Hema Committee: Will Malayalam industry emerge from the shadows of harassment, inequality
For over five years, the Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry remained a closely guarded secret. When it was finally released, the findings sparked intense debate and exposed troubling truths about the industry.
For over five years, the Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry remained a closely guarded secret. When it was finally released, the findings sparked intense debate and exposed troubling truths about the industry.
For over five years, the Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry remained a closely guarded secret. When it was finally released, the findings sparked intense debate and exposed troubling truths about the industry.
The year 2024 brought significant upheaval to Kerala's social, political, and environmental landscapes. This is the fourth part of Onmanorama’s yearender series, “The Year of Upheaval,” which examines important events that affected Kerala this year and the lessons it holds for the state's future.
Read Part 1: A budding CA & a senior bureaucrat, why their tragic deaths left Kerala in shock.
Part 2: When the earth gave way: The Wayanad landslide and grim warnings for Kerala.
Part 3: P V Anvar made quite a fuss, was it all for nothing?
Back to back grossers driven by compelling stories made Malayalam film industry a marvel in 2024. However, ugly tales that emerged out of a report, even in its redacted form, took the sheen off Malayalam cinema towards the end of what was a glorious year for the industry. The Hema committee report unspooled outrageous instances of abuse within the industry. It wasn't just about sexual abuse; the report unravelled as many as 17 grave issues related to horrible working conditions in the industry
It spoke of a thriving power group which dictated terms in the Malayalam film industry. A bevy of allegations of sexual abuse followed, and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered over 30 cases based on different complaints. The shocking nature of sexual abuse allegations has obliterated other major issues which required immediate attention.
The production houses have started constituting internal complaints committees (ICC) in units following a series of meetings convened by the Women's Commission. However, some sections bear the backlash. The makeup artists who cooperated with the committee revealed to Onmanorama that they were denied union membership for speaking out. Women technicians are losing out on work, and associations are turning a blind eye.
SIT struggles to make headway
Right from the onset, the state government prioritised the confidentiality of statements and professionals who spoke to the Hema committee. This meant that the report never saw light until the HC intervened and directed the government to release the report. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was subsequently formed to examine sexual assault cases linked to the report, but progress has been slow. The team has told the court about the lack of cooperation. Delay has proved costly in gathering evidence and witness statements.
During a recent bail plea hearing in a sexual assault case against actor Siddique, the Supreme Court questioned the delay in filing the complaint. False accusations have cast doubt on genuine cases, complicating the path to justice. Some actors have also approached the Supreme Court demanding that the directions issued to the SIT to treat their statements to the Hema committee as information shall be cancelled. According to the actors, they never wanted to pursue legal course and co-operated with the committee because they were assured that it was for an academic purpose.
AMMA’s role
The Hema Committee’s findings have shaken the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), exposing its failure to address systemic issues in the industry. AMMA office bearers had earlier steadfastly refused to comply with the formation of grievance redressal committees, saying that it does not come under employer-employee status and definition of a workplace. Even when it had formed disciplinary committees, the outcome of decisions seldom inspired hope.
Recommendations
The report recommends establishing ICCs at every film site and accommodation. However, the practical implementation of such measures remains uncertain. The lack of legal authorities to enforce these recommendations further undermines their effectiveness. Even the Hema committee notes in the report that formation of an ICC is not a solution as it could add to the torture faced by the survivor and she could face cyber attack and could be further traumatised. This points to a lack of transparency and fairness in the functioning of such committees.
A comprehensive law mandating safe and equitable working conditions could be a step forward. Kerala State Women's Commission has proposed enactment of Kerala Entertainment Industry Equality and Empowerment Act in response to the suggestion from the High Court. However, real change hinges on filmmakers themselves. Beyond addressing sexual abuse, the entrenched culture of 'adjustments' and 'compromises' must be dismantled for the industry to become truly fair and inclusive.
Read Part 1: A budding CA & a senior bureaucrat, why their tragic deaths left Kerala in shock.
Part 2: When the earth gave way: The Wayanad landslide and grim warnings for Kerala.
Part 3: P V Anvar made quite a fuss, was it all for nothing?