The entire board of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal-led film Body has resigned in response to allegations of sexual abuse. (P.S. You may remember Mohanlal from RGV’s Company)

The Hema Justice Commission report has opened the Pandora’s box of the Malayalam film industry with horrific stories of work culture, discrimination and sexual harassment of mainly female actors and deplorable and unethical working conditions.

*The committee identified at least 17 forms of exploitation experienced by women in 30 different categories within the industry. These included sexual demands on women seeking entry into the industry, sexual harassment and various forms of abuse and assault.

• The report highlights persistent practices such as the casting couch, where women are often pressured into offering sexual favours to secure roles or avoid being blacklisted.

*Women fear reprisals and are often forced not to file a complaint.

*The report states that the Malayalam film industry is “under the control of certain producers, directors and actors – all of whom are men – and dominates other individuals working in cinema.

*Women working in the sector often face a lack of safety and security, both in their accommodation and during transport.

*The report found that online harassment and cyber attacks against women are common in the sector