The Malayalam film industry has largely reacted with caution to the release of the Hema committee report on Monday. The report, led by former Kerala High Court Judge K. Hema, was partially unveiled after an extended period of legal battles, shedding light on pressing issues within the industry.
Actor Siddique, the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), initially stated that he felt obliged to respond to the findings but required time to thoroughly examine the report as he was busy traveling. However, later that day, Siddique did offer a preliminary reaction. “We are aware that the committee report has been released. However, we do not yet know the details,” he said. “At this point, we have no idea how it will affect us or which particular points require our response. All the actors are currently focused on rehearsing for a show in Ernakulam.”
Siddique emphasized the need for a measured and informed response. “We will respond after thoroughly studying the report. This includes discussions with all stakeholders, including other industry organizations. Given the sensitive nature of the subject matter, it is crucial to be cautious with our words. Any inadvertent comment by myself or my colleagues could have serious repercussions. We plan to study the report in detail and will meet with the media afterward,” Siddique elaborated.
When questioned about the allegations of harassment and discrimination faced by women artistes, including junior artistes, Siddique admitted that corrective actions were necessary. “But we need more information: the types of discrimination, who faced it, who lodged complaints, against whom, and where it took place,” he indicated. Responding to reports about women experiencing incidents like knocks on their doors during odd hours, Siddique condemned such actions as indefensible and classified them as criminal activities that warrant action.
. He assured that the film organizations would fully cooperate with any governmental actions addressing these issues.
B. Rakesh, the secretary of the Kerala Producers Association, echoed similar sentiments, asking for more time to study the report. Rakesh asserted that understanding the full scope of the report was essential before committing to any specific course of action.
AMMA joint secretary and actor Baburaj also cited the extensive nature of the report, requesting additional time for examination. “The media has shown only parts of it. Whatever needs to be done based on the findings will be carried out to the fullest extent possible,” Baburaj stated. He highlighted the longstanding issues of inadequate facilities for women artistes, pointing out that practices as outdated as changing clothes with a makeshift screen of saris were unsatisfactory, especially with the advent of mobile phones with cameras increasing the sense of insecurity. Baburaj requested a week to review the report and formulate a response.
Actor-director Lal expressed hope that the issues highlighted in the report would be resolved, maintaining an optimistic outlook. “Hopefully, everything will be good,” he remarked, underscoring the need for actionable solutions to the problems cited in the report.
The Hema committee report was formed in response to the 2017 sexual assault of an actor, an incident that has since spurred an intense scrutiny of the working conditions and safety within the Malayalam film industry. The report’s release, even if partial, represents a significant moment for the industry, urging it to address issues that have long been swept under the rug.
The reaction from various key figures within the industry underscores a collective acknowledgment of the seriousness of the findings. However, their cautious approach suggests a need for a comprehensive and detailed understanding before responding substantively. Many of them stress the importance of not rushing into knee-jerk reactions given the sensitive and potentially damaging implications of the issues raised in the report. Their overarching message is clear: while the industry is committed to making necessary changes, these changes must be informed, thoughtful, and collaborative.
As the Kerala film industry gears up to tackle these challenges, all eyes will be on how effectively it can navigate this period of scrutiny and reform, ensuring a safer and more equitable environment for all its members.
