The Justice Hema Committee Report Malayalam has sent shockwaves through the film industry, revealing disturbing truths about the working conditions and treatment of women in Malayalam cinema. This groundbreaking investigation, led by Justice K. Hema, has shed light on long-standing issues of sexual harassment, exploitation, and power imbalances that have plagued the industry for years. The report’s findings have sparked intense debate and calls for reform within the Malayalam film community.
The Hema Commission Report delves into several key areas that demand attention and action. It examines the entrenched power structures that enable abuse, explores the pervasive nature of sexual harassment, and highlights the challenging working conditions faced by women in the industry. The Justice Hema Committee Report also proposes recommendations to address these issues, aiming to create a safer and more equitable environment for all professionals in Malayalam cinema. This article will unpack the shocking truths revealed by the report and discuss their implications for the future of the industry.
The Power Structure in Malayalam Cinema
The Justice Hema Committee Report has shed light on a deeply entrenched power structure within the Malayalam film industry, revealing a system that perpetuates inequality, exploitation, and control. This structure, dominated by a small group of influential men, has far-reaching consequences for those working in the industry, particularly women and those who dare to challenge the status quo.
The ‘Mafia’ Group
At the heart of this power structure lies a group of 10 to 15 individuals who wield significant control over the Malayalam film industry [1]. This group, often referred to as a “mafia sangham” or mafia gang, consists of male actors, producers, directors, distributors, and exhibitors who have amassed considerable fame and wealth [1] [2]. Their influence extends far beyond their individual roles, allowing them to dominate and control various aspects of the industry [3].
The report highlights that this power group has the ability to make or break careers, often through unofficial and illegal means [4]. They have been known to impose unauthorized bans on individuals who displease them, effectively preventing these people from working in the industry [4]. What’s particularly alarming is that these bans can be imposed for trivial reasons, such as unknowingly offending a member of the power group [1].
Control Over Careers
The methods employed by this power group to control careers are both insidious and effective. Bans are typically not documented in writing but are instead communicated verbally, making it difficult for victims to seek legal recourse [1]. The power group’s influence extends to various aspects of film production and distribution:
- Production controllers play a key role in enforcing these bans, often using tactics to keep certain individuals away from projects [2].
- The group may refuse to issue no-objection certificates from the film chamber of commerce, potentially preventing the release of films [4].
- They can influence producers, technicians, and financiers to not work with certain individuals [2].
This level of control creates an environment of fear and compliance, where individuals are hesitant to speak out against injustices or challenge the status quo. The report notes that even highly talented actors can be ostracized if they fall out of favor with the power group [4].
Misogynistic Culture
The power structure in Malayalam cinema is deeply rooted in a misogynistic culture that reflects the patriarchal norms of Kerala society [5]. This culture manifests in various ways within the industry:
- Dialogs in films often reinforce regressive ideas about women’s roles and behavior [5].
- Female characters are frequently reduced to ornamental roles or plot devices, lacking depth and agency [5].
- Male superstars are idolized to an extreme degree, with fan associations, statues, and even temples dedicated to them [5].
The formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) in response to a brutal attack on a female actor highlighted the industry’s deeply ingrained misogyny [5]. The collective’s efforts to address issues faced by women in the industry have been met with mockery and hostility from established organizations like AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) [5].
The report also reveals that women in the industry face significant gender disparities, particularly in terms of remuneration and basic workplace safeguards [3]. The lack of internal complaints committees (ICCs) and the threat of being blacklisted or banned from work create an environment where women are often silenced and unable to speak out against exploitation and harassment [3].
The Justice Hema Committee Report makes it clear that this power structure is not only unethical but also illegal and unconstitutional [2]. It calls for significant reforms to create a more equitable and safe environment for all professionals in the Malayalam film industry. The revelations in this report serve as a crucial step towards acknowledging and addressing the deep-seated issues that have long plagued the industry.
Sexual Harassment and Exploitation
The Justice Hema Committee Report has exposed a deeply troubling culture of sexual exploitation and harassment within the Malayalam film industry. The findings reveal a systemic disregard for women’s rights and safety, perpetuated by powerful individuals who control the industry.
Casting Couch Syndrome
The report confirms the prevalence of the casting couch syndrome in Malayalam cinema, highlighting a primitive approach to women in the industry [6]. There is a widespread assumption that women enter the film industry solely for money and fame, and are willing to compromise their integrity for roles [7]. This misconception has led to a culture where sexual favors are often demanded in exchange for opportunities.
Women seeking entry into the industry are frequently told they must make “adjustments” and “compromises” to secure roles [8]. These euphemisms are well-understood within the industry to mean making oneself available for sex on demand [8]. The report reveals that aspiring actresses are often manipulated into believing that successful female actors have sustained their careers by agreeing to sleep with male colleagues [6].
Pressure for ‘Adjustments’ and ‘Compromises’
The exploitation begins at the very inception of a woman’s career in cinema. Production controllers and other industry insiders often approach women with offers for roles, contingent upon their willingness to make these “adjustments” [8]. Those who agree to these terms are referred to by code names such as “cooperating artists” [7] [9].
The report highlights that directors and producers frequently pressure women into exploitative situations [7]. Multiple statements have surfaced of women compromising their integrity for roles [7]. The committee received evidence, including audio and video clips and screenshots of WhatsApp messages, demonstrating how certain individuals in the industry persuaded women to make themselves available for sex [6].
Threats and Consequences
Women who resist these demands face severe consequences. The report reveals the existence of a powerful lobby, described by one prominent actor as a “mafia,” consisting of 10 to 15 influential men who control various aspects of the industry [7]. This group has the power to ban individuals from working in the industry, even for trivial reasons such as unknowingly offending a member of the power group [7].
Victims of harassment often hesitate to approach the police due to fear for their lives and the lives of their family members [7] [6]. The report states, “If one complains, consequences will be severe… they will be silenced. They even threatened to target families if anyone complained” [7].
The industry appears to have an unwritten understanding that those who complain against negative behavior or fight for their rights need not be called again for a movie [6]. This culture of silence, partly due to fear psychosis engendered by the power nexus, prevents women from speaking out against the atrocities they face [6].
The report also highlights the emotional toll of such exploitation. In one disturbing instance, a woman who was abused by an actor had to play the role of his wife the very next day. Unable to face him, she struggled through 17 takes, with her resentment and hatred reflecting on her face during the shooting [7] [10].
The Justice Hema Committee Report makes it clear that sexual harassment is the worst evil faced by women in the Malayalam film industry [6]. The informal nature of work, lack of legal contracts, absence of grievance redressal mechanisms, and a culture that emboldens powerful men have led to rampant sexual harassment across the profession [6]. These revelations underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to create a safe and equitable environment for women in Malayalam cinema.
Working Conditions for Women
The Justice Hema Committee Report has shed light on the challenging working conditions faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The findings reveal a stark contrast between the glamorous on-screen portrayals and the harsh realities behind the scenes. Women in the industry face numerous obstacles, including a lack of basic facilities, significant pay disparities, and demanding work schedules.
Lack of Basic Facilities
One of the most shocking revelations from the report is the absence of essential amenities for women on film sets. The committee found that nearly all women interviewed were denied access to basic facilities such as toilets and changing rooms at outdoor shooting locations [11]. This lack of fundamental provisions has led to numerous health and safety concerns for women in the industry.
The report highlights the dire situation faced by women during outdoor shoots:
- Women often resort to finding secluded spaces like forests or behind bushes to relieve themselves [11].
- Changing clothes becomes a significant challenge, with women sometimes having to rely on others to hold up cloth for privacy [11].
- The situation becomes even more problematic during menstrual cycles [11].
These conditions have forced many women to adopt unhealthy practices, such as avoiding drinking water and holding back urine, resulting in infections and discomfort [11]. In one particularly disturbing instance, a junior artist disclosed that the production unit did not allow her to use a toilet that was a 10-minute walk from the set [11].
The report also notes that while caravans are provided for male and female actors, other women working on the set are not allowed to use them [11]. This disparity in access to basic facilities highlights the gender-based discrimination prevalent in the industry.
Pay Disparities
The Hema Commission report exposes a significant gender pay gap in the Malayalam film industry [12]. The committee observed that female actors often face discrimination in remuneration, even when they play equally important or more significant roles than their male counterparts [12].
Key findings on pay disparities include:
- In some cases, female leads are paid significantly less than male actors, even when the latter spend less time on set [12].
- The report cites the movie ‘Take Off’ as an example, where the heroine was paid considerably less than the two heroes, despite having a more substantial role [12].
- The committee noted that while producers may not always be able to offer equal pay due to varying market values, they should ensure fair compensation based on the importance of the role [12].
The report emphasizes that performance in a movie should not be valued based on gender. Instead, higher remuneration should be awarded based on performance, time, effort, and creative energy expended [12]. When the hero and heroine have equal experience and contribute equally to a film, they should be paid equally [12].
Long Working Hours
The report highlights the issue of long and often undefined working hours in the industry. The lack of clear contracts exacerbates this problem, as work schedules are often not clearly outlined [12]. This ambiguity can create difficulties for both parties and particularly affects women in the industry.
The committee found that:
- Many women in the industry do not receive fair remuneration for their long hours of work [12].
- Without proper contracts, producers are not legally bound to pay the agreed-upon amounts or adhere to reasonable working hours [12].
- In one instance, an actress was paid only Rs 8,000 for a 32-day shoot, while another was promised Rs 50,000 for 20 days of work but received just Rs 4,000 [12].
The report emphasizes the crucial need to establish clear working hours and remuneration for artists and technicians through proper contracts [12]. This would not only protect the rights of women in the industry but also create a more professional and equitable working environment.
The Justice Hema Committee Report makes it clear that significant changes are needed to improve the working conditions for women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee recommends the enactment of appropriate statutes and the constitution of a tribunal to address these issues effectively [11]. These revelations underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to create a safe, fair, and respectful working environment for all professionals in the industry, regardless of gender.
Conclusion
The Justice Hema Committee Report Malayalam has brought to light the deep-rooted issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry. Its findings have an impact on the entire industry, exposing the toxic power structures, rampant sexual harassment, and poor working conditions for women. The report’s revelations are a wake-up call to implement urgent reforms to create a safer and more equitable environment in Malayalam cinema.
To wrap up, the Justice Hema Committee Report is a crucial step towards addressing long-standing problems in the industry. It provides a roadmap to make positive changes and ensure fair treatment for all professionals, especially women. The industry now faces the challenge to put these recommendations into action and bring about meaningful change. Only through collective effort and commitment can the Malayalam film industry hope to build a more inclusive and respectful work culture.
FAQs
1. What does the Hema Committee Report pertain to?
The Hema Committee Report is a comprehensive document produced by a government-appointed panel in 2019, which delves into the serious challenges women face in the Malayalam film industry, including harassment, exploitation, and other forms of mistreatment.
2. Can you explain the purpose of the Hema Committee?
Established following the 2017 assault case involving an actress, the Hema Committee was tasked with investigating sexual harassment and issues related to gender equality within the Malayalam cinema industry.
References
[1] – https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/justice-hema-committee-report-reveals-malayalam-cinema-controlled-by-power-group-that-can-ban-anyone-a-very-famous-actor-called-it-mafia-sangham-9522322/
[2] – https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/80733/malayalam-film-industry-run-by-mafia-gang-who-ban-artists-for-petty-reasons-justice-hema-committee-r
[3] – https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/hema-committee-reveals-17-forms-of-exploitation-in-malayalam-film-industry-in-kerala/articleshow/112643493.cms
[4] – https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/malayalam-cinemas-mafia-bans-those-who-dont-obey-hema-committee
[5] – https://www.ripublication.com/ijhss21/ijhssv11n1_02.pdf
[6] – https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/hema-committee-report-reveals-power-abuse-harassment-manipulation-in-malayalam-cinema
[7] – https://nagalandpage.com/hema-committee-report-reveals-all-male-power-group-systemic-sexual-harassment-against-women-in-mollywood/
[8] – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/adjustments-and-compromises-hema-report-exposes-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-of-women-in-malayalam-film-industry/articleshow/112633530.cms
[9] – https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2024/08/19/casting-couch-exists-in-malayalam-film-industry-reveals-justice-hema-committee-report.html
[10] – https://www.thestatesman.com/india/hema-committee-report-reveals-shocking-details-of-sexual-exploitation-in-malayalam-film-industry-1503333538.html
[11] – https://theprint.in/india/hema-panel-report-lays-bare-plight-of-women-in-mollywood-demands-for-sex-stranglehold-of-power-group/2229595/
[12] – https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/08/20/hema-commission-report-pay-disparities-contracts-take-off-parvathy-thiruvothu.amp.html
