The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for the full release of the Justice Hema Committee Report, which has exposed widespread discrimination and sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam Film industry also known as Mollywood.
In an official statement issued NCW noted concerning findings in the report highlighting serious issues including workplace harassment, deplorable working conditions, and gender-based discrimination that have adversely affected the women in Mollywood.
To address these issues, the NCW has taken steps to push for the complete release of the report, as only a few parts are available in the public domain. The commission expressed its commitment to engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the rights of women are protected and that a safe and equitable working environment is fostered within an industry.
What does the report say?
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala made the report on the rocking conditions of women in Malayalam cinema public on August 19, following years of delay. Anticipating widespread repercussions, 63 pages of the 295-page report were redacted before its release under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Among various issues, the report revealed that women were expected to make certain adjustments and compromises, which are basically euphemisms for sexual favors, in order to secure or retain an opportunity in the industry. The terms, the report noted, are well-known among women in the Malayalam film industry.
In addition to sexual abuse, the report highlighted that women actors are frequently denied basic facilities such as access to toilets and safe changing rooms on sets. During outdoor shoots, women often have to go to secluded spots to change or use the bathroom, with no access to water or any kind of basic amenities.
Industry Faces Major Reckoning
Since its release, numerous women, some of whom have since left acting, have publicly shared their experiences of sexual assault and harassment within the industry.
Over a dozen police complaints have been lodged against several males starting with two of these stars filing counter-complaints.
The upheaval is so significant that the entire top governing body of Kerala’s largest film group, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (Amma) was dissolved after its president superstar Mohanlal, stepped down on moral grounds following accusations against some members.
On Saturday, the Kerala police filed a second sexual misconduct case against film director Ranjith. This came after Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accused him of sexual misconduct and a male actor lodged a similar complaint against him on Friday.
An FIR has also been registered against CPI(M) MLA and actor Mukesh as well as actor Mukesh M and Jayasurya, following a complaint by Malayalam actor Minu Muneer for sexual and verbal assault. Muneer’s complaint included allegations against seven individuals including Mukesh, Jayasurya, and Edavela Babu. Kerala police have confirmed that the case has been registered for all complaints.
The report is being closely observed by people in India’s various film industries, including Bollywood. In the report, retired justice K Hema mentioned that the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) informed that women are being silenced in order to preserve their prestige.
The panel conducted interviews with dozens of men and women including artists, producers, directors, cinematographers, hairstylists, and others in order to gather evidence such as video and audio clips and WhatsApp messages
