The long-awaited Justice K Hema Committee report has unveiled severe issues within Kerala’s Malayalam film industry. Formed in 2017 in response to the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent actress, the committee, led by Justice Hema with members Sarada and KB Valsala Kumari, was tasked with investigating women’s safety and conditions in the industry.
The report exposes a grim reality of rampant exploitation and harassment. Despite efforts to gather testimonies from various categories of women in the industry, most remained silent due to fear of repercussions. The committee received input from just 32 women from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and 31 others, highlighting a pervasive culture of silence and intimidation.
Findings indicate widespread abuses including inadequate basic facilities, unfair treatment, and a lack of a complaint-redressal system. Women are coerced into compromising their rights to maintain their careers, with fear of blacklisting further stifling dissent. The report calls for a dedicated legal framework and an independent tribunal to address these issues effectively.
Despite the report’s revelations and media attention, the government has been criticized for its lack of proactive measures. The industry’s power dynamics and the government’s evasive stance threaten to undermine efforts for meaningful reform. The challenge remains whether the state will act decisively to address these systemic problems.
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