Shocking Harassment in Malayalam Cinema: Hema Commission Report

The Hema Commission report, recently published by the Kerala government, unveils disturbing accounts of widespread and persistent sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry. The report highlights that women in the industry are often subjected to unwanted advances, even before they begin working on projects. This revelation sheds light on the grim reality within the Malayalam film industry, where many women face significant challenges and harassment.

Formed in 2017, the Hema Commission was established after an assault case linked to actor Dileep gained widespread attention. The commission, led by former High Court judge Justice Hema, veteran actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari, was tasked with investigating the issues faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the various forms of harassment, including the exploitation of women by production controllers and others in positions of power.

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One of the most shocking aspects of the report is the revelation that women are often asked to make “adjustments” and “compromises” to secure roles in films. This euphemistic language conceals the harsh reality that women are expected to make themselves available for “sex on demand.” The report underscores that this is a well-known practice among women in the industry, highlighting the deep-seated nature of the problem.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization formed after the aforementioned assault case, played a crucial role in bringing these issues to light. They petitioned Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, leading to the formation of the Hema Commission. The commission was entrusted with studying issues such as sexual harassment and gender inequality within the Malayalam cinema industry and proposing solutions.

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Although the final report was submitted in 2019, it was not released until recently due to concerns over the sensitive information it contained. The state information commission eventually directed the government to release the report to RTI applicants, albeit with 63 pages omitted to protect the identities of those involved.

The report also highlights the lack of safety and security for women working in the industry. Many women reported feeling unsafe in the accommodations provided by production teams, with incidents of men knocking on their doors late at night, often under the influence of alcohol. These disturbing accounts paint a picture of an industry where women are constantly under threat.

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The Hema Commission report further reveals that some men and women in the industry have been publicly threatened and defamed through social media. Vile comments, vulgar pictures, and videos have been posted on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to humiliate and intimidate them. The report also mentions that sexualized comments and threats of rape are commonly used to ridicule and demoralize female artists.

The report identifies a “power group” of 10 to 15 influential men who control the Malayalam film industry. These individuals, who include actors, producers, and directors, wield significant power and have been accused of banning others from working in the industry based on personal prejudices. The commission was shocked to discover that even prominent male actors have suffered due to the actions of this powerful lobby.

The Women in Cinema Collective has urged the Hema Commission to recommend the formation of an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) within every production unit, in line with the guidelines laid out by the Supreme Court in the Vishakha case and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

This report serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues within the Malayalam cinema industry and the urgent need for reform to protect the rights and dignity of women working in this field.

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