Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development, Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has vehemently criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government following the release of the explosive Justice K Hema Committee Report. The report, which sheds light on the harrowing conditions and widespread sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry, saw the light of day on Monday after being in cold storage since 2019.
The Justice Hema Committee, led by retired Justice K Hema, was commissioned by the Vijayan government in 2017 to investigate and report on the status of women in the film industry. The comprehensive 289-page report took two years to compile and cost the state government Rs 1.50 crore. Despite being submitted in 2019, its release was delayed due to a prolonged legal battle and last-minute attempts to postpone its disclosure.
“This is a grave crime by the Vijayan government. We need to understand why this report was kept hidden for so long. Was it to protect those guilty of exploitation?” questioned Satheesan. He further emphasized the immediate need for a special police probe team led by a senior woman IPS officer to identify and punish the culprits, irrespective of their positions or connections.
Contrarily, state Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian stated that during his three-year tenure, no complaints of exploitation had reached his desk. However, in light of the report, he expressed willingness to initiate an investigation if any complaints were brought forth. “I wish to inform everyone that there is no need for concern. Any woman coming forward with a complaint will be treated with dignity and without any pressure,” reassured Cherian.
Cherian also announced plans for a forthcoming conclave to be held in the next few months. This event is expected to gather all prominent figures from various segments of the film industry to discuss and address the burning issues highlighted in the Hema Committee Report.
Opening with an evocative metaphor, the Hema Committee’s report reads: “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 details the startling and distressing experiences of many women in the Malayalam film industry. It notes that some women, despite facing severe exploitation, chose to withhold this information from even their closest family members. Another disturbing revelation was the unauthorised banning of certain prominent male artists, often for trivial reasons, simply because they had incurred the wrath of influential figures within the industry.
“Sexual harassment stands as the predominant issue women face in the film industry. Many women, although they appear bold on screen, hesitate and fear to disclose their negative experiences due to the potential repercussions,” the report stated. The gravity of the situation is such that women refrain from sharing their traumatic experiences even with their industry colleagues, fearing ostracism and further harassment by the powerful lobbies that dominate the cinema landscape.
The report points out that individuals within the cinema industry, such as production controllers or those offering roles, often approach women with demands for ‘adjustments’ and ‘compromises’, euphemisms that are well known among women in the Malayalam film industry to mean sexual favours.
While instances of consensual sex were acknowledged, the report highlighted that many women are not willing to partake in such acts just to secure a role in the cinema. Witnesses also testified about mothers who seemingly accepted the situation, going as far as to condone it, which adds another layer of complexity to an already distressing reality.
The report draws a dire comparison, emphasizing that such demands for sexual favours as a prerequisite for job opportunities are rarely seen in other industries. Many witnesses articulated their dismay over the fact that women must endure such conditions to secure employment in cinema.
In conclusion, the Justice Hema Report underscores the urgent need for systemic change, stronger legal protections, and a cultural overhaul to ensure the safety and dignity of women in the film industry. The report serves as a clarion call for action, urging the Kerala government and the film fraternity to take decisive steps against the pervasive sexual exploitation and harassment within the industry.
The coming months will be crucial for the Kerala government and the film industry as they navigate the fallout from these shocking revelations. The actions they take, or fail to take, will signal either a new chapter of accountability and reform or a continuation of the status quo. With mounting pressure from both political leaders and the public, the spotlight remains firmly on those in power to act decisively against these egregious violations of human dignity.
