#MeToo in Mollywood: The Hema Committee report, formed in 2018, reveals the deep-rooted issues of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. This report, led by retired Justice K. Hema, was created to investigate the systemic exploitation and abuse faced by women in the industry. Released to the public on August 19, 2024, the report brings attention to the dark realities within Mollywood and urges significant reforms to ensure a safer work environment.
Background: The Formation of the Hema Committee
The Hema Committee was established in response to a shocking incident in February 2017, where a well-known Malayalam actress was kidnapped and assaulted by five men. The case gained national attention, especially after it was revealed that actor Dileep, a prominent figure in the industry, was allegedly involved in the conspiracy. This incident led to the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), which aimed to create safer spaces for women working in the industry.
In November 2017, the Hema Committee was formed, comprising retired Justice Hema, actress Sarada, and bureaucrat K.B. Valsala Kumari. The committee collected testimonies from over 80 women, documenting the hostile work environment and instances of harassment within the industry. In 2019, the committee submitted a comprehensive 296-page report to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite the significance of the findings, the report remained shelved for five years before being made public.
Key Findings of the Hema Committee Report
The Hema Committee report provides alarming insights into the Malayalam film industry. It highlights cases of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and a powerful lobby that controls the industry. Here are some of the report’s key findings:
1. Widespread Harassment: The report documents numerous cases of sexual harassment faced by women, ranging from inappropriate advances to more severe forms of exploitation.
2. Lack of Basic Facilities: The committee found that basic amenities like changing rooms and toilets were often not provided for women on film sets, further contributing to unsafe working conditions.
3. Powerful Lobby: A significant issue highlighted is a mafia-like group consisting of influential directors, producers, and technicians. This group reportedly controls the industry, ensuring that women who refuse to comply with their demands are harassed or blacklisted.
4. Harassment on Sets: The report mentions instances where female actors were coerced into performing intimate scenes repeatedly as a form of punishment for not complying with demands. In one case, an actress was forced to redo a kiss scene 17 times.
5. Gender Pay Gap: The report also highlights the significant pay disparity between male and female actors, with women earning far less even when playing lead roles.
The Aftermath and Industry Reactions
The release of the Hema Committee report has revived discussions around the MeToo movement in Mollywood. Following the report’s publication, several actors came forward with new allegations. A female actor accused veteran actor Siddique of rape, leading to his resignation from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Similarly, filmmaker Ranjith stepped down as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman after being accused of inappropriate behavior by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra.
I was 20 years old quiz directing #koteeswaran when the mallu host #mukeshkumar called my room multiple times and then changed my room to beside his on the next sch. My then boss @derekobrienmp spoke to me for an hour & got me out on the next flight. 19 yrs on thank you Derek.
— Tess Joseph (@Tesselmania) October 9, 2018
Despite these developments, the report faced significant pushback from within the industry. Top actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty have remained silent, while AMMA dismissed the findings, stating that they had not fully reviewed the report. Mohanlal, who earlier downplayed the MeToo movement as a “fad,” has yet to address the recent revelations.
The Way Forward
The Hema Committee report emphasizes the need for systemic changes in the Malayalam film industry. It recommends the introduction of stricter policies, better-reporting mechanisms, and support systems for survivors. However, the implementation of these reforms remains uncertain, as several industry insiders continue to resist change.
While the report’s findings have sparked widespread debate, many believe that more women will come forward with their stories, pushing for lasting reforms in Mollywood. The Hema Committee report is a crucial step toward addressing gender inequality and ensuring a safer environment for women in the industry.
All in all, the release of this report marks a significant moment in the Malayalam film industry’s reckoning with its dark past. However, much work remains to be done to ensure that these revelations lead to meaningful and lasting change.
