Will India’s movie industry learn from Malayalam cinema’s shocking exposure?
Malayalam cinema has always been hailed not just in India, but globally as well, for its cinematic brilliance. Recently, the spotlight shone brighter than ever, as international publications like The Economist writing about its success driven by genre-defying films, with innovative story-telling that captivated a diverse audience.
But, this fairy-tale run was cut short by a damning report that laid bare the industry’s dirty secrets. The Kerala government-appointed Hema committee’s report opened a Pandora’s box, baring the dark underbelly of the Malayalam movie industry – sexual harassment, casting couch, exploitation, pay disparity, lack of basic facilities for women artists at movie sets, and much more.
The state government had established an Expert Committee, chaired by Justice K Hema, to investigate the challenges faced by women in the film industry and propose solutions. This initiative was prompted by a plea from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), highlighting systemic issues such as gender bias, sexual harassment, and the absence of safety measures. This followed the abduction and assault of an actress allegedly at the behest of actor Dileep.
The report’s fallout has been cataclysmic, leaving the Malayalam cinema industry reeling, with a bevy of actors caught in a whirlwind of sexual harassment scandals. A slew of female artists have alleged sexual harassment against actors like Mukesh, Siddique, Jayasurya, and director Ranjith.
Ranjith faced allegations of sexual misconduct from Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra during a 2009 audition. Ranjith denied the claims, but stepped down as Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.
Powerful clique
The state government has reportedly redacted 87 pages from the Committee’s report apparently to protect individual privacy. Had they been made public, more skeletons would have fallen from the cupboard.
The committee report has revived the controversy surrounding the late actor Thilakan’s ostracism by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Thilakan, a brilliant method actor, was ruthlessly blacklisted by AMMA, silencing his talent for several years. In a courageous move, he dared to call out AMMA as a 'mafia group' in 2010. Now, the Hema Committee's damning findings have vindicated Thilakan's claims, revealing a powerful clique that has held the industry hostage for far too long.
The Committee report mentions the existence of a 15-member-strong ‘power group’, an amalgamation of powerful male actors, producers and directors. Following the controversy caused by the report, actor Mohan Lal, along with other executive members, resigned from the AMMA en masse.
Director Vinayan also faced a similar fate as Thilakan, having invited the wrath of the powerful group. After he was shadow-banned by the ‘power group’, he approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) seven years ago. The CCI blew the lid off a sinister power play in the Malayalam film industry, exposing a web of collusion and intimidation that stifled creativity and silenced dissent.
The CCI’s damning report revealed that powerful organisations, including the AMMA and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), had formed a cartel to dictate who could work in the industry and who would be ‘banned’. Renowned actors and directors were not spared, with even the likes of Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Dileep accused of using their clout to scuttle projects and silence opponents. The CCI’s investigation, sparked by Vinayan’s petition, laid bare a culture of fear and retribution that had gripped the industry for years. Despite the CCI’s penalties and warnings, the industry’s power brokers continued to wield their influence, until the Hema Committee report brought the issue back into the spotlight.
The underbelly
The report unveils multiple layers of discrimination and harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The findings are based on testimonies, interviews, and evidence gathered from both male and female film industry professionals.
Sexual harassment and demands for sexual favours: The report highlights rampant sexual harassment in the industry, beginning as early as the audition stages. Women reported being coerced into “compromising” and “adjusting” with male colleagues or powerful figures to secure roles. This environment fosters a toxic culture where harassment is normalized and goes unchecked.
Lack of basic facilities: Women in the film industry often lack access to essential facilities such as toilets and changing rooms, especially during outdoor shoots. The absence of these facilities forces many women to endure extreme physical discomfort and health risks, including urinary infections. Despite discussions in industry bodies like the AMMA, no substantial improvements have been made.
Online harassment: Female artists face extensive online harassment, including threats, vulgar comments, and sexually explicit images. This form of cyberbullying, often initiated by fans or social media users, serves to intimidate and silence women, preventing them from speaking out against their abusers.
Gender inequality and pay disparity: The report identifies significant gender-based pay disparities and barriers to career advancement for women, particularly in technical roles. Many women expressed that they are not paid equally for their work, and there is a lack of opportunity for them to move into technical positions such as directing, editing, or cinematography.
Absence of complaint mechanisms: There is no formal complaint mechanism within most film production units to address sexual harassment or other grievances. Despite the guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court in the Vishakha judgment, there is no Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) in place to address workplace harassment, leaving women without any recourse for justice.
Recommendations
Mandatory internal complaint committees: The committee recommends the establishment of ICCs in every production unit and film association, in line with the Supreme Court’s guidelines and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (POSH Act). These committees should be empowered to handle complaints confidentially and take action against perpetrators.
Provision of basic facilities: To ensure a dignified working environment, the report suggests mandatory provisions for accessible and hygienic toilets and changing rooms on every set. It recommends the use of e-toilets or portable options to cater to the needs of all cast and crew members.
Support for victims of harassment: The committee calls for setting up support systems, including legal aid and counseling services, for victims of sexual harassment. It also suggests the creation of a fund to assist women who might lose work opportunities due to reporting harassment.
Equal opportunities and pay equity: The report urges the industry to implement policies ensuring equal pay and career advancement opportunities for women. It emphasizes scholarships, training programs, and initiatives to encourage more women to enter technical fields in cinema.
The report is a critical step toward addressing the systemic challenges faced by women in Kerala’s film industry. The findings and recommendations highlight the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all. The government’s commitment to implementing these changes will be essential in reshaping the future of the Malayalam film industry and setting a precedent for other industries across India.
This report serves as a microcosm, revealing the systemic issues that pervade the broader film industry. Memories are still fresh of the #MeToo wave that swept the Bollywood industry a few years back. Serious allegations of sexual harassment were leveled against well known actors such as Nana Patekar and Alok Nath, among others, as well as some producers of content houses. Yet as things stand today, the said actors have been freed of all charges. Sushant Singh Rajput’s death brought into light how powerful production houses control actors’ careers.
The findings of anti-competitive practices, unfair trade practices, and abuse of dominant position are symptomatic of a larger problem that extends beyond this specific case. The report sheds light on the dark underbelly of the industry, exposing the deep-seated issues that have been lurking beneath the surface. As such, it is a clarion call for a comprehensive overhaul of the industry’s practices and policies to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.
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