Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, No Equal Pay…: What’s Wrong With the Malayalam Film Industry?

The Hema Committee report, which examined the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry following the attack on an actor in 2017, provided shocking details of the exploitation of women in the industry.

The report finds that sexual exploitation is widespread in the sector.

“I was shocked to hear stories of sexual abuse and harassment faced by victims in the Malayalam film industry,” the 233-page report reads.

READ MORE: Justice Hema Committee Report Released. What Does the Controversial Report Say?

The report said: “Women in film often feel unsafe when going to work alone. Numerous testimonies show that sexual demands are often linked to employment, making it very different from other professions.”

“…in the film industry, the casting couch remains a worrying reality,” the report said.

According to the commission, testimonies have revealed incidents of intimidation, including knocking on hotel doors where artists stay overnight and some men forcibly entering rooms, making the workplaces extremely unsafe for women.

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Despite the sexual harassment and abuse, women are reluctant to report these incidents because they fear it will lead to fewer job opportunities. The stigma attached and the names involved often deter women from going to the police because they fear reprisals, including being denied work, the report noted.

The report further concluded that both women and men face cyberbullying, public threats and defamation. Vulgar comments are posted against performers on social media platforms such as Facebook. In addition, female performers often receive threatening messages, including rape threats and images of male genitals. Such acts are intended to intimidate and humiliate women.