Malayalam Film Industry Rocked by Hema Committee Report; Know All About it

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AUGUST 26,2024

The release of the Hema Committee report, exposing a culture of systemic harassment, abuse, and exploitation against women professionals, has shaken the Malayalam film industry to its core. The 290-page report, commissioned by the Kerala government and headed by retired Justice K. Hema, has led to high-profile resignations and public outcry, highlighting the deep-rooted issues plaguing the industry.

Director Ranjith Resigns Amid Allegations

One of the most prominent figures to step down in the wake of the report is director Ranjith Balakrishnan, the chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy. Ranjith has been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a Bengali actress, who alleged that he misbehaved with her during a film shoot several years ago. While Ranjith has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that he is the "real victim" of a conspiracy, his resignation has sent shockwaves through the industry.

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Actor Siddique Steps Down Following Sexual Abuse Allegations

Another high-profile figure to resign is actor Siddique, who served as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Siddique has been accused of sexual assault by an actress, who claimed that he abused her during a film discussion when she was just 21 years old.

The actress has reiterated her allegations following the release of the Hema Committee report, accusing Siddique of raping her in 2016. While Siddique has not responded to the allegations, his resignation has been met with mixed reactions within the industry.

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What is the Hema Committee Report?

The Hema Committee was formed in the aftermath of an assault case involving an actress in 2017. The committee's mandate was to investigate the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry and suggest measures to improve their safety and dignity. The report, which took five years to complete, paints a disturbing picture of an industry where women are subjected to sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender discrimination.

The report highlights the existence of a "power nexus" within the industry, where a small group of influential men allegedly control the fate of women in the industry. Those who refuse to comply with their demands are systematically ostracised and pushed out of the industry. The report details numerous instances of sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender discrimination faced by women in Malayalam cinema.

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The release of the Hema Committee report has sparked a national conversation about the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry. While the resignations of Ranjith and Siddique are significant steps, much remains to be done to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry.