Disturbing revelations in finally released report of Hema Justice Commission – Telangana Today

The 289-page report claims that the ‘mafia’ in the film industry is controlled by a section of directors, producers and male actors and that anyone who files a complaint is sidelined and exposed to unspeakable misery.

Thiruvananthapuram: In shocking revelations, the Justice K. Hema committee’s report on the situation of women in the Malayalam film industry, finally released on Monday, said the male-dominated industry is ruled by a “mafia”, which includes some top actors, and that female actors face a gruelling time at work.

The Committee reports that its members were in shock after hearing the testimonies.

It is pointed out that the internal complaints committee for each film has proven to be ineffective and that the state government needs to come up with new ways to ensure that the interests of women in the film industry are taken care of.

The Kerala High Court had last week given the go-ahead to release the report, with the condition that no names would be mentioned in the report and all sensitive information would be redacted. On Monday too, there were some attempts to delay it, but these failed.

The 289-page report claims that the ‘mafia’ in the film industry is controlled by a section of directors, producers and male actors and that anyone who files a complaint is sidelined and exposed to unspeakable misery.

One actress had testified that she had to take 17 shots with a person who was harassing her and that the director and others were angry because of it. Another actress said that despite numerous requests to the director to tell her about intimate scenes and the details, the director did not inform her and after the shooting was over, she requested the director not to continue with these scenes but her request was denied and she was threatened that he would even release the scenes in the public domain.

The report also reveals that the casting couch is widespread in the film industry, with those in minor roles being hit the hardest, especially if they want to be considered for more roles. In order for new female actors to be considered for roles in films, they have to agree to sleep with those making the decisions.

It also points out that there is a state where female actors have to come with their family members for fear of being exploited. Moreover, it said that at night, there are knocks on the bedroom doors of actresses and if they don’t open the door, the “visitors” slam the door shut.

Another shocking fact is that women even have to compromise to get quality food at the locations where they film.

It also shows that female producers are also targeted by the male-dominated film lobby.

In short, the report points out that the glitter of the industry is only on the surface, covering up the ugly side of the male-dominated film industry underneath. It is also suspected that attempts were made to ensure that this report, which was filed in 2019, was delayed for so long and when it finally came out, names and certain incriminating details were still being withheld.

It remains to be seen how the Pinarayi Vijayan government will deal with this report.

When the report was released, all members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), both actors and actresses, were busy with final rehearsal for a charity performance scheduled to take place near Kochi on Tuesday.

In response, AMMA Secretary General and popular actor Siddique said that they have only heard that a report has been released and they have no other details. Therefore, it is too early to comment.