The Hema Committee report, released on August 19, 2024, sheds light on the deeply entrenched issues of discrimination, exploitation, and sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
The committee was formed in 2017 by the Kerala government in response to a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). This petition followed a high-profile incident involving the popular heroine, Bhavana, who alleged abduction and sexual assault in Kochi.
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The subsequent investigation by the Kerala Police implicated popular Malayalam actor Dileep, sparking widespread outrage and demand for systemic change within the industry.
The report paints a grim picture of the working conditions for women in the industry. It reveals that sexual favors were often seen as a “passkey” for entering and advancing in the Malayalam film world.
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The committee identified the existence of a powerful group, often referred to as a ‘power group,’ that held considerable sway over the industry, perpetuating a culture of exploitation and harassment.
One of the most disturbing revelations was the normalization of the casting couch phenomenon, where women were coerced into sexual relationships in exchange for roles or opportunities.
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The release of the report reignited the #MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry. Several women came forward with new accusations against powerful figures within the industry.
Malayalam actress Minu Muneer recently made serious allegations of sexual harassment against well-known actors from the Malayalam film industry.
In a statement given on Monday, Minu Muneer accused actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and former general secretary of AMMA, Idavela Babu, of various forms of inappropriate behavior and harassment during her career, eventually forcing her to leave the industry.
According to Minu Muneer, her experiences with these individuals began in 2008. She described a disturbing encounter with Jayasurya, stating that he hugged her inappropriately while she was exiting the toilet. This act of unconsented physical contact left her in shock.
She also accused Mukesh of misbehaving with her by forcibly entering her room without permission. She went on to recount that Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with her.
Maniyanpilla Raju, on the other hand, allegedly made inappropriate comments and gestures, once questioning her about how she could manage without her husband while on set, and suggesting that she keep her hotel room door open at night.
Several prominent figures in the industry have faced allegations of sexual misconduct. For instance, famous actor Siddique and director Ranjith, who held leadership roles in AMMA and the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, stepped down from their positions following the release of the report.
Another serious accusation was leveled against actor-producer Baburaj by a junior artiste. She accused him of luring her to his house under the pretext of casting her in a movie, only to sexually abuse her.
The Hema Committee report details how women from various segments of the industry — including actors, technicians, makeup artists, dancers, and other support staff — were vulnerable to harassment.
Beyond sexual exploitation, the report also highlighted other forms of inequities that disadvantaged women. These included the lack of basic facilities like toilets, changing rooms, and safe transportation and accommodations at shooting locations.
These poor working conditions violated the right to privacy and dignity of women. Furthermore, the report noted widespread discrimination in pay and the absence of binding contractual agreements that would ensure fair treatment.
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