The Justice K. Hema Committee report on the condition of women in the Malayalam film industry has made startling revelations about the deep-seated issues in this "male-dominated" sector. Released on Monday, the report, which had been delayed for years, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of women working in the industry.
According to the report, the industry is controlled by a "mafia" that includes top actors, directors, and producers, creating a hostile environment for women. The Committee, formed in 2017 to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, was left in shock after hearing testimonies from several female actors. The report highlights the ineffectiveness of the Internal Complaints Committees set up for each film and urges the state government to find new methods to protect the interests of women in the industry.
"According to women in cinema, harassment starts from the very inception. It is revealed from the statements of various witnesses who were examined before the committee that the production controller or whoever gives an offer for a role in cinema first approaches the woman/girl or if it is the other way and a woman -approaches any person in cinema seeking a chance in cinema, she is told that she has to make adjustments and compromise to take her in cinema. Compromise and adjustment are two terms which are very familiar among women in the Malayalam film industry and by doing so, they are asked to make themselves available fo.