Kangana Ranaut, a prominent figure in Indian cinema, has reacted strongly to the Hema Committee’s report on the severe discrimination and sexual exploitation that plagues the women of the Malayalam film industry. In a revealing interview with India Today, the Bollywood actress shared her frustrations and disappointments, highlighting issues she feels have been ignored for far too long.
Kangana spoke candidly about the pervasive rape culture within the Kerala film industry. When asked if she believed these issues were unique to Kerala or part of a broader trend, she responded, “I have nothing to say about the industry; it is a hopeless place. I have put everything at stake—from my career to my choices. I have two legal cases against me. I initiated the MeToo movement, which unfortunately did not gain the traction it deserved. I started the parallel feminist cinema, but ironically, these women attacked me! They benefited from my fight for pay parity, yet they show no support. I refused to work in Khan, Kapoor, or Kumar films. When my movie ‘Emergency’ succeeds, they conveniently disappear. Ten years ago, look at my interview with Aamir Khan on ‘Satyamev Jayate.’ I’ve been calling out problematic screenplays and rape culture, as well as the objectification through item numbers.”
Her powerful statement continued on this disillusionment. “Maine sab ko dushman bana liya apna (I have made everyone my enemy),” she exclaimed. “Where do we end up now? The same kind of sexist cinema, promoting violence against women, is more popular than ever. This report on Kerala simply reiterates what I’ve been saying for so long. Where did it lead us? Nowhere. The industry is still a hopeless place. I feel I’ve wasted so much of my time trying to incite change. Sure, it has perhaps transformed my life—made me more secure as a woman—but overall, I am disheartened by the women who promote and participate in item numbers, contributing to the sexualization of young women. I am disappointed in women who fail to support other women’s work. I am let down by women who question why I have so many fights; they don’t understand whom I’m fighting for.
. Am I fighting for myself? No. I’ve sacrificed opportunities, money, brands—everything! This is why I feel let down.”
During the interview, Kangana did not hold back from criticizing the contradictory stances within the industry. “These same women who now get to work in films thanks to the fight for pay equality I championed, have the audacity to attack me! When my film does well, where are they? This duplicitous behavior is what tears this industry apart. Even in movies, women are portrayed saying ‘No, no, no,’ while men insist ‘Yes, yes, yes.’ This is precisely the rape culture I call out along with the pervasive objectification through item numbers.”
The Bollywood actress also shared her grievances regarding the lack of progress within the entertainment industry. The same sexist narratives and harmful stereotypes continue to dominate, despite her best efforts to challenge and change them. Kangana lamented her feeling of isolation and disenchantment. “I have been isolated for my efforts. All the battles I fought for policy change ended nowhere. Nothing in the industry changed. On the contrary, those perpetuating sexist, violent narratives against women are thriving more than ever,” she said.
Reflecting on the nuances of the Hema Committee’s findings, Kangana remained steadfast in her belief that it merely echoed her long-standing criticisms. “I have been vocal about these issues far too long for them not to be acknowledged. And yet, this report signifies that all my efforts have been in vain. The change didn’t happen where it was needed most,” she articulated.
Kangana’s outspokenness about such systemic issues within the film industry is nothing new. Known for her fearless criticism and stance against inequality, she has often found herself at odds with many in the entertainment world. Yet, her passionate discourse continues to highlight critically important conversations that call for urgent reform. The Hema Committee’s report, according to Kangana, underscores the unsettling fact that much remains to be done to ensure a safer, more equitable environment in the Malayalam film industry, and indeed, across the entire entertainment sector.
