'Power group still active, nothing changed'; WCC responds to director Ranjith's arrest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) responded to director Ranjith’s arrest and the sexual harassment complaint by a young actress. The note shared on the WCC's Facebook page said that this complaint is a painful realisation that the situation in the film industry has not changed.

Earlier, there were criticisms over the silence followed by WCC in the incident.

WCC:

Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala. This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground.

Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from?

From a system that simply does not function.

According to reports, why was the Internal Committee (IC) never approached? More importantly, did the IC ever reach out to the actress when a serious incident took place on set?

We now hear that the IC members were "unaware" of a grave assault that happened right under their watch. This exposes how power structures in the industry have effectively muted the IC.

The WCC (Women in Cinema Collective) fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every film set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning?

Is it lack of will? Lack of awareness? Or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist only on paper.

The WCC (Women in Cinema Collective) fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every film set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning?

Is it lack of will? Lack of awareness? Or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist only on paper.

A significant section of the industry continues to treat the IC as an unwanted burden. In this incident, we have witnessed the IC reduced to yet another tool in the hands of the powerful. If the POSH Act is not implemented in its true spirit, injustice will continue unchecked, perpetrators will keep believing they are untouchable, and film sets will remain unsafe for women.

In this climate, we acknowledge and salute the courage of the young actress who approached the police directly, without waiting for anyone else. At this moment, it is also crucial to re-examine why the film policy rejected the Redressal Tribunal proposed by the Hema Committee.

Survivors deserve belief, support, and systems that work. Speaking out is never easy, but every voice raised against harassment takes us a step closer to real change.

The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement ICs. Follow POSH. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable, and dignified for all.

WCC remains committed to structural reform, survivor support, and a future where dignity is non-negotiable.

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