Need more Malayalam industry biggies named? NCW calls for full disclosure of details

Report of the Hema Commission: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has expressed serious concerns over the findings of the Hema Committee Report, which highlights important issues within the Malayalam film industry. In a press release issued on Saturday, the NCW emphasised its commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring that laws designed to promote equality and development are enforced. The commission has taken steps to obtain the full Hema Committee Report, as only parts of it have been made public so far.

The NCW statement said: “The National Commission for Women (NCW) has come to know of the worrying issues within the Malayalam Film Industry as highlighted in the Hema Committee Report. The NCW, in line with its responsibilities under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, remains committed to monitoring matters relating to the protection of women’s rights and ensuring enforcement of laws designed to support equality and development.”

“The Commission has noted with concern the findings of the Hema Committee report, which have been reported in various media. The report points to serious problems such as workplace harassment, gender discrimination and other forms of exploitation that adversely affect women in the Malayalam film industry,” it noted.

“In response to these concerns, the NCW has taken steps to request the full Hema Committee report as it appears that only parts of it are currently available in the public domain. The committee is committed to continuing its efforts to address these issues with the appropriate authorities to ensure that women’s rights are upheld and that a safe, fair working environment is promoted within the industry,” it further added.

READ ALSO | Mohanlal on the Hema Justice Commission report and allegations against AMMA: ‘Not part of a power group’

Hema Commission Report Rij

In a related development, prominent actor Mohanlal broke his silence on the shocking revelations of the report, which has rocked the Malayalam film industry. Speaking to reporters for the first time since the report was released, Mohanlal acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised, stating that “the entire industry is responsible for the questions raised, but the actors’ association is being targeted and blamed for everything.” He pointed out that Malayalam cinema is a huge industry employing thousands of people and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), which he recently chaired, could not address every issue that arose, news agency PTI reported.

Mohanlal, who resigned as president of AMMA following allegations against the association, stated that his delayed response was due to his absence from the state due to personal and professional commitments. He expressed his pain in addressing these unfortunate issues, noting that he had testified before the Hema committee twice but was not aware of the contents of the report, except what had been reported in the media. He also denied any knowledge or involvement with any so-called “power group” within the Malayalam cinema industry.

The report’s release has led to widespread protests in Kerala, with outrage mounting over the stories of sexual abuse shared by several female actors. Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, accused the CPI(M)-led government of shielding the culprits, including actor-politician Mukesh, who is accused of rape, PTI reported.

The protests were particularly intense in Kochi and Kollam, where Mahila Congress activists demanded Mukesh’s resignation and a proper investigation into the allegations. Protesters in Kochi expressed their anger by beating effigies of Mukesh, Sidhique and Ranjith, all accused of sexual abuse, with brooms. In Kollam, a protest march was held outside Mukesh’s residence, with activists calling for his immediate resignation as MLA.

Satheesan alleged that a “power group” within the ruling CPI(M), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is shielding the accused, according to PTI. He criticised the government for the lack of legal action following the courageous testimonies of survivors before the Justice Hema Committee. “What is happening is a gross violation of the justice system,” Satheesan alleged, demanding Mukesh’s resignation and a thorough investigation as recommended in the Hema Committee report.