A typical workday for Michael (name changed), a lighting technician in the Malayalam film industry, kicks off at around 5 a.m. His routine usually involves heading straight to the office where the equipment is stored. Alongside his colleagues, Michael loads the necessary lighting gear for the day’s shoot into a vehicle and then heads to the location. Work often commences as early as 6 a.m. and can continue until 9:30 p.m. on what they consider “normal days.” However, the reality is far more gruelling.
“Sometimes, our work stretches until even 2 a.m.,” Michael reveals. “But, even in such cases, the next day’s work begins as usual at 6 a.m., leaving us little time to sleep. When we are part of projects, we often endure days of sleep deprivation.”
Despite the Hema committee’s report spotlighting various issues in the Malayalam film industry, specifically those faced by women, the serious labour-related problems have been largely ignored. Technicians across various departments confirmed to The Hindu that the typical working hours of 15 hours or more violate the country’s labour laws.
Historically, the industry has preserved its long working hours as a cost-cutting strategy. Newcomers, powerless to challenge these practices for fear of losing job opportunities, gradually become accustomed to the harsh routines, thus perpetuating the system. According to a seasoned cinematographer with experience in multiple film industries, most other industries adopt a fixed work schedule of fewer than 12 hours with appropriate overtime payment, whereas in the Malayalam film industry, the payment for extended hours is only marginally higher.
.
“With such backbreaking schedules, films sometimes wrap up quickly, leading to all profits going to the producers. As a result, the workers end up suffering from health issues due to irregular sleep and eating habits,” shared a member of a lighting crew.
Top actors usually only need to be present for their scenes, while those working behind the scenes, especially in constructing elaborate sets or setting up intricate lighting equipment, slog tirelessly for hours. These prolonged working hours also act as a barrier for women, reflected in their minimal presence or even complete absence from many departments. For instance, a costume designer explained that the time spent washing and drying costumes every day adds to his working hours.
Labour Minister V. Sivankutty stated that the department has not yet received any complaints regarding the industry’s working conditions. “Technicians in the film industry fall under the purview of the Labour department. However, we haven’t received any formal complaints about labour issues in the industry. If there is something the department can intervene in, we will do that,” Sivankutty conveyed to The Hindu.
Assistant directors pointed out that the pre-production phase, which could last anywhere from 2 to 5 months before filming starts, is not considered in their remuneration. They often get paid between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 or even less for work that extends over eight months. The fairness of their working conditions hinges on the director they are working with, as they frequently end up doing a lot of unacknowledged work.
“The demand for ‘adjustments’ is notably high when it comes to payments. There’s no written contract for most departments. A certain amount is promised at the start of a project, but once the shooting wraps up, producers often haggle to reduce the agreed sum. In some cases, even securing the initially promised amount is a significant struggle,” said a still photographer who has participated in several major projects.
The plight of junior artistes is even direr. Often at the mercy of middlemen, their working hours can extend up to 19 hours, leaving them worse than slaves, according to the Hema committee. The report describes their condition as perhaps the most troubling.
Despite raising numerous critical issues, including those affecting women and the broader workforce in the Malayalam film industry, the Hema committee report has failed to attract significant attention or action. This negligence leaves many workers like Michael struggling silently, bearing the brunt of exploitative practices in an industry that continues to prioritise production costs over human well-being.
