After Hema Commission Report, Several South Indian Celebrities Are Accused of Sexual Offences (Watch Video)

The Tamil film industry is undergoing a major upheaval as cases of sexual abuse continue to rise, sparking widespread concern and anger. A new wave of the #MeToo movement is sweeping the industry, empowering survivors to come forward and seek justice. The Hema Committee has laid bare the disturbing extent of exploitation, revealing at least 17 different forms of abuse faced by women across 30 categories in the industry. These include sexual demands made on women trying to enter the industry, along with harassment and various forms of sexual assault. The report also reveals that similar exploitation is prevalent in the Malayalam film industry, dominated by a small group of powerful producers, directors and male actors. Industry figures such as actress Shakeela, filmmaker Dhamayanti and actress Kutti Padmini have further highlighted the deep-rooted gender inequality and casteism that plagues both the Tamil and Malayalam film and television sectors. With new allegations of sexual abuse against actor Jayasurya surfacing, the industry is at a critical juncture, requiring strict regulations and a commitment to a safer environment for all.