The Malayalam film industry, often lauded for its thought-provoking narratives and boundary-pushing cinema, now finds itself under a cloud of controversy. The recent release of the Justice Hema Committee report has exposed the deep-seated issues plaguing Mollywood, particularly the rampant sexual harassment and abuse that women in the industry face. The revelations are not just shocking but also highlight the urgent need for systemic change to protect women in the film industry from exploitation and abuse.
The opening lines of the report offer a poetic yet foreboding metaphor: “The sky is full of mysteries, with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But scientific investigations revealed that stars do not twinkle nor does the moon look beautiful. The study cautions: ‘Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar.’” This cautionary note sets the tone for the harrowing details that follow, as the report delves into the dark underbelly of Malayalam cinema.
One of the most shocking revelations is the pervasive sexual harassment and assault that women in the industry face. The report highlights how aspiring actresses are often told they must make “adjustments” or “compromises” to succeed. This euphemism for sexual favors is part of a toxic culture where women are expected to be available for “sex on demand.” The report notes that an enabling atmosphere is created by damaging the reputations of women from the outset. Many in the industry are led to believe that women are only successful because they have engaged in sexual relationships with powerful men.
A Five-Year Wait for Truth
The Hema Commission was established by the Kerala government in 2017 following a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). This collective was formed in the wake of the horrific abduction and sexual assault of a prominent female actor in Kerala, a crime that sent shockwaves through the state and brought to light the dangerous working conditions for women in the Malayalam film industry. The accused in this case, a gang of men allegedly hired by the superstar Dileep, was a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play within the industry.
After nearly five years, the Hema Committee finally submitted its report in December 2019. However, it remained unpublished until August 2024, when a redacted version was finally released to the public. This delay, despite numerous Right to Information (RTI) requests and pressure from journalists and women’s rights groups, speaks volumes about the resistance to transparency within the industry.
The Grim Realities of Mollywood
The report, spanning 235 pages, offers a grim portrayal of the Malayalam film industry. It exposes the pervasive culture of silence, coercion, and fear that keeps women from speaking out against the sexual harassment and abuse they endure. The report sheds light on various forms of exploitation, from the infamous casting couch to the manipulation of women into compromising situations under the guise of career advancement.
“Women in cinema frequently feel unsafe going to work alone,” the report states, highlighting the stark difference between the film industry and other professions like teaching, medicine, or engineering, where employment opportunities are typically based on merit and skills. In contrast, the casting couch remains a disturbing reality in Mollywood, with sexual demands often tied to job prospects.
The Boys’ Club of Mollywood
The Hema Committee report paints a picture of an industry dominated by a powerful male elite – producers, directors, and actors – who control the fate of many within Mollywood. This “Boys’ Club” is described as a space where men convene over long hours, often indulging in alcohol-fueled discussions that veer off-topic into inappropriate and vulgar territory. The report notes that this informal and male-dominated culture not only marginalizes women but also creates an environment where sexual harassment is normalized and even encouraged.
The committee was particularly damning in its assessment of the feasibility of implementing Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) on film sets, as recommended by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). According to the report, the industry is under the “clutches of certain powerful male producers, directors, and actors,” who can coerce and threaten those who are part of the ICC, rendering such committees ineffective. The fear is that confidential information disclosed to the ICC could be leaked back to these powerful men, leading to further victimisation of the complainants.
The Culture of Silence and Fear
The report delves into the culture of silence that pervades the Malayalam film industry. It suggests that this silence is not merely a personal choice but a result of fear – fear of being ostracised, blacklisted, or even physically threatened. The power nexus within the industry is so strong that women who speak out against sexual harassment often find themselves out of work, with their reputations tarnished and their careers in ruins.
One of the most alarming revelations in the report is the existence of an unofficial “mafia” within Mollywood, comprising 10 to 15 powerful men – producers, directors, and actors – who control the industry. This group is said to operate in secrecy, enforcing bans on those who do not conform to their dictates. These bans are not officially documented but are spread by word of mouth, making it impossible for the aggrieved to seek legal recourse. The report highlights several cases where actors, both male and female, were banned from the industry for speaking out against this power group or for refusing to comply with their demands.
The Inadequacy of Internal Complaints Committees
The Hema Committee’s skepticism towards the formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) is one of the most significant aspects of the report. The POSH Act mandates the formation of ICCs at workplaces to address complaints of sexual harassment, but the committee argues that in the context of the Malayalam film industry, these committees would be ineffective and potentially harmful.
The report cites two main reasons for this: the coercion exerted by powerful men in the industry and the lack of confidentiality. The committee fears that the formation of an ICC could lead to the disclosure of confidential information to the very people against whom complaints are made, thereby exacerbating the trauma of the survivors. This fear is not unfounded, given the power dynamics at play in Mollywood, where even the slightest deviation from the norm can result in severe repercussions, including being blacklisted or banned from the industry.
The Need for an Independent Forum
In light of these challenges, the Hema Committee strongly recommends the formation of an independent forum, constituted by the government, to address the grievances of women in the Malayalam film industry. Such a forum, the committee argues, would be better equipped to handle complaints of sexual harassment and abuse without the fear of retribution from the powerful men who control the industry.
The committee’s recommendations have been met with mixed reactions. While some members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), such as Bina Paul and Rima Kallingal, view the formation of ICCs as a significant step towards improving workplace safety, others are more cautious. They acknowledge that while the ICCs may offer a platform for women to raise their concerns, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these committees operate independently and without influence from the industry’s power brokers. In one instance, the ICC formed by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) failed to take any action against actor-producer Vijay Babu, who was accused of rape in 2022. Babu not only denied the allegations but also named the survivor in a Facebook video, violating the law. Despite this, he managed to secure pre-arrest bail, while the survivor faced severe victim-blaming and online harassment.
Fifty-Five Pages Redacted
Out of the 290-page report, 55 pages detailing experiences of sexual harassment were withheld, raising concerns about transparency and the protection of powerful individuals. Key sections, including the survivors’ personal accounts of abuse, were omitted. Pages 58 to 72, where women detailed their harrowing experiences and explained their silence due to fears of severe consequences, were among those heavily redacted. Additionally, pages 82 to 99 were removed, omitting discussions on online harassment faced by women in the industry.
The report also redacted sections that discussed the struggles faced by Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) members, who are often ostracized by the industry due to the influence of the powerful Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Pages 107 to 108, which addressed the ineffectiveness of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) due to industry pressure, and pages 113 to 122, covering the illegal ban on artists and technicians, were also concealed. These redactions have sparked criticism, as they obscure the full extent of the systemic issues women face in the Malayalam film industry.
The Way Forward
The release of the Hema Committee report is a watershed moment for the Malayalam film industry. It has exposed the deep-rooted issues that have long been swept under the rug and has brought to light the urgent need for reform. The report’s findings underscore the importance of creating a safer and more equitable working environment for women in Mollywood, one that is free from the fear of harassment and retribution.
The recommendations of the Hema Committee, particularly the call for an independent forum, must be taken seriously by the Kerala government and the film industry. The time for complacency is over. It is now up to the stakeholders in the industry, including the government, to take concrete steps towards implementing these recommendations and ensuring that the Malayalam film industry becomes a space where talent and merit, not power and exploitation, determine success.
The question now is whether the industry is willing to confront its demons and take the necessary steps to protect its most vulnerable members or whether it will continue to operate under the shadow of fear and silence.
