Samantha responds to storm in Malayalam film industry, gives shout-out to women’s rights groups

The findings of the Hema Committee Report have left the Malayalam film community in disarray. The report exposed some of the most horrific sexual exploitation in the industry. Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has joined the list of celebrities calling for justice for the victims. The actress recently took to Instagram to publicly praise the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for their unwavering commitment to justice and their efforts to ensure that women in the Malayalam film industry experience a workplace characterized by dignity, safety and respect.

She wrote, “For years I have followed the incredible work of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) in Kerala. Their journey has been anything but easy. Now that the serious implications of the Hema Commission report are coming to light, we owe a debt of gratitude to WCC. A safe and respectful workplace should be the bare minimum, but many have to fight for it. But their efforts have not been in vain. I hope this is just the beginning of a much-needed one. My respect goes out to my friends and sisters at WCC.”

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), formed in 2017 to promote gender equality in the entertainment sector, has been engaged in a long and challenging battle. The Hema Commission Report, a detailed 235-page document, recently exposed deep-rooted problems in the Malayalam film industry. The report revealed alarming cases of sexual exploitation, discrimination, unequal pay and substance abuse. Though the report was completed in 2019, it was kept under wraps due to its sensitive nature. However, recent events have brought it into the spotlight, igniting a political controversy in Kerala.

Samantha’s heartfelt message struck a chord with many, including fans and advocates of the cause, as she emphasized the importance of creating a safe workplace for women – a fundamental right that remains out of reach for many.