Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the explosive revelations contained within the Justice K Hema Committee Report, shedding light on the dire conditions faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry, Kerala’s political landscape was stirred into action on Monday. The report, finally made public after significant delays, uncovers widespread sexual exploitation and systemic harassment within the film industry. Hours after its release, the Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, severely criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government for allegedly concealing the report since 2019.
Justice K Hema (retd) was initially tasked with leading the inquiry in 2017, by the then Pinarayi Vijayan government, and submitted her 289-page report two years later. This comprehensive study, which cost the state government Rs 1.50 crore, remained hidden despite repeated calls for its publication. It was only after prolonged legal battles and last-minute delays that the report saw the light of day on Monday.
Expressing his indignation, Satheesan remarked, “This is a grave crime perpetrated by the Vijayan government. We demand to understand why this report was kept in cold storage. Was it an attempt to shield the perpetrators? We urgently need a special police investigation team, led by a top woman IPS officer, to ensure that all wrongdoers are brought to justice, regardless of their status or influence.”
On the other side, the state’s Culture and Films Minister, Saji Cherian, attempted to calm the situation, noting that during his three years in office, no complaints of exploitation had been registered with him.
“Now a report has been published addressing these issues, and I am prepared to launch an investigation if any complaints arise. I assure everyone that no woman bringing forth a complaint will face coercion or intimidation,” Cherian assured. He also announced plans for a forthcoming conclave where leading figures from various segments of the film industry would gather to discuss and address these burning issues comprehensively.
The preamble of the Hema Committee report starkly warns, “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’.
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This cautionary note is emblematic of the shocking realities unearthed by the report. It details a litany of abuses experienced by women within the industry, abuses so severe that many victims had not even shared their experiences with close family members. The findings also revealed that men in the industry faced unauthorized bans for insignificant reasons, further highlighting the pervasive control exercised by a powerful lobby within the industry.
The report identifies sexual harassment as the predominant challenge faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. “Most women, known for their boldness, are hesitant to disclose their experiences of sexual harassment, even to their colleagues,” the report states. “They fear retaliation, including bans from the industry, which would isolate them from their professional community. The utilization of fan clubs to enact severe online harassment against these women is common, extending threats not only to them but to their close family members, effectively silencing them.”
The harassment begins from the very onset of a woman’s career in cinema. Women aspiring for roles are often approached by production controllers or other personnel with demands for ‘compromise’ and ‘adjustment’, euphemisms for sexual favors, as revealed by numerous witnesses. Some witnesses were appalled by instances where mothers of aspiring actresses were complicit in this system, normalizing the idea that sexual favors were a requisite for success in cinema.
While some instances of consensual relationships may exist, the majority of women are pressured into these situations to secure roles. The societal expectation heightens the grim reality that the path to a film career for women is lined with demands for sexual compromise. This exploitative culture starkly contrasts with other professional fields, where such abuse is less rampant.
In light of these revelations, V.D. Satheesan has reiterated the opposition’s demand for an immediate and thorough police investigation to address these systemic issues and bring justice to the victims. Saji Cherian’s promise of an industry conclave is seen as a step forward, yet the urgency and intensity of the revelations demand more immediate and robust actions.
As the debate unfolds, the spotlight remains on the Malayalam film industry and the political dynamics of Kerala, with many eagerly awaiting the outcomes of promised investigations and discussions. The Justice Hema Committee Report has undeniably sparked a crucial conversation about the safety and dignity of women in cinema, calling for systemic changes to protect all industry workers from such egregious exploitation.
