The sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry and the reactions by ‘fans’ on social media spring from the same deeply ingrained mindset. Social media ‘moralists’ are, by definition, rigid and unyielding, attempting to fit individuals into predetermined roles. This rigid outlook is not exclusive to online spaces; it reflects the larger societal framework, including tyrannical governments and patriarchal societies. These entrenched systems perpetuate a cycle against which some brave actresses have spoken out, displaying remarkable courage despite the potential repercussions.
The troubling scenario in the film industry underscores an ugly truth: women are often viewed merely as sex objects by the rich and powerful while being subjected to victim-shaming on social media. This dual assault presupposes an attitude where entitled men are seen as infallible, and women are unjustly held responsible for the trauma inflicted upon them.
The Justice Hema Committee’s findings reveal that victim-blaming is not restricted to fans of the accused. Award-winning actress Sarada, one of the three women on the committee, illustrated this with a disturbingly insensitive comment: “Today there is a lot of influence of Western culture on our society. Everybody mingles with each other quite openly.” Such remarks insinuate that abused women have invited unwanted advances, compounding their suffering with layers of socially sanctioned judgment and stigmatization.
The report mentions even more shocking elements, such as the distinction made between ‘girls’ and ‘women.’ It states, “The girls who are called for work would be given a chance in cinema if they comply with the demands for sex.” This indicates that pedophiles, too, lurk within the industry under the guise of professional actors. Such revelations highlight the existence of a pernicious system where even the youngest are not safe.
High-profile actresses have come forward to share harrowing experiences, including being assaulted in moving vehicles by hired thugs. If they are not spared, the fate of junior artists—often considered lower in the pecking order—must be dire indeed. The report notes, “Junior artistes are treated worse than slaves,” underlining the severity of exploitation meted out to those on the fringes of fame. The comprehensive 290-page report paints a grim picture that is difficult to digest.
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The ‘Me-too’ movement, while impactful, often sounds like a convenience term, stripped of the gravity of the crimes it signifies. The worst of these offenses need to be called by their true name: rape. One prominent actor reportedly outsourced the crime, demonstrating a heinous sense of entitlement. While the victims bear the enduring trauma, the perpetrators often continue their lives with disturbing normalcy.
Ironically, Malayalam films are celebrated for their intelligence and finesse, often dealing with delicate subjects with an impressive level of sophistication. For instance, the movie ‘Aatam,’ which recently won the national award for best film, delves into the complexities around a woman’s potential molestation during a tour, highlighting the challenge of establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt. This cinematic brilliance stands in sharp contrast with the ugliness that festers behind the scenes.
According to insiders, the ‘lobby’ and ‘mafia’ singled out in the report can be easily identified, with expectations of more high-profile takedowns as criminal cases are pursued. However, there remains an uneasy feeling that political protection often envelops these heinous crimes, not just in Kerala but across other states like Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. This political shield grants the culprits a sense of impunity, an alarming recurrence that perpetuates over time.
In a world where some businessmen and offenders are deemed ‘more equal’ than others, a similar hierarchy exists among rapists and sexual predators in the acting community. Those complicit or directly responsible for such crimes often believe they can escape justice due to their status and connections.
The Hema Committee may have presented solutions that seem weak on the surface, but the problems identified are undeniably genuine and pressing. By officially recording what was previously relegated to the realm of gossip, the committee has made significant strides in exposing the dark underbelly of the Malayalam film industry. Transforming rumors into documented complaints is a step toward justice, but whether punitive measures will follow is still uncertain.
Criminals must face consequences for their actions, but the path to achieving this remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. One can only hope for a judicial and societal awakening that ensures the safety and dignity of women in every sphere, including the film industry.
