Swara Bhasker has joined forces with the women who have spoken out against sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. The findings have triggered a significant public reaction, prompting more individuals to share their experiences of harassment and discrimination within the industry. Bhasker, distinguished for her forthright opinions on social issues, addressed the matter in a detailed Instagram post, expressing her solidarity and sorrow over the deeply entrenched patriarchal environment in showbiz.
The Justice Hema Committee report, a comprehensive 233-page document sanctioned by the Kerala government, has laid bare the grim realities faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Bhasker, the first from Bollywood to publicly respond to what is being called Kerala’s #MeToo movement, described reading the report’s contents as “heartbreaking” yet “all too familiar.”
“Showbiz has always been a patriarchal power set-up,” Bhasker wrote, emphasizing that the industry is highly resistant to disruptions, even those caused by women raising valid ethical concerns. This resistance, she noted, is often accompanied by the stigmatization of those who speak out, branding them as ‘troublemakers’. Her reflections come at a time when numerous allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam cinema are surfacing, following the report’s release on August 19.
“In industries sensitive to perception and adverse to risk, the price of speaking up is often too high,” Bhasker lamented. She pointed out that in showbiz, much like other sectors governed by patriarchal norms, silence is not just expected but celebrated, especially when it ensures that the status quo is maintained without interruption. She further elaborated on the feudal nature of the industry, where successful individuals are deified, making it challenging for others to call out their inappropriate actions without facing severe repercussions.
The Justice Hema Committee report emerged from the aftermath of a high-profile 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep, catalyzing a broader investigation into the issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee’s findings have not just shed light on the pervasive abuse but have also instigated broader discussions about the industry’s complicity in enabling such behavior.
Bhasker, known for her roles in the “Tanu Weds Manu” franchise, “Nil Battey Sannata”, and “Veere Di Wedding”, took a firm stand against the normalization of sexual harassment in the film industry globally. She argued that the entrenched power dynamics leave newcomers and women in the industry with little choice but to navigate a framework they did not create.
. She stressed that accountability must be directed towards those who hold power and perpetuate these oppressive conditions.
“Are other language industries in India even talking about such things?” Bhasker questioned, urging a nationwide introspection into the underlying issues of power abuse that transcend regional and linguistic boundaries within Indian cinema. She called for a confrontation of these uncomfortable truths to alleviate the continued suffering of the vulnerable.
Commending the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for their pivotal role in advocating for better working conditions, Bhasker praised the bravery of the women who testified and those who provided each other with support. “You are heroes,” she wrote, acknowledging their courage and the collective efforts to challenge and transform the toxic culture.
The Justice Hema Committee’s revelations have already wrought significant consequences. On Tuesday, celebrated actor Mohanlal, who also served as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (A.M.M.A), resigned amid a surge of backlash as several members faced allegations of sexual abuse. Other high-ranking officials also stepped down, reflecting the intense pressure and demand for accountability emanating from the report’s disclosures.
The fallout has seen multiple women, including a notable Bengali actor, come forward with their stories of sexual harassment by prominent personalities in the Malayalam cinema, such as acclaimed director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh. Bhasker’s statement underscores a crucial moment of reckoning for an industry long criticized for its systemic exploitation of women and the culture of silence that has perpetuated it.
As more voices join the discourse and advocate for transformative change, Bhasker’s solidarity serves as a reminder that the fight against gender-based violence and inequality in showbiz is far from over. It calls for unwavering support for the survivors and a collective commitment to overhaul an industry complicit in the silencing and marginalization of women.
