Thiruvananthapuram: The Justice K Hema Committee Report, detailing the appalling conditions faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, has ignited controversy and political discord in Kerala. The report, finally released on Monday, uncovers deeply troubling instances of sexual exploitation and gender-based harassment in the industry. The timing of its release has raised eyebrows, prompting Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, to harshly criticize the Pinarayi Vijayan government for its prolonged delay in making the findings public.
Originally submitted in 2019 after being commissioned two years prior by the Vijayan administration, the report took over Rs 1.50 crore to compile. Despite its completion, the insights remained hidden from the public eye for years. This concealment continued until the report’s release on Monday, which followed a lengthy legal battle, highlighting an orchestrated effort to hinder its publication even in its final stages.
“This is a grave crime done by the Vijayan government and we wish to know why this report was kept in cold storage. Was it to save those who did the exploitation?” Satheesan questioned. He further called for the formation of a specialized police investigation team led by a top woman IPS officer to ensure that all offenders, irrespective of their position or influence, are held accountable.
In response to the opposition’s allegations, state Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian remarked on the situation. Cherian, who has served as the minister for over three years, asserted that he had not received any complaints of exploitation during his tenure. “Now a report has been published and it speaks of such things, but I am ready to order a probe if there is any complaint. I wish to inform all that no one needs to be worried; any woman coming with a complaint will face no duress,” Cherian stated reassuringly.
Cherian also announced plans for a forthcoming conclave to be held in the next few months. This event aims to include key figures from various segments of the film industry to engage in thorough discussions on pressing issues, including those revealed in the Hema Committee’s findings.
. This is seen as a step towards addressing and resolving these longstanding problems within the industry.
The Hema Committee produced a comprehensive 289-page report that opens with a metaphor emphasizing the deceptive nature of appearances: “The sky is full of mysteries; with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But, scientific investigation revealed that stars do not twinkle nor does the moon look beautiful. The study, therefore, cautions: ‘Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar’.”
The report details distressing experiences endured by many women in cinema, often so severe that victims refrained from discussing them even with close family members. Surprisingly, the report also uncovered that certain men have faced significant issues in the industry, including unauthorized bans from working, usually for trivial reasons that provoked the ire of influential figures within the industry.
Sexual harassment is identified as the most significant issue women face in the Malayalam film industry. The report’s findings suggest a culture of fear and silence, where even the boldest women hesitate to speak about their traumatic experiences. This reluctance stems from the threat of professional retaliation and social ostracism, perpetuated by a powerful and supportive network among male counterparts in the industry. Additionally, the fear of severe online harassment and physical threats, including threats to family members, further silences many victims.
The exploitation begins at the industry’s inception stage, involving those responsible for offering roles in films often subjected to making “adjustments” or “compromise” – euphemisms for complying with sexual demands – to secure opportunities. The testimony of various witnesses reveals that some women have reluctantly consented to sexual advances to avoid being blacklisted, while others share instances of coerced compliance facilitated even by family members who see it as a necessary evil.
Although consensual sexual encounters do occur, the report clarifies that most women are unwilling to engage in such arrangements purely for career advancement. It also highlights the disturbing reality where even mothers sometimes turn a blind eye to such exploitation, believing it to be a standard procedure.
In all, the Justice Hema report sheds light on a pervasive issue within the Malayalam film industry, calling for a systemic overhaul and immediate protective measures for women. Consequently, Satheesan emphasized that a thorough police investigation is essential to bring all perpetrators to justice, regardless of their status.
As the political and social ramifications of this report continue to unfold, stakeholders in the film industry and policymakers are urged to take decisive action to eradicate this entrenched culture of exploitation and ensure a safer, more equitable working environment for all.
