Hema Committee Report: #MeToo Movement of Malayalam Cinema

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Justice Hema Committee report exposed the horrible tales hidden behind the glamorous covers of Malayalam industry. Released on 19^th August 2024, it has sent shockwaves across the nation. The 295 pages report reveals 17 forms of discrimination including grim tales of sexual harassment, violence against women, casting couch and gender discrimination. It also also highlights the lack of  internal committee for addressing such issues. 

What is Hema Committee report?

The Hema Committee was a result of Kerala’s Women Cinema Collective (WCC) petitions. It comprised retired High Court Justice K Hema, former actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari. The Committee analysed gender disparity and sexual harassment in Malayalam film industry. The final report revealed horrifying tales of the Malayalam industry. It was tasked with investigating the deep-rooted issues plaguing the industry.

What does the report state?

Hema Committee Report exposed dark side of Malayalam Cinema. The 295 pages report confirms casting couch, sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, negligence, lack of safety and security and other claims which earlier had only verbal ground.

- It highlights the ongoing issue of the casting couch, where women are pressured to offer sexual favours to get roles or avoid being blacklisted.

- Gender pay gap is very deep rooted in the industry. Women also lack basic workplace protections. Despite the need of an internal complaints committee there is no such institution. Many women are afraid to file complaints due to fear of retaliation.

- The Malayalam film industry is a male dominated sector with male directors, producers and actors controlling the industry.

- Safety and security in accommodations and transportation is a big issue for women.

- Cyberbullying, cyber-attacks and online harassment against women are common in the industry.

Who are involved and what are the allegations?

In a report by NDTV a junior actor accused Baburaj that he invited her to Aluva in Kerala’s Ernakulam in pretext of discussing a role in films and ends up sexually assaulting her. Baburaj who is also the Joint Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA) has denied such claims and promised legal action against the accuser.

Another actress has accused senior Malayalam actor Siddique of sexual abuse when she was young. Following the allegations, Siddique resigned as general secretary, AMMA. The actress stated that she will take legal action if government ensures her safety and security. She has also accused another industry professional of seeking sexual favours.

Actress Minu Muneer also raised similar allegations against Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Edavela Babu. However, Jayasurya, and Edavela hasn’t responded yet, Raju said he will welcome a probe investigating the claims.

Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra and a Malayalam actress alleged mistreatment from film director Ranjith when she visited Kerala for Ranjith’s film ‘ Paleri Manikyam’ audition in 2019. He has immediately resigned from Kerala State Chalachitra Academy’s chairman position along with actor Siddique, general secretary, AMMA.

Vichu Mukesh, a Kollam CPI-M MLA , is also facing assault allegation from casting director Tess Joseph, accusing him of inappropriate behavior at an event several years ago.

Why is the report released now?

The report came to light after five Right to Information activists requested more details from the Kerala State Information Commission (KSIC). Following this on 6^th July, KSIC approved a controlled release with 63 pages redacted.

What will happen now?

After the release of the report, several female artists and workers have come forward with sexual abuse harassment against big film giants of Malayalam industry. Activists are demanding better working conditions and strict laws to protect women working in film industry.

A Special Investigation Team has been established to investigate allegations of sexual abuse . Mohanlal, head of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), along with other 17 members of its executive committee has resigned , alleging charges against a few members. The committee had only been elected for a five-year term beginning in June 2024.