Hema Committee Report Reveals Sexual Exploitation in Malayalam Film Industry

The much-awaited Justice K. Hema Committee Report, which examined the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry, was published by the Kerala government on Monday.

Following the removal of 63 pages from the 295-page initial copy of the report—which was made available to the public under the RTI Act—it was revealed that fifteen influential men—directors, producers, and actors among them—were part of an all-male power circle.

The Report claims that those in positions of power make decisions on who gets cast in movies and who has to stay in the movie industry.

Following the 2017 actress assault case, the Hema Committee was established to investigate sexual harassment and gender equality in Malayalam film.

The research, which is based on the testimony of 51 industry insiders, indicates that women are frequently requested to make “compromises” and “adjustments”—euphemisms for sexual favors—in order to win roles.

The inquiry revealed that a small group of mostly male producers, directors, and actors dominate or have a significant impact on the Malayalam film industry. According to the report, they control the whole Malayalam film business and oppress other individuals who work in it.

It also said that misogynists and criminals have a significant effect on the Malayalam cinema industry.

Referred to as a “mafia,” this gang of powerful male directors, producers, and actors has the ability to destroy the careers of anyone who come out against them. The study attested to “major” actors’ participation.

“No man nor woman dare to utter any word which may offend anyone belonging to the power group, because such person will be wiped off the industry by the powerful lobby,” it added.

The report supported the casting couch phenomenon in the industry and noted the archaic treatment of women in Malayalam cinema.

“There’s a widespread belief that women go to the movies to get money and will give in to any pressure. The males in the movies can’t even begin to comprehend that the reason a lady attends the film is due to their love of performing and art. However, the source clarified, “the impression is that they are coming for money and fame and they will sleep with any man to get a chance in a movie.”

According to the research, producers and directors frequently force women into being exploited. “Cooperating artists” are code names for women who accept their demands. There have been several reports of women sacrificing their morality to fit in.

The investigation claims that production controllers played the role of cunning intermediaries.

The article claims that the harassment victims were reluctant to disclose the incident to the authorities because they feared for their lives.

“There will be harsh repercussions for complaining—one will be silenced.” According to the allegation, they even threatened to attack families if anybody complained.