Explained: Justice Hema Committee report and subsequent sexual harassment allegations

We break down the Justice Hema Committee report, which uncovers rampant sexual harassment and power abuse in the Malayalam film industry. 

The Malayalam film industry has been making headlines recently. Since the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, allegations of sexual misconduct and a male-dominated power nexus have emerged, creating a snowball effect. The news has shocked not only the Malayalam film industry but the entire country. At a time when protests against rape cases are widespread, the report has exposed a similar culture of sexual harassment and power abuse within the industry. It highlights that harassment is not an isolated issue but a deeply ingrained part of the industry's culture.

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What is the Justice Hema Committee report?

The Kerala government established the Justice Hema Committee in response to a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) after actor Dileep was accused of assaulting an actress in 2017. The committee, chaired by retired Kerala High Court Judge Justice K. Hema, included veteran actress Sarada and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari. The report examined sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. 

Findings of the report:

Prevalence of Sexual Harassment: The report reveals that sexual harassment is a common issue in the Malayalam film industry, with women facing it regularly in their work environment. One survivor testified that the "demand for sex" can come from anyone in the industry- actor, producer, director, or production controller. Another actress recounted, “You’re expected to accept it as part of the job. If you don’t, they’ll tell you someone else will.” Due to safety concerns, women often bring relatives to the set and avoid staying alone in accommodations arranged by the production. The report highlights that women frequently face harassment, even in places they should feel safe, such as their hotel rooms.

Harassment of Minors: The report emphasizes that minors are not spared from sexual harassment in the industry. Vulnerable young girls entering the industry with dreams are subjected to the same predatory behavior as adults.

Male-Dominated Industry: The Malayalam film industry is heavily male-dominated, leading to a significant power imbalance. Men in positions of power exploit this dynamic to control and manipulate women’s careers. The report notes, “Cinema is a male-dominated industry. It is an exclusive Boys' Club where men sit and chat over long hours at night discussing the script of a movie or other aspects of the project at hand or future projects.” These discussions often take place over alcohol, leading to inappropriate behavior. “After drinking, the conversation does not always stay focused on just movies. In such digressions they may crack vulgar jokes with sexual innuendos,” the report says. One woman shared, “He told me he could make or break my career in a single phone call. I had no choice but to agree to his demands.” The committee also obtained digital evidence showing how women were persuaded to provide sexual favors.

Exploitation of Aspiring Artists: Aspiring female artists are especially vulnerable, often being asked for sexual favors in exchange for opportunities. A heartbreaking account from an aspiring actress revealed, “I was asked, ‘How far are you willing to go?’ When I hesitated, they made it clear my hesitation was a deal-breaker.”

Absence of Formal Contracts and Grievance Redressal: The lack of formal contracts leaves women unprotected and easy targets for exploitation. Without a contract, as one actress explained, “They can change the terms anytime, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” The industry’s failure to provide proper grievance mechanisms exacerbates the problem. A witness recounted a traumatic experience where she was coerced into performing intimate scenes after being misled by the director. The absence of a written contract prevented her from protecting herself legally.

Silence and Victimization: The pervasive fear of retaliation forces many women into silence. They fear being banned from the industry and subjected to further harassment if they speak up. Some worry about being targeted by powerful men using their fans and fan clubs to harass them online. The Committee noted that women are often attacked online with vulgar language and pornographic images. One woman in the industry warned, “If you don’t keep quiet, they’ll ruin you. We all know it, so we don’t say anything.”

Impact on Mental Health: The relentless harassment and the absence of support systems take a severe toll on women’s mental health. “It’s a constant battle,” one woman admitted. “You’re always on edge, always looking over your shoulder. The anxiety eats away at you.” Many women also experience isolation due to the fear of speaking out. “You feel completely alone,” a makeup artist shared. “Even the ones who sympathize with you are too scared to help.”

Allegations of sexual harassment following the report:

Two actors have accused senior Malayalam director Thulasidas of harassment. Actor Sridevika claims he repeatedly knocked on her hotel room door late at night during the filming of Avan Chandiyude Makan in 2006, but no action was taken despite her complaint to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Actor Geetha Vijayan also reported similar harassment from Thulasidas during the 1991 movie Chanchattam, which she believes led to her exclusion from multiple films after she confronted him.

Another complaint involves actors CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Jayasurya, and Edavela Babu, an AMMA leader, who are accused of harassment. AMMA’s general secretary Siddique has resigned, and joint general secretary Baburaj also faces similar accusations. A former actor filed a complaint against Baburaj and director Sreekumar Menon. Additionally, another actor lodged a police complaint against Siddique, accusing him of sexual abuse in 2016.

A special investigation team, comprising IPS officers, has been formed to investigate these complaints following the Hema Committee report. All complaints registered with local police will be transferred to this team, which will be led by women officials.

Mass resignations at the AMMA: 

The release of the report led to the resignation of the entire 17-member executive committee of the AMMA, including its president, Mohanlal. In a statement, the committee said, “Following the release of the Hema Committee report and the subsequent sexual allegations faced by certain office-bearers within the executive committee of AMMA in social, visual and print media, the current executive committee of AMMA, taking into consideration its moral responsibility, is stepping down.” The resignations include vice presidents Jayan Cherthala and Jagadish, joint secretary Baburaj, treasurer Unni Mukundan, and executive members Ansiba Hassan, Sarayu Mohan, Vinu Mohan, Tini Tom, Ananya, Suresh Krishna, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Jomol, Joy Mathew, and Tovino Thomas.

Statements from Malayali actors:

Several prominent actors in Malayalam cinema have openly criticized AMMA for its response to allegations against its members. During a press meeting in Kochi, leading actor Prithviraj stated, “There should have been strong interventions on the part of AMMA… Nobody can deny the existence of a power group in the industry.”

In an interview with NDTV, actress Parvathy said, “This is the first time this is being done in any film industry, where a government-appointed committee has done a study on it and a report has come out. What I am more worried about is why there are no Internal Complaints Committee being formed in all film shootings? Isn’t that the law already? Indian cinema is a vast, diverse film industry. I feel like there is such a holding back. There is whitewashing. This beginning of the cleanup process will inspire other industries to do the same.”

However, when actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, now a BJP leader, was asked by numerous reportersabout allegations against Mukesh, he responded, “Did the court say anything on Mukesh? Court will say… This is all food for you (the media), is what I understand. You can use it to make money. (There is) no problem with that. But these issues are before the court, and it has the intelligence to arrive at a decision regarding them. You (media) are not only making people fight each other for your own gains, you are also misleading public perception. The complaints are in the form of allegations at the moment. What are you telling people? Let the court decide.”

Need for industry reforms:

The Justice Hema Committee report emphasizes the need for creating safe spaces within the industry where women can work without fear of harassment. “We need a complete overhaul,” urged a senior actress. “Safe spaces, legal contracts, and a reliable system for reporting and addressing grievances.” It also calls for significant institutional changes, including the introduction of formal contracts and effective grievance redressal systems. “The industry needs to be held accountable,” said a producer. “There must be consequences for those who exploit and abuse.”

The Justice Hema Committee report provides a critical insight into the deep-rooted issues of sexual harassment and power abuse in the Malayalam film industry. The industry's future now depends on addressing these issues with the seriousness and sensitivity they demand.

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