The Hema Committee report, which was released on August 19, 2024, turned out to be a watershed moment for the Malayalam film industry. The report shed light on the issue of sexual harassment faced by women in the film industry. Submitted to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan five years ago, the report details the systemic exploitation, abuse of power, and lobbying that have plagued the industry for decades.
The origin of the Hema Committee
The Hema Committee was formed after a horrific incident in February 2017. A prominent Malayalam actress was kidnapped, assaulted, and filmed in a moving car. Investigations revealed that actor Dileep had allegedly orchestrated the attack to "teach her a lesson."
This case shook the entire country, and led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). A group of female actors, including Manju Warrier, Parvathy, Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambeesan, among others, aimed to create a safer working environment for women in the Malayalam film industry. This movement faced significant resistance, and many actors who supported the survivor faced unofficial bans and lost work.
In response to the growing outcry, the Kerala government established the Hema Committee in November 2017. It comprised of Justice Hema, actor Sarada, and bureaucrat KB Valsala Kumari. The committee invited women from the industry to share their experiences, promising confidentiality. Over 80 women came forward, and revealed the hostile environment they had endured while working in the industry.
Shocking revelations of the Hema Committee Report
After gathering testimonies from various women over two years, the Hema Committee submitted a 296-page report in 2019.
However, the report remained under wraps for five years, sparking outrage and accusations that the government was protecting powerful individuals implicated in the report. When the report was finally made public, it revealed shocking details of sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender-based discrimination within the industry.
The report described how women were often denied basic amenities such as changing rooms and toilets. A powerful lobby of directors, producers, and technicians routinely harassed women on set. The report recounted instances where drunk men would knock on the doors of female actors' rooms, demanding sex. Those who refused were punished by being forced to repeat intimate scenes multiple times.
The report also highlighted the gender pay gap, citing an example where a lead female actor in the film Take Off was paid significantly less than her male counterparts. It further mentioned that several pages were redacted from the final report, and raised questions about who was being protected.
Impact of the Hema Committee Report
The Hema Committee report has sparked a renewed conversation about the #MeToo movement within the Malayalam film industry. After it was made public, several women came forward with allegations against prominent industry figures.
Veteran actor Siddique was accused of rape by a female actor, leading to his resignation as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Similarly, filmmaker Ranjith stepped down as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman after being accused of inappropriate behaviour.
Despite these developments, top actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty have been silent. Mohanlal, who is the president of AMMA, is yet to comment on the report. Earlier, he had dismissed the #MeToo movement calling it a "short-lived fad."
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The Hema Committee has certainly created ripples, and as more women come forward with their stories, it could lead to a significant transformation in the Malayalam film industry. Apart from exposing the dark underbelly of the industry, it could also pave the way for a meaningful change, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for women.
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