Hema Commission sheds light on sexual exploitation and ‘mafia’ control in Malayalam film industry

Another disturbing trend is the ‘unofficial ban’ imposed on artists and technicians who oppose sexual advances and exploitation. Male artists are also affected when they stand up to the powerful men in the industry. The report refers to these men as the ‘mafia’, a group of 10 to 15 people, including actors, producers and directors, who control the industry and enforce bans according to their wishes. The Hema committee does not see the formation of internal complaints committees as a solution, as it believes that these committees would be influenced by the ‘mafia’ and would worsen the ordeal of women in cinema. According to the report, a woman could be ‘banned’ and thrown out of the industry even if she complained to an internal committee. A male actor who questioned the ‘mafia’ was reportedly banned from films and series. These bans operate silently and are not given in writing. Even producers and directors who want to ignore these regulations and give ‘banned actors’ a chance are afraid to do so. For self-protection, they cling to the ‘prohibition theory’.