**Thiruvananthapuram:** In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, the long-awaited and revealing Justice K Hema Committee Report on the conditions of women in the sector was finally made public on Monday. The comprehensive document shines a harsh light on the sexual exploitation faced by women in the industry, a reality that has been largely hidden and unaddressed for years.
Reacting almost immediately, V.D. Satheesan, Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government for keeping this crucial report under wraps since 2019. Justice Hema, a retired judge, was appointed by the Vijayan government in 2017 to helm the investigation, which cost the state Rs 1.50 crore. Despite its submission in 2019, the report’s public release was delayed because of prolonged legal battles and last-minute attempts to block its publication.
Satheesan did not mince words in his condemnation: “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? The need of the hour is a special police probe team headed by a top woman IPS official to hold all the wrongdoers accountable, regardless of their positions or influence.”
In an unexpected defense, state Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian stated that no complaints of exploitation had been brought to him during his over three-year tenure. “Now a report has been published, and it speaks of such things, but I am ready to order a probe if there is any complaint. I wish to inform all that no one needs to be worried and any woman coming with a complaint will face no duress,” he assured.
Cherian further added that a conclave would be held in the near future, involving key figures from various segments of the film industry. According to him, this forum will facilitate an open discussion to address the burning issues highlighted in the Justice Hema report.
The 289-page Justice Hema report opens with a poetic yet foreboding quote: “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’.”
From this ominous beginning, the report delves into harrowing accounts of sexual harassment and exploitation faced by women in the industry.
. Many women revealed experiences so severe that they had not even shared them with close family members. Intriguingly, the report also found that men, including some prominent actors, had faced unauthorized bans from the industry due to the whims of powerful lobbies.
“The major issue which women face in the film industry is sexual harassment. It is the worst evil which women in cinema face in the film industry,” the report stated. Despite being known for their boldness, many women in cinema are reluctant to reveal their negative experiences, particularly related to sexual harassment, fearing the consequences. They worry about being banned from the industry, facing harassment on social media, and threats to their lives and those of their family members.
The report elucidates how the harassment begins right at the entry stage into the industry. Women seeking roles in films are often met with demands for ‘adjustments’ and ‘compromise,’ euphemisms for sexual favors. These terms are alarmingly familiar to women in the Malayalam film industry, the report notes.
“There may be instances of consensual sex, but women in cinema generally are not willing to share a bed to get a chance in cinema. Another witness stated before the committee that there are women who would be willing to adjust to the demands, and she has seen certain mothers who believe there is nothing wrong with it. The witness stated that this is a shocking reality,” the report said.
Witnesses also pointed out that the need for women to surrender to sexual demands to secure job roles is not prevalent in other fields, making the situation in the film industry particularly distressing. This assertion was backed by various witnesses, highlighting the intrinsic sexism and exploitation embedded in the industry.
Minister Saji Cherian, on his part, reiterated his readiness to initiate a probe should specific complaints be brought forward. “We are holding a conclave in the next few months wherein all leading lights of the film industry from various segments will be invited and a threadbare discussion will take place. All burning issues will be addressed,” he added.
The revelations by the Justice Hema Committee not only underscore the plight of women in the Malayalam film industry but also call for immediate and stringent measures to address these deep-rooted issues. The demand for a dedicated police probe led by a top woman IPS officer marks a critical step towards seeking justice for the victims and ensuring a safer, fairer work environment in the industry.