Hema Committee report exposes dark side of Malayalam film industry: Harassment and mafia control

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recently released Justice Hema Committee report has exposed the dark secrets of the Malayalam film industry, leaving many in shock. According to the report, the industry is dominated by a criminal mafia that preys on vulnerable individuals, including minor children. The report sheds light on the rampant issues of casteism, human trafficking, sexual harassment, and human rights violations. Furthermore, the report accuses prominent industry figures, including actors, directors, producers, and production controllers, of engaging in the sexual exploitation of women.

Meanwhile, the report also notes that not all men in the film industry are misogynistic and that there are many who behave in a very dignified manner.

The Cultural Affairs Department released the report at 2:30 pm yesterday under the Right to Information Act. Kerala Kaumudi Senior Sub-Editor Manoj Vijayaraj and other media personnel received the report. The report was released after the High Court Division Bench dismissed an appeal filed by actress Ranjini against the release of the report.

The report states that the attack on the actress in Kochi was not an isolated incident and that many others had been attacked before, but only this one came to light.

Many revered film personalities are actually two-faced. Most of the culprits are highly influential individuals who control the Malayalam film industry. People are hesitant to file complaints with internal complaint redressal committees as they fear that their complaints will reach the mafia group. Actresses who don't comply with the demands of these wrongdoers are labelled as troublemakers. The majority in the film industry are aligned with the mafia group.

Individuals who faced bad experiences submitted various forms of evidence, including video and audio clips, as well as WhatsApp messages, to the Hema Committee. Alarmingly, even the minimum wage is not being ensured in the film industry.

15 people in mafia, even POCSO

1. A 15-member criminal mafia is ruling Malayalam cinema. This 'power mafia', as it is known, decides who gets to stay in the industry. The report states that those who are not liked by this group are banned from the industry, and this should be taken very seriously.

2. Only those who are part of the 'power group' get luxurious caravan facilities on set. There have been instances of heinous crimes, including POCSO cases. Several instances of sexual harassment have occurred under the influence of intoxicants or drugs. Furthermore, women have reported to the committee that many actors arrive on set after consuming alcohol.

3. 'Cooperate', 'compromise'. These two words are very familiar to women in the film industry. If they want to get opportunities, they have to share their bed with everyone from actors to production controllers. Many have been victims of cruel harassment. Even actresses who are considered very bold have had bad experiences.

4. There's a code for everything in the film industry. Those who compromise are called 'cooperating artists'. Those who resist are branded as 'troublemakers' and are labeled as 'Me Too' cases.