The Hema Committee Report sheds light on the pervasive issues of gender inequality and sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. Established in response to a high-profile sexual assault case involving a Malayalam actress, the committee’s investigation reveals a deeply entrenched culture of misogyny and exploitation
By A K Shiburaj
A landmark report on the issues faced by women in the Malayalam-language film industry has unveiled significant problems within one of India’s most prominent film hubs. The Hema Committee, formed in 2017 in response to a petition by the Kerala-based Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), includes retired High Court Justice K. Hema, former actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari. It was established to examine issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
The WCC was created after a Malayalam actress alleged abduction and sexual assault in Kochi, leading to an investigation by Kerala Police that focused on Malayalam actor Dileep. The 290-page report—partially redacted to protect the identities of survivors and those accused of misconduct—describes an industry dominated by “a mafia of powerful men” and highlights that “sexual harassment of women is rampant.”
“There are no toilets, so women have to go in the bushes or behind thick trees. During their periods, not being able to change their sanitary napkins for long hours and holding urine for long causes physical discomfort and makes them sick, in some cases needing hospitalisation,” it says.
Unfortunately, much of the Malayalam media and social media are focusing primarily on narratives of sexual violence within the film industry. While it is crucial to prevent sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable, we must also ensure that women and minorities can work in the cinema industry with dignity and without discrimination, whether they are newcomers or experienced technicians.
However, the challenges facing the Malayalam film industry should not be viewed solely through this lens, nor should their implications be confined to the realm of cinema. The cultural and political degeneracy affecting the industry is both deep and widespread. The political and cultural sectors must develop strategies to address and overcome these issues.
The Dark Side of Stardom: Unveiling Hidden Issues in the Film Industry
In Malayalam cinema, where actors are hailed as ‘Tara Raja’ and ‘Super Star’, women and non-male actors rarely enjoy the same star status. The rise of a star often comes from the collective efforts of many—directors, scriptwriters, makeup artists, and costume designers—all of whom contribute to the actor’s opportunities and artistic excellence.
Film stars emerge from a carnival-like logic orchestrated by the market, State, and society. A segment of the public, captivated by these stars’ performances and dialogues—even in reactionary films—has always participated in the celebration of stardom.
Values and morals often bypass these stars, who find pleasure in the adulation they receive. The injustices around them, and the pain and humiliation of others, do not seem to affect them.
The facade of their stardom has been shattered with the revelations of the Hema Committee.
It is commendable that a group of women, who have been exploited, have bravely challenged the hypocritical morality of Malayali society and openly spoken about their experiences.
Survivors revealed to the media that the recent release of Justice K. Hema Committee report, which investigated widespread sexual exploitation, casting couch culture, patriarchy, and misogyny in the entertainment industry, gave them the courage to pursue justice after years of self-doubt and fear.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the ‘Me Too’ allegations of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry convened at the State Police Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. So far, at least eight women, including aspiring actors and scriptwriters, have come forward with startling accusations against prominent industry figures.
Towards Social Justice through Gender Justice
The significance of the Hema Committee Report lies in its transformation of the life stories of many victims of sexual exploitation and coercion—once dismissed as mere gossip—into a catalyst for the struggle for equality and dignity within the frameworks of justice, morality, and civil process.
If this momentum is sustained constructively, it could lead to fundamental changes in the realms of social and gender justice. Should this happen, it is likely, that the issues of denied justice and systemic exploitation now highlighted in the cinema sector will extend to other workplaces and social environments, potentially leading to the collapse of the entrenched patriarchal system.
The influence of hierarchical power structures—such as accumulated wealth, upper caste privilege, and patriarchy—may be dismantled across all aspects of life, paving the way for a widespread demand for a dignified living environment for all.
It is true that this fundamental change still has a long way to go. The WCC and others are currently responding to the violence that threatens their lives.
However, over time, caste discrimination, economic inequality, capitalist exploitation, and the state’s power system—all cornerstones of the current exploitative system that undermines human freedom—will also need to be confronted and dismantled.
Questions like why individuals with darker skin tones are not allowed into Malayalam cinema, or why those who do make it are often ignored and ridiculed, should prompt research into these issues.
In Kerala, the lack of opportunities for Dalits, Adivasi, people from fishing communities, and LGBTQ groups in the film industry is a pressing concern. It is only when a capitalist critique is introduced that the pathways to eliminating exploitation and injustice within a system can be opened.
The Hema Committee Report highlights that the feudal norms long entrenched in the industry are still alive, and it is evident that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists ( AMMA ) has been instrumental in institutionalizing such values.
To overcome this, it is crucial to emphasize the value of femininity and the belief that the light of democracy can permeate the art of cinema, as part of the broader quest for justice and freedom.
This issue extends beyond the film industry. A closer look at the levels of gender justice and representation for the lower classes/castes within the media, political parties, and other institutions—many of which are now ‘fighting’ for justice—would expose their hypocrisy.
The Quiet of Senior Artists and Parvathy’s Resounding Voice
It’s particularly inspiring that award-winning actresses like Parvathy Thiruvothu, despite their career achievements and personal comforts, chose to stand firm for the common good. However, the silence of the so-called ‘prominent’ figures in the industry is not surprising. Despite their privileges and widespread influence, they made no effort to modernize themselves or elevate the field in which they worked.
Had the ‘prominent’ players in the industry intervened with a sense of justice at the right time, perhaps such abuses within this rotten system could have been avoided. However, these ‘prominent’ personalities have long benefited from a corrupt system, safely participating in cultural events and other celebrations. The current discussions should prompt a reevaluation of the general acceptance, stardom, and loyalty they enjoy.
Political Parties and State Delusions: The Overlooked Hema Committee Report
For more than four years, the Left Democratic Front government, which claims to prioritize women’s safety, has kept the Hema Committee Report—a potential catalyst for social change in Kerala—under wraps. Even the culture minister has yet to review the report.
It seems that the Hema Committee Report has not disrupted their current preoccupations at all. The administration and political parties clearly understand one thing: taking a strong stance against caste supremacy and patriarchy could lead to a decline in public approval.
However, this presents an opportunity for progressive organizations and individuals to actively challenge the feudal autocracy that pervades all sectors of society, as highlighted by the Hema Committee Report.
While women’s associations can play a crucial role, addressing these issues should not be solely their responsibility. The current situation should be viewed as a chance for a second reformatory movement in Kerala. And the ultimate goal extends beyond merely ensuring that perpetrators are punished according to the law.
Progressive societal advancement requires a broader social movement for equal justice. Such a movement benefits not only women and minorities but also enhances the overall quality of life for all people when justice prevails.
A K Shiburaj is an independent journalist based in Kerala.