Explosive Justice Hema Committee Report Uncovers Harassment in Malayalam Cinema

The Justice Hema Committee report reveals shocking instances of sexual harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry. It highlights a 'power nexus' involving top producers, directors, and actors, and describes how women unwilling to compromise are often pushed out. The report was made public via RTI.

The Justice Hema Committee's long-awaited report has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam cinema industry, detailing severe harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of female professionals. Among the most explosive revelations is the assertion that a 'criminal gang' led by a coalition of influential producers, directors, actors, and production controllers wields significant power, squeezing out women who refuse to yield.

The report, prompted by the high-profile 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep and commissioned by the Kerala government, exposes widespread sexual harassment. Women in the industry reported facing unwanted advances even before they commenced work, underscoring the pervasive nature of the abuse.

Evidence indicates that harassment is an entrenched issue, with some women forced to tolerate sexual demands to secure or maintain work in cinema. The Committee expressed horror at the stories shared by affected women, many of whom refrained from lodging police complaints out of fear. The report calls for authorities to take immediate action, including registering FIRs, to protect women in the industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)