A critical report detailing issues faced by women in the Malayalam-language film industry has exposed significant problems within one of India’s most renowned film hubs.
The findings from a three-member panel reveal alarming conditions. The comprehensive 290-page report, partially redacted to protect the identities of survivors and accused, indicates that the industry is plagued by “a mafia of powerful men,” with “sexual harassment of women” being widespread.
Established in 2017, the Hema committee, led by a former judge of the Kerala High Court, highlighted deplorable working conditions, including a lack of basic amenities like toilets and changing rooms for junior artists, insufficient food and water, and no transport or accommodation provisions.
“Due to the absence of proper facilities, women are forced to relieve themselves in bushes, leading to severe discomfort, especially during menstruation, and sometimes requiring hospitalization,” the report states.
Initially submitted to the government in December 2019, this report was only made public after lengthy delays and legal challenges from industry members.
The panel’s formation followed a horrific sexual assault case involving a prominent actress. In February 2017, actress Bhavana Menon was attacked by a group of men while traveling, an incident that generated widespread media coverage especially after one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars was implicated in a criminal conspiracy connected to the assault. While he denied the accusations, he was detained for three months before being released on bail, and the case remains pending in court.
While Indian law protects the anonymity of sexual assault survivors, it was widely recognized that Menon was the victim. In 2022, she publicly waived her anonymity to raise awareness about her experience.
A few months after Menon’s attack, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), formed by some of her peers, petitioned the government for action regarding the assault and broader issues facing women in filmmaking.
Retired Justice K Hema stated that the WCC expressed concerns about how “women are silenced to protect the film industry’s reputation.”
The committee interviewed numerous individuals from various roles in the film industry, collecting substantial evidence, including video clips and messages. The report characterizes sexual harassment as the “worst evil” facing women in cinema, with assertions that such incidents are occurring unchecked.
The report identifies a systemic issue within the industry, stating it is controlled by a group of powerful male figures—actors, producers, and directors—who also comprise some of the perpetrators.
“Men often make overt sexual demands, leaving women with little choice but to comply or risk abandoning their aspirations in cinema,” the report adds. It highlights the gravity of many women’s experiences, often undisclosed even to their close family members.
Initial reluctance to speak out was noted among those approached by the panel, primarily due to fears of job loss. As discussions progressed, it became evident that these fears were justified. The safety of participants and their families remains a significant concern for the panel.
The WCC praised the report for validating their concerns about systemic issues in the industry, leading to a realization that conditions are worse than previously thought.
Activists and opposition leaders have responded urgently to the report’s findings, demanding institutional reforms and action against those implicated in the report. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that if any woman who testified before the committee comes forward to lodge a complaint, the government will take appropriate action, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
This week, a public interest petition was submitted to the Kerala High Court, requesting that criminal proceedings be initiated based on the report’s findings. The court has ordered the government to present the report for judicial review.
Instances of harassment within the Indian film industry are not new. The #MeToo movement gained traction in 2018 following allegations against a prominent actor in Bollywood, which mirrored concerns raised in the Malayalam industry.
Some, like actress Tanushree Dutta, have criticized the report as ineffective, arguing that previous attempts to ensure safer workplaces for women have fallen short. Nevertheless, other industry voices celebrate the report as a pivotal step toward change.
Filmmaker Jeo Baby acknowledges ongoing gender issues but expresses optimism that the current climate presents an opportunity for collective progress toward significant reform within the industry.
The report proposes several recommendations to secure women’s safety in the profession, striving to establish an environment where both men and women can pursue careers in filmmaking with confidence.
“We hope that filmmaking can become secure enough for families to encourage their daughters and sons to enter the industry without fear,” it concludes.
