Sexual Exploitation in Malayalam Cinema: Industry Speaks Out

Malayalam filmmaker Parvathy Thiruvothu has stressed the need for a thorough clean-up in film industries plagued by sexual exploitation. Her remarks come after the findings of the Justice Hema Committee report have led to widespread unrest, with more and more people speaking out every day.

Promoting her upcoming Tamil film ‘Thangalaan’, Parvathy, a member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), said, “If we stand up for ourselves, we stand up for everyone. We need allies.” The Kerala government set up the Justice Hema panel after pressure from the WCC. “There is a ‘keeda’ in all industries and we will have to clean it up ourselves… But I do believe things are changing now,” she added.

The Justice Hema Committee’s comprehensive report, released on August 19, exposes the power dynamics and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Following its release, Parvathy expressed gratitude to those supporting the WCC in an Instagram post. In response to the escalating controversy, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has set up a seven-member special task force to address the issues. Industry leaders, including director Ranjith and actor Siddique, have recently stepped down from key positions.

Additionally, Parvathy’s film ‘Thangalaan’, starring Vikram, will be released in Hindi version in theatres across North India from September 6.

(With input from agencies.)