Sexual exploitation in the Kerala film industry revealed by the Hema Committee report sends shockwaves across the country
It is a “me too†moment of the Kerala film industry. The image of the Kerala film industry has touched the rock bottom after Hema committee has reported
rampant sexual abuse, lack of basic amenities for women and more. It is all the more shocking as it is happening in the state which has given the most progressive films to the country. The Kerala film industry, known for producing some of India's most critically acclaimed and beloved films, is now under the shadow of a severe crisis. A landmark report from the Hema Committee has exposed the
deep-rooted gender issues and sexual exploitation that plague this vibrant film hub, revealing a shocking underbelly that contradicts the industry's artistic achievements. The 290-page report, prepared by a three-member panel headed by retired Kerala High Court Justice K. Hema, offers a scathing indictment of the Malayalam-language film industry. It paints a grim picture of a workplace where sexual harassment is rampant and systemic, and where a "mafia of powerful men" wields control, leaving women vulnerable to exploitation. The Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government in 2017, in the aftermath of a high-profile case that sent shockwaves through the industry.
The Hema Committee's findings have laid bare the systemic problems that have long been ignored or downplayed. The report uncovers a litany of abuses, from the lack of basic amenities like toilets and changing rooms for junior artists to the frequent demands for sexual Favors by powerful men in the industry. It describes the harrowing experiences of women who have been forced to endure long hours without access to toilets, leading to severe health issues. The panel also found that sexual harassment is not only widespread but often goes unchecked and unreported due to the fear of retaliation. As expected, the Kerala film fraternity has vehemently denied all the allegations. Despite the damning findings, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a prominent industry body, has denied the accusations. The organization's general secretary, Siddique, dismissed the claims, stating that conditions for women on film sets have improved in recent years and that the industry is not controlled by a small group of powerful men. However, the report's release has sparked widespread outrage, with activists and opposition leaders demanding immediate action against those implicated. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has vowed to take action if any woman who testified before the committee comes forward to file a complaint. As the industry grapples with these revelations, there is hope that this moment of reckoning will lead to lasting change. The Kerala film industry has long been celebrated for its artistic achievements; now, it must also become a beacon of respect, safety, and dignity for all who work within it.
