The sexual exploitation of women within the Malayalam film industry and the reaction it provokes among certain segments of fans on social media share a common foundation of deep-rooted, patriarchal attitudes. These social media ‘moralists’ impose rigid, predefined roles on individuals, much like tyrannical governments or patriarchal societies. This deeply ingrained mindset is what some courageous actresses have recently spoken against, undeterred by potential repercussions.
The notion of women being reduced to mere sex objects by powerful men, alongside the victim-blaming that occurs on social media, is predicated on an alarming belief: men in positions of power can do no wrong, while women are often blamed for the trauma inflicted upon them. Unfortunately, this victim-blaming isn’t restricted to just the fans of the accused actors. Award-winning actress Sarada, one of the three members of the Justice Hema Committee, commented, “Today there is a lot of influence of Western culture on our society. Everybody mingles with each other quite openly.” Such remarks, which insinuate that women are responsible for the unwanted advances they face, are utterly reprehensible.
Even more disturbing are the parts of the Hema Committee’s report that distinguish between ‘girls’ and ‘women,’ implying a separate, additional layer of exploitation. The report states, “The girls who are called for work would be given a chance in cinema if they comply with the demands for sex.” This shocking revelation indicates that there are paedophiles among the ranks of these predatory actors.
For well-known actresses braving the public eye to speak out about such harrowing experiences – or even being raped in moving vehicles by hired thugs – the reality is grim enough. But what about those lower on the industry’s pecking order? “Junior artistes are treated worse than slaves,” the report grimly notes. The 290-page document is a stark exposé of the systemic abuse and exploitation that plague the Malayalam film industry.
The ‘Me-too’ movement serves as a convenient shorthand for addressing these issues, but it often fails to encapsulate the true horror of the crimes being committed.
. It’s vital to call these heinous acts by their actual name: rape. One prominent actor went so far as to outsource the crime of rape, indicating a chilling normalization of such behavior where the victim is left to grapple with lifelong trauma while the perpetrator resumes their career, unscathed.
This issue is particularly jarring given the reputation of Malayalam cinema for its intellectual content and skillful handling of delicate subjects. The recent national award-winning film, Aatam, which explores the ambiguous circumstances surrounding a woman allegedly molested while on tour, highlights the nuanced storytelling the industry is capable of. However, such accolades do little to mask the dark underbelly of the industry as more actresses come forward revealing the existence of a ‘lobby’ and ‘mafia’ within the sector. Insiders affirm that these nefarious circles are easily identifiable and expect more high-profile collapses as criminal cases are pursued.
Yet, despite rising awareness and legal action, a pervasive sense of unease lingers. The lingering fear is that severe crimes in industries such as this one often receive a level of political protection. Whether in Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, or Kerala, culprits feel shielded, engendering a grotesque sense of impunity. Just as certain businessmen enjoy privileges others do not, some rapists and sexual predators in the entertainment industry operate under a similar belief in their untouchable status.
The Hema Committee’s recommendations may seem lackluster, but the problems they address are undeniably real. By converting rampant rumors into substantiated complaints, the committee has illuminated issues that previously resided merely as gossip. Nonetheless, the ultimate question remains: will we ever see justice administered for these criminals?
To comprehensively address the issue, we must move beyond mere recognition and take definitive steps toward holding these perpetrators accountable. Advocacy and continued resistance are essential, but the fight for justice involves systematic change, unwavering resolve, and a societal shift in perspective. Only by confronting and dismantling these deep-rooted patriarchal structures can we hope to create a safer, equitable environment for women in all industries.
