Thiruvananthapuram: The Justice Hema Committee Report has revealed alarming instances of sexual abuse, gender discrimination, and inhuman treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry.
Chaired by retired High Court Justice K Hema, the Pinarayi Vijayan government established the committee in 2017. Its mandate was to investigate the prevalence of sexual harassment, gender inequality, and the absence of essential facilities for women in the Malayalam film industry, following an assault case involving the actress and actor Dileep in the same year.
The committee presented its report in 2019, but the government withheld the details, suspecting they contained sensitive information. The report highlighted numerous issues concerning sexual harassment and gender discrimination, such as wage disparities and inadequate facilities at filming locations.
The report states that female artists often refrain from drinking water on set due to inadequate toilet facilities, especially in outdoor locations. Many artists testified before the panel that they are compelled to suppress nature’s call for extended periods, which frequently results in urinary tract infections.
In the absence of changing enclosures, women are forced to use trees or bushes for privacy when relieving themselves or changing clothes. Typically, assistants create a makeshift screen with clothing for the actors to change behind.
The situation worsens during menstruation. The report indicates that female artists struggle significantly with changing or disposing of their sanitary products. Discrimination extends beyond actors to those behind the scenes, including assistants, hair stylists, and makeup artists.
Casting Couch
The report unveils the appalling realities of the casting couch in the Malayalam film industry. It asserts that the casting couch continues to be a major problem, leading to the exploitation of women.
In an instance cited in the report, a female actor disclosed that during a film shoot, she was compelled to endure a deeply distressing scene where she had to repeatedly hug a man who had previously abused her. Due to her distress, it required 17 retakes to finalize the scene.
Numerous women who testified before the commission reported that sexual favours are frequently solicited in return for job opportunities. Several actors recounted to the commission being propositioned to engage in compromises for movie roles.
The report indicates that the Malayalam film industry is plagued by criminal influence and rampant sexual exploitation. Directors and producers often coerce female actors into making compromises, with those who comply being termed “cooperating artists.”
The commission expressed shock upon hearing about the sexual abuse and harassment victims endure within the Malayalam film industry. An abridged 233-page version of the report was made public shortly after 2:30 pm on Monday.
“Women in cinema often feel unsafe attending work alone. Many testimonies have disclosed that sexual demands are frequently linked to job opportunities, which is a stark contrast to other professions. In sectors such as teaching, medicine, or engineering, women do not face such predicaments. Typically, proving one’s competence through an interview suffices to gain employment. Yet, in the film industry, the casting couch continues to be a disturbing issue,” the Committee said.
For safety, actors often bring their parents to work
Many female film workers frequently bring their parents or close relatives to the set due to fears of sexual demands and harassment. They are concerned for their safety, not only on set but also in the accommodations provided for them. Alarmingly, there have been reports of industry men, sometimes under the influence of liquor or drugs, insistently knocking on the hotel doors of female artists, causing significant distress.
Women don’t dare to complain for fear of dangerous consequences
Instances where men have forced entry into these rooms have occurred. Consequently, many women choose not to stay alone, fearing for their safety at work.
Despite the rampant issue of sexual harassment and abuse in the film industry, women tend to hesitate to report these offences to the authorities. Although these crimes are covered by the Penal Code and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013 (POSH Act), women in the film industry are apprehensive about the consequences of lodging an official complaint.
Women are often hesitant to file a police complaint due to the fear of dangerous repercussions. The stigma surrounding sexual harassment, particularly for public figures, frequently deters actors from reporting such incidents.
Additionally, the threat of cyberattacks and public humiliation can discourage victims from speaking out. Online harassment poses a significant challenge for women in cinema, with both female and male artists facing cyberbullying, public threats, and defamation. Social media platforms become avenues for vulgar comments, images, and videos, where female artists are especially targeted with explicit and threatening messages, including rape threats and unsolicited photos of male genitals.
Numerous recommendations were proposed for establishing the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act, including the inclusion of representatives from various unions and associations within the film industry, such as AMMA and FEFKA, in the ICC.
However, many complaints felt that ICC would not be enough as these panels would be packed with people from the industry. Instead, they suggested setting up an independent Tribunal to deal with such cases in the cinema industry.
The decision to publish the report followed a single bench’s rejection of actor Ranjini’s request to postpone the report’s release until her case was considered. The Kerala High Court’s division bench had dismissed the senior actor’s plea to review the report before its public release on Monday, citing technical grounds.
The Hema Committee, tasked with addressing the critical issues women face in the Malayalam film industry, was led by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice K Hema, with members including veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer K B Valsala Kumari.
On Monday, the Kerala Government disclosed the Hema Commission Report, releasing only 233 pages and withholding sections that might violate the privacy of the individuals referenced.
Culture and Cinema Affairs Minister Saji Cherian has stated that the government will thoroughly review the report and implement measures in collaboration with stakeholders, reaffirming the commitment to creating a secure environment for women in the Malayalam film industry.
The committee’s findings and recommendations;
Significant gender disparities in Malayalam cinema.
Avoid employing individuals with criminal background as drivers.
Strict action to prevent the mistreatment of women by fans’ associations.
Framing of laws to tackle the challenges faced by women in the industry.
Formation of a tribunal for industry-related issues.
Ban individuals charged with serious offences for an extended period
Toilet facilities on film sets
Ban alcohol and drugs on set
Prevent the use of derogatory language towards women
Ensure equal pay for female artists.
Provide safe accommodations for women.
