Hema Commission Report: Explosive ‘Me Too’ Moment in Malayalam Cinema Industry Puts LDF Government on the Wrong Foot

Members of the Hema committee who submitted the report to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in 2019. File

The explosive allegations of sexual misconduct by those at the top of the Malayalam film industry, perhaps one of the most visible and socially significant power structures in Kerala society, appear to have thrown the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government off its feet.

In a ‘Me too’ moment, at least two individuals in key industry leadership positions have lost their jobs following allegations of sexual abuse, while the LDF government has apparently been unable to agree on the standard of proof that should apply to hold the prominent personalities legally accountable for their alleged misdemeanours.

The shocking report by the Justice K. Hema committee, which describes cases of sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry, seems to have prompted women to share their stories of sexual exploitation through mainstream media.

Also Read | Hema Commission Report: Kerala State Human Rights Commission Calls for Probe into ‘Human Rights Violations’ in Malayalam Film Industry

Their devastating revelations resonated with the Kerala audience, who grew up on Malayalam cinema.

The ‘revelations’ have raised concerns among the government and the film industry that more discreditable and embarrassing facts, which could destroy reputations and dismantle myths surrounding icons of Malayalam cinema, could surface in the public domain like corpses falling from the closet.

The damning report and its socio-political implications have left the government open to criticism, who say it is more concerned with protecting the rich and powerful in the film industry than with adhering to the legendary leftist principles of women’s rights, gender equality and workplace equality.

On Sunday (25 August 2024), opposition leader VD Sateeshan demanded the resignation of Culture Minister Saji Cherian. He accused Mr. Cherian of obstructing the publication of the Hema Commission report, shockingly belittling victims of sexual abuse and praising the characterization of influential exploiters. Meanwhile, Mr. Cherian has blamed the “right-wing media” for labeling him as anti-women.

The damning revelations have led to a wave of public accusations against the government’s stance on social and mainstream media, and raised questions about the sincerity of the government’s victim-friendly stance.

The alleged ‘dissatisfaction’ with the government spilled out onto the streets, with Congress and BJP workers protesting across the state.

The government also faced fierce criticism from within, with Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja saying the state needed to do more, including prosecuting the accused.

Meanwhile, the government’s much-discussed cinema conclave in November to draw up regulations for the entertainment industry is facing major headwinds.

The Women in Cinema Collective, an advocacy group for women’s rights, and opposition parties accuse the government of seeking to treat victims and offenders equally by holding a film conclave before the accused are brought to justice.