The Justice Hema Committee Report has revealed horrid tales of sexual abuse, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, wage disparity, and inhuman working conditions, especially for women. According to the report, the Cinema industry is male-dominated and has become an exclusive Boys’ Club. 

It has identified at least 17 forms of exploitation experienced by women working in 30 different categories within the industry. According to  reports, Several Malayalam female actors and junior artists have accused director Baburaj, actor Siddique, Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, Thulasidas, and CPI-M MLA Vichu Mukesh of sexual harassment, and misconduct. 

It is pertinent to note the report also highlighted challenges faced by their male counterparts in the film industry. According to the report, several well-known male artists have been subjected to “unauthorised” bans from working for extended periods, often for “very silly reasons.” 

According to the report, these bans are usually a result of artists unknowingly provoking powerful figures within the industry’s influential lobby. Consequently, many men are reluctant or afraid to speak out against the industry’s practices, fearing that any information they provide could jeopardise their future opportunities in cinema.

Repercussions

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment against a few actors in Malayalam cinema and it consists of senior women police officers. The Kerala High Court has taken cognizance and directed the state government to submit the full report in a sealed envelope.

Around 17 cases have also been filed after the release of the Hema Committee report. These cases have been registered against several big names in the industry, including actor Jayasurya and actor and politician Mukesh. 

Furthermore, the Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA) was dissolved on 27th August and its president popular actor Mohanlal, and the other 17 members of the executive committee including Siddique and Edavela Babu also resigned leading to the dissolution of the cinema body. Actor Siddique resigned as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists after he was hit by sexual assault allegations. He resigned over allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by a female actor.

Major reactions

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) which initially petitioned for such a Committee, released an official statement on the very day when the findings of the report were made public. In their statement, they said, “Today, we stand vindicated”. 

The report emphasised that women were being asked to make certain “adjustments” and “compromises” – euphemisms for sexual favours – to secure or retain opportunities. It added, that these two words are very familiar among women working in Malayalam cinema, who “are asked to make themselves available for sex on demand”.  

According to the findings of the report, the Malayalam film industry is under the control of a powerful lobby of male producers, directors, and actors who “dominate other persons working in cinema.” 

It added that “these influential figures could even coerce and threaten the persons who work in ICC to deal with the complaint, in the manner they demand.” The report describes the situation in cinema as “very shocking.”

It also revealed grave concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) within the Malayalam film industry stating that the formation of ICCs is not recommended due to several reasons. The most startling discovery was that women who experience sexual harassment or assault frequently choose not to speak up for fear of being branded as “troublemakers” or being shunned by the business.

The government-appointed expert group discussed several embarrassing aspects, including unwanted physical advances made to women in the Malayalam film industry before they even started working and code names for women who would compromise. Testimonies from other women in the industry, who detailed their terrifying experiences, are included in the report. In one incident highlighted in the report, an actress was made to rehearse a scene in which she was hugged by an actor who had previously molested her. The filmmakers took 17 takes to finalize the shot.

These testimonials highlight the widespread culture of insensitivity and exploitation that women in the field face on a daily basis. The study found that the Malayalam film industry has a deeply embedded patriarchal mentality that feeds the myth that women only pursue careers in the business to gain notoriety and fortune, and as a result, they will “surrender” to anything.

Additionally, women actors are denied basic facilities like access to toilets and safe changing rooms even on film sets. They often have to find secluded spots to change or use the bathroom during outdoor shoots, with no access to water or basic facilities, the report added.