, the Progressive Filmmakers’ Association has been proposed, aimed at dismantling previous power structures in favor of equality and social justice.
“While the #MeToo movement fizzled out relatively quickly, this latest committee report is being taken much more seriously and thoroughly discussed,” noted actor Priyamani, who has an extensive work history across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. She emphasized the importance of forming similar committees within other industries to facilitate more of these crucial reports.
Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker, among the few high-profile voices to react to the report, stressed that mere investigation is insufficient. Both central and state governments must implement industry-specific guidelines to safeguard all individuals working in film, TV, and media industries, she argued. There must also be a government-sanctioned grievance redressal cell that can assist complainants and victims, holding public accountability, Swara highlighted.
Despite shocking revelations during the 2018 #MeToo movement, which led to some legal actions, a pervasive culture of intimidation and silence continues to gag the film world. Many powerful male actors, filmmakers, and producers still wield the frightening ability to banish dissenting voices through blacklisting and financial threats. Victims often fear professional and financial repercussions, deterring them from speaking out. Swara drew attention to the career of Tanushree Dutta, a Hindi film actress who accused Nana Patekar of misconduct in 2008 and again in 2018, only to find herself sidelined and eventually driven to relocate to the USA for a decade.
Indhu V.S., who became a director in 2022 with the Malayalam film 19(1)(a), recounted her decade-long stint as an assistant director marred by trepidation and discomfort.
. “Working on sets with predominantly male crews was daunting, making one highly self-conscious and aware of the surrounding conversations,” she said. The work environment never felt transparent, often resembling a ‘boys’ club’ where the legitimacy of women’s passion for cinema was frequently questioned.
Tragically, the pattern of exploitation often starts even before a professional career begins. The casting couch—soliciting sexual favors for roles—remains alarmingly common, brushed off as a necessary evil. Female aspirants face constant pressure to “adjust” and “compromise” in their quest for opportunities. The Hema report revealed that some witnesses provided evidence confirming demands for sexual favors as a prerequisite for entering the industry.
“A work culture where women feel pressured to grant sexual favors for career advancement is inherently exploitative,” asserted Swara.
Actor-producer Rima Kallingal, a co-founder of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)—whose petition initiated the Hema Committee—reflected on her entry into the film industry, describing it as a humiliating experience where her market value was repeatedly questioned. “Sexually loaded comments are a constant,” she lamented.
Swara also recounted an instance from early in her career when she was relentlessly harassed by a director during a 50-day outdoor shoot. While she managed to keep him at bay, it was only with the help of a compassionate executive producer.
Beyond the blatant exploitation, the Hema report spotlighted the inhospitable working conditions endured by female professionals, including the absence of essential facilities like toilets and changing rooms. Veteran actor Radhika recounted a horrifying incident where a hidden camera was used to record nude videos of female actors in their vanity van. Calling out this reprehensible act, Priyamani asked why such invasions of privacy targeted only women.
Cinematographer Preetha Jayaraman highlighted past struggles when even basic amenities were unavailable for female technicians. Though conditions have improved, she reflected on the challenges she faced, such as the absence of toilets for women while working in the 90s.
The uphill battle for respect and authority that women face in the film industry is universal. Indhu noted positive changes within the Malayalam industry, crediting works like Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days for helping change perceptions about female directors. However, ingrained disrespect persisted, with technicians often reluctant to take directions from a woman.
Actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who had previously called for a redressal forum for women in the industry, expressed a bleak view. She hopes for an impartial committee to ensure women’s safety, underscoring that the broader societal issues of gender bias and harassment need addressing before expecting any significant change in the film industry.
Veteran actor Simran, who has worked across various regional industries, echoed the sentiment that changes are essential for the wellbeing of all genders in the industry. A proposed committee should be inclusive, she insisted. Emphasizing the broader cultural shift required, she called for educating young men to foster a more respectful environment for women.
As this debate continues to unfold, it is evident that the Indian film industry stands at a critical juncture, with the Hema Committee report serving as a dire wake-up call for much-needed reform and accountability.
