Kollywood faces scrutiny as #MeToo movement gains momentum in Kerala: 'Sexual harassment is rampant in Tamil cinema'

The Malayalam film industry is witnessing a resurgence of the #MeToo movement with the Kerala government making the findings of the Hema Committee report public. The revelations and subsequent outrage against the alleged misuse of power and sexual exploitation in the industry have prompted survivors to share their experiences and even press charges against their tormentors.

The actions and revelations in the Malayalam film industry have inspired members of other film fraternities to demand a similar investigation in the Tamil film industry. Some have alleged that certain senior members in the Tamil industry hold an authoritative grip over key organizations, going so far as to deny work opportunities in Tamil cinema.

Recently, veteran actress Kutti Padmini alleged that there is rampant abuse of power and sexual exploitation in the Tamil film industry. She called for measures to protect the rights and dignity of those working in the industry. "Directors and technicians demand sexual obligations from women artists in TV serials," Kutti Padmini told NDTV.

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Padmini also alleged that many women in the industry endure such harassment to protect their careers. She pointed out that there is no proper forum to address complaints of this nature. "This is a profession like any other—doctors, lawyers, IT professionals. Why does it have to be a flesh trade? It is very wrong," she said.

Padmini noted that those who dare to speak out against sexual abuse in the industry often face boycotts and lost work opportunities. She cited the example of singer Chinmayi Sripada, whose thriving singing and dubbing career has been in decline since she accused poet Vairamuthu of sexually harassing her. "Finally, someone from the Tamil film industry agrees sexual harassment is rampant in the Tamil film industry. Thank you @KuttyPadhmini," Chinmayi reacted to Padmini's comments.

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