Parvathy Thiruvothu reacts to Justice Hema Commission report on sexual exploitation in Malayalam cinema, says: ‘There is a ‘Keeda’ in all film industries’

All film industries are plagued by the same bug and those in it will have to do a clean sweep, Malayalam star Parvathy Thiruvothu said on Monday, as the findings of the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation in Malayalam cinema are leading to a sea change with more people speaking out every day. “When we stand up for ourselves, we stand up for everyone. We need allies,” said Parvathy, who is currently promoting her Tamil film Thangalaan and is a member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). The Kerala government had constituted the Justice Hema panel after the efforts of the WCC. “There is a ‘keeda’ in all industries and we will have to clean it up ourselves… But I do believe that things are changing now. If we stand up for ourselves, we stand up for everyone. We need allies,” Parvathy said in a group interview, which also featured PTI number. ‘Nobody gets raped in this industry’: Sreelekha Mitra reflects on #MeToo and the reality of the casting couch after filing a sexual harassment complaint against Ranjith (Watch video).

The answer to the question of how we face gender discrimination in the male-dominated film industry is a “long-winded” answer, she added. “The more you ask and engage with this question, the better… but we just don’t have enough time to answer this now.” The Justice Hema Committee’s extensive and explosive August 19 report highlights the power dynamics in the Malayalam film industry and the exploitation faced by women working in it. A day after the report was released, Parvathy shared a post on her Instagram Stories thanking everyone who had supported the WCC in its quest. “Through thick and thin, you were there. You reminded us when we might have started doubting ourselves. You amplified our voices when others tried to stifle it! You are a big part of this victory of truth. THANK YOU!” she wrote. Prithviraj Sukumaran demands immediate probe and strict action after Hema Commission report on sexual exploitation in Malayalam film industry.

As the controversy escalated and more women spoke out, director Ranjith stepped down as head of the state-run Kerala Chalchitra Academy and actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on Sunday. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a seven-member special team to look into the issues.

Pa Ranjith’s “Thangalaan”, starring Vikram in the lead role, will be released in Hindi version in North Indian cinemas on September 6. The film also stars Malavika Mohanan and British actor Daniel Caltagirone.