Banned for questioning sexual favors: Soumya Sadanandan

I was banned for questioning sexual favours_ Malayalam director Soumya Sadanandan. (Supplied)

She shed light on the widespread problem of sexual misconduct in the industry, saying, “Even the so-called good guys have a dark side.”

Soumya Sadanandan has alleged that her film career has been stifled after she was banned by influential figures in the Malayalam industry. Despite approaching at least 10 producers for her new project, she claims that she faced resistance. Despite approaching two female producers, she could not get any opportunities to do another film.

She further expressed her gratitude to the Justice Hema Committee for their efforts and expressed her displeasure over the obstacles she continues to face in the sector.

Screenshot of Soumya Sadanandan’s FB post. (Supplied)

The filmmaker also accused the lead actor and co-producer of her debut film, Mangalyam Thanthunanena (2018), of editing the film without her consent. The film, starring Kunchacko Boban and Nimisha Sajayan, failed at the box office.

Soumya Sadanandan started her career as a TV presenter and radio jockey but moved to filmmaking. She worked as an assistant and associate director on over 11 feature films.

Later she directed the documentary Chembai: My Discovery of a Legendwho won the Jury Prize at the National Film Festival in 2017.

Her short film Rabbit hole was also praised by the many awards it won at the Eastern Global Short Film Festival in 2018.

Also read: Honey Rose says she has not faced exploitation, but calls for accountability

Report reveals sexual misconduct and discrimination

Following the publication of an edited version of the Justice Hema Committee report, many industry professionals came forward to share their own harrowing experiences.

Nineties actress Soumya revealed that she was raped by a Tamil director, while actor Charmila alleged that a producer and his associates tried to rape her during the shoot of Arjunan Pillayum Anju Makkalum (1997).

The Justice Hema Committee report highlighted the widespread discrimination and insecurity faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. It pointed out the persistence of the casting couch and the overall unsafe working environment for women in cinema.

According to the report, “women in cinema often feel unsafe when going to work alone.” It also confirmed that the casting couch remains a disturbing reality in the Malayalam film industry.

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

Also Read: Malayalam Actor Soumya Reveals That A Tamil Director Sexually Abused Her