KFCC opposes Hema Committee-style probe into Kannada film industry: 'Not good for business...'

The executive members of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) are opposing the demand for a probe led by a panel similar to the Hema Committee, which exposed sexual harassment cases in the Malayalam film industry.

KFCC president NM Suresh, along with producers Rockline Venkatesh and Sa Ra Govindu, vehemently rejected the idea of constituting an investigation into the workplace safety of women in the Kannada film industry. Govindu claimed that, in the history of the KFCC, there has not been a single complaint from female working members. He further alleged that, even during the #MeToo movement, not many complaints were raised within the Kannada film industry.

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

"During the discussion, we realized that there aren't many issues like #MeToo in the Kannada film industry. It's a good thing. I will be very frank. We don't need the government to form a committee like Kerala. We have the Women's Commission, and they can take whatever information they need from us," said Govindu.

Govindu also invoked the memories of late movie icons and their contributions to building the Kannada film industry to add emotional weight to his appeal. "Don't bring such things (referring to the Hema Committee) into this industry. We have been working in great harmony with each other for the last 80 years. It's not just women who face issues in the film industry; even producers and men have problems. Whoever has any concerns and when they approach us, we (KFCC) will get them justice. We don't need a committee. The Kannada industry is already hailing; let's focus on making it better first," he said.

Rockline Venkatesh echoed Govindu's stance, further clarifying his opposition to the formation of a committee. "I think you don't have the clarity as to why Govindu is against forming a committee here. It's not because something happened in the past and we want to cover it up. When a committee like this is formed, it's not good for business," he said.

The KFCC press conference happened following a lengthy discussion with Karnataka Women's Chamber chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary. She arranged the meeting with the chamber to raise concerns about women's safety in the industry. Chowdhary strongly demanded the formation of an Internal Committee in the Kannada film industry, as mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act.

She noted that the KFCC has 15 days to respond to her notice regarding the formation of the IC.

Enjoy 35+ OTTs like ZEE5, LionsgatePlay, Ullu, SunNXT, SonyLIV, Fancode and 250+ Live TV channels at just ₹99