'Release full Hema Committee report': NCW amid #MeToo in Mollywood
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought the complete release of Justice Hema Committee report, which exposes widespread sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry. The commission expressed concern over findings in the currently available sections of the report, highlighting "serious issues" such as workplace harassment and gender-based discrimination. The NCW said it is committed to addressing these matters with relevant authorities to ensure women's rights are upheld and a safe, equitable working environment is fostered within the industry.
Report reveals 'adjustments' and 'compromises' in Malayalam cinema
The report, released by Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government on August 19, revealed that women were often asked to make certain "adjustments" and "compromises"—euphemisms for sexual favors—to secure or retain opportunities. The Kerala government constituted the committee that prepared the report in 2017 after an actress was allegedly sexually abused at the instigation of actor Dileep. Following pressure from the group, Women in Cinema Collective, the government commissioned a fact-finding study into what female actors go through.
Former Kerala High Court judge headed the committee
K Hema, a former Kerala High Court judge, headed the committee. The two other members were actor T Sarada and retired Kerala government Principal Secretary KB Valsalakumari. The 296-page study was completed in 2019 after documenting the anonymous accounts of at least 80 women, ranging from well-known actors to young artists. However, the report was only released on August 19, following various legal objections to its publishing. Only 63 pages of the 295-page document were made public.
Report's release reignites #MeToo movement in Malayalam cinema
The report's release has led to a resurgence of the #MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry, with several women actors leveling sexual abuse allegations against prominent male figures. Among those accused are filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan and actor Mukesh, both associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist). While Balakrishnan resigned from his position as chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy following the allegations, Mukesh continues to serve as MLA.
Government and industry response to report's findings
The Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, which had been sitting on the report since December 2019, has now announced that it will investigate its findings. "Anything that degrades human values in cinema is dangerous. Women should be able to work in the film industry without fear, and artists should not face conditions or limitations.... Every aspect of cinema influences the public." "The government's actions are aimed at reforming the film industry, which is why the Hema Committee was established," Vijayan said.
