What is Hema Committee Report? Why is Malayalam Film Industry being grilled? Know here-
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Known for its innovative storytelling and unique narratives, the Malayalam Film Industry peaked this year as several films turned out to be profitable and were critically acclaimed. But now, the Malayalam film industry is currently engulfed in controversy and turmoil following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. The report featured startling information about how women are treated in the Malayalam film industry. This report comes in the backdrop of the Kolkata rape-murder case and protests for rising crimes against women
The 290-page report by a three-member panel, called the Hema committee, detailed the problems faced by women in Malayalam cinema, including poor working conditions and rampant sexual harassment. The report submitted in December 2019, have finally been made public after nearly five years of delays and legal challenges.
The report’s release had been put on hold after a Malayalam film producer had filed a plea against its release. The High Court eventually dismissed the plea and directed the government to release the report. The names of both survivors and those accused were redacted from the report to protect their identities.
It also describes the industry as a "male-dominated Boys' Club," where discussions over alcohol often devolve into vulgar jokes and sexual innuendos. It also notes a pervasive "culture of silence" fueled by a power nexus that maintains control over the industry. Despite the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse, many women in the film industry are reluctant to report these offenses, largely due to fear and the potential repercussions of challenging the established power structures.
The report triggered a wave of reactions, with activists and Opposition leaders in Kerala calling for swift action against the perpetrators. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, assured that the government would take action against anyone found guilty, regardless of their stature.
Director Ranjith Balakrishnan and actor Siddique resigned from their prestigious positions within the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). These resignations came amid growing allegations of misconduct against both men, signalling the beginning of a wider reckoning within the industry.
Apart from this, AMMA including the president of the association, actor Mohanlal resigned from their positions. 64-year-old Mohanlal cited moral responsibility as allegations of sexual abuse were levelled against some members of the governing body of AMMA.
The governing body that dissolved included Actors Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol and Tini Tom. AMMA was under fire for maintaining silence over the allegations and the Hema Committee report.
Filmmakers Ranjith, Thulasidas, actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu and Suraj Venjaramoodu have been named by female actors as abusers.
Now, the Kerala Police registered a case of rape against actor and Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA M Mukesh following a complaint from a fellow female actor. The incident allegedly took place in 2013. He is booked for rape and “use of criminal force against women with intent to outrage her modesty” among other non-bailable offences.
What is the Hema Committee Report?
The report was commissioned by the Kerala government in 2017, when actress Bhavana Menon, a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry, was brutally assaulted by a group of men while travelling. The incident shook the industry and led to the arrest of actor Dileep, who was charged with criminal conspiracy. Dileep, one of the biggest stars in Malayalam cinema, denied the charges, and the case continues in court.
Menon’s case and her decision to waive her anonymity in 2022 played a significant role in highlighting the systemic issues within the industry.
The 290-page report by a three-member panel, called the Hema committee, detailed the problems faced by women in Malayalam cinema, including poor working conditions and rampant sexual harassment. The report submitted in December 2019, have finally been made public after nearly five years of delays and legal challenges.
The report’s release had been put on hold after a Malayalam film producer had filed a plea against its release. The High Court eventually dismissed the plea and directed the government to release the report. The names of both survivors and those accused were redacted from the report to protect their identities.
What are the allegations?
The report highlights that the film industry in Kerala is dominated by a small, powerful group of male actors, producers, and directors who wield enormous influence, making open demands for sexual favours from women. Those who refuse often face severe professional repercussions, effectively ending their careers before they can even begin.
It also describes the industry as a "male-dominated Boys' Club," where discussions over alcohol often devolve into vulgar jokes and sexual innuendos. It also notes a pervasive "culture of silence" fueled by a power nexus that maintains control over the industry. Despite the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse, many women in the film industry are reluctant to report these offenses, largely due to fear and the potential repercussions of challenging the established power structures.
Resignations & FIRs
The report triggered a wave of reactions, with activists and Opposition leaders in Kerala calling for swift action against the perpetrators. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, assured that the government would take action against anyone found guilty, regardless of their stature.
Director Ranjith Balakrishnan and actor Siddique resigned from their prestigious positions within the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). These resignations came amid growing allegations of misconduct against both men, signalling the beginning of a wider reckoning within the industry.
Apart from this, AMMA including the president of the association, actor Mohanlal resigned from their positions. 64-year-old Mohanlal cited moral responsibility as allegations of sexual abuse were levelled against some members of the governing body of AMMA.
The governing body that dissolved included Actors Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol and Tini Tom. AMMA was under fire for maintaining silence over the allegations and the Hema Committee report.
Filmmakers Ranjith, Thulasidas, actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu and Suraj Venjaramoodu have been named by female actors as abusers.
Now, the Kerala Police registered a case of rape against actor and Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA M Mukesh following a complaint from a fellow female actor. The incident allegedly took place in 2013. He is booked for rape and “use of criminal force against women with intent to outrage her modesty” among other non-bailable offences.