Hema Commission exposes 17 forms of exploitation in Kerala’s Malayalam film industry, including sexual harassment and assault

The long-awaited report of the Justice Hema Committee, which examines the working conditions and issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, was finally made public on Monday. The report, initially submitted to the government in 2019, was kept under wraps for nearly five years. The publication of the 235-page document, of which 65 pages have been redacted to protect individual privacy, has sparked widespread debate.

Widespread exploitation and gender inequality

The report exposes a disturbing culture of sexual exploitation and disregard for women’s rights within the industry. It highlights the persistence of practices such as the casting couch, where women are often pressured into offering sexual favours to secure roles or avoid being blacklisted. The commission found that women in the industry face significant gender disparities, particularly in terms of pay and basic workplace protections such as Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), which exist more in name than in practice.

Commission formation and key findings

The three-member committee, comprising retired High Court Justice K. Hema, former actress Sharada and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari, was formed in response to a request by the Women in Cinema Collective. The request followed the abduction and sexual assault of a leading female actor in February 2017, a case that is still pending, with prominent actor Dileep as the eighth accused.

“During the course of the investigation, we came to understand that the Malayalam film industry is under the control of certain producers, directors and actors, all of whom are men. They control the entire Malayalam film industry and dominate other individuals working in cinema,” the report said.

The committee identified at least 17 forms of exploitation experienced by women in 30 different categories within the industry. These included sexual demands on women seeking entry into the industry, sexual harassment and various forms of abuse and assault. The report also pointed to problems related to transportation and accommodation, which further exacerbate the unsafe environment for women.

Lack of basic amenities and safety

The report also highlighted the violation of women’s rights through the failure to provide basic amenities such as toilets and changing rooms on film sets. Women working in the industry often face a lack of safety and security, both in their accommodation and during transport. The threat of being blacklisted or banned from work hangs over many, making them afraid to speak out on these issues. Contracts between employers and female workers are often not put in writing, leading to inconsistencies in agreed remuneration. The report also noted that the establishment of an ICC, as mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act of 2013, would likely not be effective. Women fear reprisals and are often coerced into not filing complaints.

Resistance to addressing problems

The report revealed that online harassment and cyberattacks against women are common in the industry. The report also noted that men have also faced significant challenges, with some prominent male artists being banned from the industry for extended periods of time due to conflicts with powerful lobbies.

In response to these alarming findings, the committee noted that some in the industry, including a prominent actor, suggested that women have long worked in cinema without complaint and are adapting to the circumstances. As for the lack of basic facilities, some actors downplayed the problem and suggested that women could use nearby homes or convenient locations to change or use the toilet.

Despite discussions held within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to address these issues, no significant progress has been made and rights violations continue, the commission found.

The release of the Justice Hema Committee report marks a critical juncture for the Malayalam film industry as it faces long-standing issues of exploitation and gender inequality. The findings call for urgent attention from civil society and industry leaders to address and remedy these deep-rooted issues.