Hema Committee Report Explained: What it means for women’s safety in Malayalam cinema?

After years of delay, the Kerala government finally released the findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report on Monday, addressing the safety and opportunities for women working in the Malayalam film industry. The 223-page report makes shocking observations, putting the Malayalam film industry, often touted as one of the most evolved fraternities in Indian cinema, in a difficult spot.

The casting couch has long been a threat to young, ambitious people seeking to make a career in the film industry. It's a global problem. While the prevalence of this menace was common knowledge, whispered in the corridors of the tinsel town, this is the first time it has been officially documented by a government-sanctioned agency. The report effectively quashes any attempts to dismiss allegations of sexual exploitation in the business of cinema as mere baseless rumours.

The Hema Committee Report conducted a comprehensive study, submitting findings to the government-backed by strong evidence, including screenshots, audio recordings, and more. The report also reportedly details the hostile environment that members of the committee faced, along with the women working on film sets, which was believed to be an attempt to obstruct the investigation.

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The Origin of the Justice Hema Committee

The Kerala government initiated a one-of-its-kind panel to address safety challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. No other study of this kind has been conducted in any other part of the Indian film fraternity.

The government was compelled to undertake this investigation following the sexual assault of a popular actor in Malayalam cinema. In 2017, an actor was held captive in her own vehicle and subjected to sexual assault by a group of men. Popular actor Dileep is the main accused in the case, facing charges of masterminding the kidnapping, sexual assault, and filming the attack with the intent of blackmailing the survivor.

The incident sent shockwaves across India, prompting a movement within the Malayalam film industry. It also led to the formation of the Women In Cinema Collective, comprising some of the high-profile members of the Malayalam film industry. The Collective pressured the government into launching an investigation into issues of sexual harassment, gender inequality, and overall working conditions for women in the Malayalam film industry.

Headed by Justice K. Hema, the committee conducted a comprehensive study and submitted its report in 2019. The investigation cost the government Rs 1 crore. The release of the report faced significant opposition, primarily due to concerns over privacy and potential harm to individuals named in the report. Actress Ranjini, aka Sasha Selvaraj, petitioned the Kerala High Court against the decision of the State Information Commission (SIC) to share the committee’s findings with the public. However, the High Court dismissed Ranjini's petition paving the way for the release of the report.

While the complete report has not been publicly released due to sensitive information, portions of it have been made available after redacting personal details. The committee's findings have sparked significant discussions about the need for systemic changes in the industry to ensure a safer and more impartial environment for women.

Hema Committee Report's impact on the Malayalam film industry

The findings of the Hema Committee Report are set to have a profound impact on the Malayalam film industry. The official documentation of widespread sexual exploitation and the hostile working conditions for women shatters the industry's image as a progressive and evolved fraternity. This revelation is likely to trigger a demand for sweeping reforms, including more stringent regulations and oversight to protect women working in the industry.

The industry may face increased scrutiny from both the public and the government, leading to the establishment of more robust support systems for women, such as mandatory Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) on film sets and production houses.

The report's findings could lead to a shift in power dynamics within the industry. With the exposure of deeply entrenched exploitation, there may be a push towards greater transparency and accountability among the industry's top players, potentially leading to a cultural shift.

The report is likely to empower women in the industry to speak out against injustices.

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