K Hema Committee report's shocking findings expose dark secrets of Malayalam film industry

File photo used for representation

Since the ‘Me too’ movement gained momentum in the last decade, more and more women have been coming forward with disclosures on sexual exploitation and overtures in their workplace. But beyond the shaming of the individual perpetrators, such disclosures achieve very little, and the issues persist. This is more prevalent in the misogynistic film industry of the country where influential personalities find ways to wriggle out.

Malayalam film industry is one of the most prestigious ones in the country, not only from the days of Adoor Gopalakrishnan but even over the last few years, the body of work generated from there came in for much appreciation. Yet, the publication of the Justice K Hema report on Monday has exposed the underbelly of the industry, where even minor girls are not spared. What was an open secret spoken in hushed tones is now part of a public document.

Now, however, women activists are hoping that with the publication of the Justice K Hema Committee report on Monday, Kerala will show the way for a transformation. It is now hoped that the Kerala government will chalk out a plan for reformation and provide redressal to the women in Malayalam cinema facing sexual harassment, especially junior artistes, new comers and technical staff, who are still afraid to speak up.

Even though the report was submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019, it has taken the government five years to publish it. Nor has the government acted on the recommendations of the committee so far.

The 235-page committee report, that was released after redacting the names of witnesses and accused, confirmed that sexual favours are demanded by prominent figures in the industry for acting roles, sometimes, even before work begins. A leading actor has revealed to the committee that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by a ‘mafia’ comprising some producers, directors and actors, who decide to ban anyone from the industry. This mafia or ‘power group’ not only warns the industry against taking any actor who has fallen out with the group, but even prevents release of films by not issuing NOC by the Film Chamber of Commerce.

In support of these claims witnesses produced video and audio clips and screenshots of WhatsApp messages.

Some of the women were not willing to even talk to the committee as they were worried about the consequences and the committee notes that it was worried about their safety and that of their close relatives. These women, mostly junior artistes, sometimes don't reveal their trauma to their family nor approach the police. There is always fear of cyber attacks. Fear is such that many of the junior artistes and dancers left the WhatsApp group formed by Committee. The junior artistes, according to the committee, are treated worse than slaves and a large part of their money is siphoned off by intermediaries.

During shooting, staying away from home, some women take their parents or relatives with them for safety. Staying alone in the accommodations provided, they faced the issue of inebriated men knocking at the door and even attempting to knock down the door. A lady actor narrated the traumatic instance of having to act as the wife of an actor who abused her the previous day. It was so revolting, she was unable to act as required, inviting the wrath of the director.

Another issue noted by the committee is the lack of changing rooms and toilets on sets, especially during outdoor shooting, leading to urinary infections. Some of the male actors interviewed by the committee dismissed it as an insignificant issue. There is no written contract and the remuneration is from what has been orally promised. Similarly no contract on the role played and what is required of the actor to do as part of the role.

The committee was formed in 2017 by the Kerala government on a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), urging the government to look into the sexual harassment issues in the industry. The WCC was formed following abduction and sexual assault on a prominent female actor in February that year by a group of men in a running car, allegedly hired by actor Dileep. Following complaints by WCC, its members were banned from getting roles in the industry. After the report was tabled, WCC urged the state government to take action. The committee is headed by former judge of the High Court Justice K Hema and also includes actor Sarada and IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari.

While detailing the issues at length, the committee recommended that the state government enact appropriate statute and constitute a Tribunal to address the issue, instead of an Internal Complaints Committee. It pointed out that an ICC would only end up being controlled by powerful persons in the industry.

Following the publication of the report, many suggestions are floating around including investigation by an agency or forming an SIT and legislation. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) general secretary has said that the committee report has to be studied carefully before taking any action. As the Pnarayi Vijayan government was bombarded by criticism, it hid behind the refrain that they were protecting the victims as the Hema Committee chose to protect their identity. Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian, who complained that none of the wronged persons complained to the police or court, finnally said that the recommendations of the committee would be implemented.

This is the first time the issue of sexual harassment in a film industry has been made public.