All you need to know about Hema Committee report, the investigation that has rocked Malayalam film industry
The Malayalam film industry has been left shocked by the revelations of rampant sexual abuse, casting couch, and other unwanted advances that actresses have been subjected to. The revelations were made in an investigative report submitted to the Kerala government by the Justice Hema Committee, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals.
Why Justice Hema Committee was formed
The Justice Hema Committee, appointed by the Kerala government in 2019 to look into issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, comprised of explosive accounts of harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment faced by women. The Hema Committee was formed in the aftermath of the 2017 actress assault case. The committee submitted its report to the Kerala government on December 31, 2019; however, it was only made available to the public on August 19, 2024.
What Justice Hema Committee found
The commission said that it was 'shocked to hear the sexual harassment stories' revealed to it by women working in the Malayalam film industry.
"The offer to act or for doing any other job in the cinema comes to a woman coupled with a demand for sexual favours. As I already mentioned, the woman would be asked to adjust and compromise, thereby she is asked to surrender to sexual demands," the report said.
'Malayalam film industry controlled by criminal gang'
The panel report also alleged that the Malayalam film industry is under the control of a "criminal gang."
In a series of shocking and shameful revelations, the report stated that female actors have faced harassment, including instances where the doors of their rooms were knocked on by intoxicated individuals in the film industry.
Many of them, who suffered sexual harassment, were reluctant to complain about this to the police due to fear, it said.
What Women in Cinema Collective said
Welcoming the release of the report, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an outfit of women professionals in the industry, expressed hope that the government would take all necessary steps to study and act upon the recommendations.
The WCC has been pressing for a long time to address the issues being faced by women in the Malayalam film industry and seeking necessary interventions by the government to ensure gender equality there.
"It has been a long journey for us! We believed that our fight for justice for all women wanting a dignified professional space in the film industry was the right fight. Today we stand vindicated. The publication of the Hema Committee report is another step that WCC has taken," it said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Women's Commission reaction?
Reacting to the report, the Kerala State Women's Commission sought the immediate intervention of the authorities to address the issues pointed out in the report.
"Based on the suggestions of the Hema Committee, the Women's Commission will recommend to the government to take the necessary steps to ensure grievance redressal committees as per the POSH Act on shooting sets," women's panel chief P. Sathi Devi said.
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