Kerala: Mollywood controlled by all-male mafia; Hema report exposes systematic casting couch and abuse

The much-awaited release of the Justice K Hema Committee report has sent shockwaves through Kerala’s Malayalam film industry, better known as Mollywood. The report, which has been kept under wraps since its submission to the Kerala government in December 2019, paints a grim picture of the working conditions faced by women in the industry. It confirms the worst fears of many: Mollywood is in the grip of a powerful, all-male ‘mafia’ that perpetuates casting couch culture and systematic exploitation of women.

The report reveals that Mollywood is dominated by a mafia of about 15 influential figures – producers, directors, actors and production heads – who operate with almost total control over the industry. This group, often referred to as the ‘mafia’, dictates who is cast in films and their decisions are driven not by talent or merit but by a sinister agenda that often includes coercing women into providing sexual favours.

The mafia’s control extends beyond casting. They have the power to make or break careers, and use their influence to ensure that those who do not meet their demands are systematically blacklisted. Women who stand up to or speak out against the mafia face severe repercussions, including job loss, harassment, and in some cases, being forced out of the industry altogether.

The Justice K. Hema Committee, formed following a petition filed by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), was tasked to investigate the challenges faced by women professionals in Mollywood. The committee, which included veteran South Indian actress Sarada and former bureaucrat KB Valsala Kumari, conducted extensive interviews with actresses, technicians and other women in the industry. Their testimonies revealed a pervasive culture of sexual exploitation, coercion and harassment.

“Women working in the Malayalam film industry are forced to provide sex on demand at shooting locations, otherwise they would be punished and harassed by the all-powerful mafia,” the report said. This mafia, comprising around 15 prominent producers, directors, actors and production heads, wields considerable influence over the industry. They decide who gets roles and who gets blacklisted, leaving women with little choice but to comply or face the destruction of their careers.

The report details the various tactics used to pressure women into providing sexual favors. “Production controllers often tell lead or supporting actors to be ready for ‘adjustments’ or to ‘please’ the director, producer or lead actor. These adjustments are perceived as sexual favors,” the report explains.

Women who refuse to cooperate are often subjected to mental harassment on set. One actress testified that she was forced by a director to repeat a scene in which she was pursed 17 times as punishment for her complaint. To her dismay, the scene was not even included in the final cut of the film. The harassment continues off set as well, with women reporting men knocking on their hotel room doors late at night.

The report exposes the deep-rooted power of the mafia in Mollywood. This small group of men not only controls casting decisions but also influences the broader dynamics of the industry. Their influence extends beyond films, as they can block opportunities for those who challenge them, even on television.

The report also hints at the mafia’s involvement in ruining the careers of male actors who dare to stand up to them. It points to a talented, seasoned actor, believed to be the late Thilakan, who was blacklisted from the industry for challenging the authority of the mafia. Thilakan, a famous method actor who acted in over 200 Malayalam films, faced professional isolation before he passed away in 2012 at the age of 77.

The publication of the Hema Commission report has been hailed as an “eye-opener” by the Women in Cinema Collective. Beena Paul, a founding member of the WCC and a noted film editor, expressed cautious optimism. “Our collective had been demanding that the dark forces controlling the film industry be exposed. We are happy that our attempt was half-successful. Now it is up to the government to take action,” said Paul.

The report’s findings require a moment of deep introspection for Mollywood. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in its initial response said it needed time to assess the report’s findings. However, the revelations in the report have put considerable pressure on the Kerala government to take decisive action to dismantle the mafia’s grip on the industry and create a fair and safe environment for women professionals.

The opening paragraph of the report poetically sums up the disillusionment with the industry: “The sky is full of mysteries, with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But scientific research has shown that stars do not twinkle and the moon may not be as beautiful as it seems.” Mollywood’s once revered stars have indeed fallen, revealing an industry in dire need of reform.

The findings of the Justice K. Hema Committee have put immense pressure on the Kerala government to take action. The publication of the report is a call to dismantle the influence of this mafia and restore fairness and justice in the Malayalam film industry.