The Malayalam film industry, an integral part of India’s cinematic landscape, is under intense scrutiny following the release of the Hema Committee report. This report has exposed issues of sexual abuse, gender discrimination, and the inhuman treatment of women that have long been concealed. It has reignited discussions about the pervasive influence of powerful men in suppressing women in Kerala, often referred to as “God’s own country.” The report’s findings highlight a disturbing reality where women’s voices are silenced, and justice remains elusive. The perpetrators are often shielded by government institutions, further complicating the pursuit of justice.
The Hema Committee report exposes a troubling culture of silence within the Malayalam film industry. Women, from junior artists to well-established actresses, have faced sexual harassment, exploitation, and discrimination, with little to no recourse to justice. The report has documented instances where women were coerced into providing sexual favors in exchange for work. Directors and producers who wield significant power have fostered an environment where compliance is rewarded, while resistance leads to ostracization across the industry. This dynamic was starkly evident in the case of actress Bhavana, who was blacklisted by the industry. Meanwhile, efforts were made by influential figures in the industry to reinstate actor Dileep, who was alleged to be the mastermind behind a serious offense.
Fear is a significant factor sustaining this culture—fear of losing employment, public shaming, and physical harm. Women who dare to speak out against their abusers often face severe consequences. This fear is intensified by the criminal influence within the industry, where powerful men are known to use their connections with gangs and the mafia to suppress any attempts at holding them accountable.
Additionally, the lack of basic facilities, such as toilets and changing rooms for women, has further exacerbated their plight. Female artists are forced to endure harsh working conditions, with no avenues to voice their grievances or seek redress. This neglect is not merely a result of gender discrimination; it reflects a deeper issue where women’s rights and dignity are routinely ignored.
The Kerala government’s handling of the Hema Committee report exemplifies how governmental actions can inadvertently suppress women’s rights. The report, submitted four years ago, was only recently made public, and even then, significant portions were redacted. These redactions, which exceeded the recommendations of the Kerala State Information Commissioner, have led to suspicions regarding the government’s intentions. The omitted sections reportedly contained details about prominent individuals in the industry who have been involved in sexual harassment over the years.
The media response to the Hema Committee report has been mixed. While some outlets have reported on its findings, others have remained silent. This selective reporting perpetuates the culture of silence, ultimately denying justice to the victims.
Society also plays a role in sustaining this culture of suppression. The stigma surrounding sexual harassment and the tendency to blame victims rather than perpetrators discourage women from coming forward. This victim-blaming mentality is deeply ingrained in our society, where women who report sexual harassment are often accused of seeking attention or attempting to ruin a man’s career.
Governments, through their policies and actions, have the power to challenge or reinforce the status quo. In many cases, they have chosen the latter, allowing powerful men to continue their abusive behavior with impunity. This is evident in the lack of enforcement of laws designed to protect women from sexual harassment and the slow pace of legal proceedings. For instance, in the Malayalam film industry, the government has been slow to act on the findings of the Hema Committee report, allowing the culture of abuse to persist unchecked.
The Indian government has enacted several laws aimed at protecting women from sexual harassment, such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. However, implementing these laws has been inconsistent, and many women in the film industry are unaware of their rights. This lack of awareness, combined with the fear of retaliation, means that many cases of sexual harassment go unreported. Victims often face barriers in accessing justice, including a lack of legal representation, a slow and cumbersome judicial process, and the stigma associated with being a public figure.
The Hema Committee report makes several recommendations to address the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report suggests the mandatory establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. These committees should include members from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to ensure that complaints are handled impartially and with the necessary expertise.
Some committee members have proposed creating an independent tribunal to handle cases of harassment and discrimination within the cinema industry. This tribunal would operate with in-camera proceedings to ensure complete privacy for the victims, with their identities being withheld from media reports. Establishing a tribunal could provide a safe and supportive environment for victims to seek justice without fear of public scrutiny or professional backlash.
The report also recommends that written contracts be made mandatory for all categories of employees, including coordinators of junior artists. These contracts would protect workers’ rights by clearly outlining the terms of employment, including remuneration, working hours, and conditions. Written contracts would also serve as a legal safeguard against exploitation, ensuring that all parties are held accountable to the agreed terms.
To address the underlying issues of sexism and gender discrimination, the report suggests that all cast and crew members should attend a basic gender awareness training program before the start of production. These programs would educate industry professionals on gender equality, sexual harassment, and respectful workplace behavior.
The report emphasizes the need for greater representation of women in key decision-making roles within the industry, particularly as producers. To achieve this, it recommends providing adequate and timely budgetary support to incentivize films that promote gender justice both thematically and in their production processes. A single-window system could be established to provide loans at nominal interest rates for films produced by women, streamlining permissions for shooting and making it easier for women to enter the industry.
By encouraging more women to take on producer roles, the industry can shift towards creating a more inclusive and safe environment. This change could pave the way for a more equitable and just future for women in the Malayalam film industry, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld.
