The recently released Hema Committee report has shed light on the deep-seated issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry. The report, which was commissioned by the Kerala government in 2017 in response to a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), paints a disturbing picture of the working conditions faced by women in the industry. The committee, chaired by Justice K. Hema, a former judge of the Kerala High Court, was tasked with studying the various challenges faced by women in cinema and suggesting potential solutions.

Prevalence of Harassment and Inequity

One of the most shocking revelations of the report is the widespread sexual exploitation and harassment faced by women in the industry. The lack of essential facilities such as clean and secure toilets, changing rooms, safe transportation, and accommodation further exacerbates the situation. The absence of legally binding work contracts and the glaring disparities in remuneration highlight the systemic inequities that women face. Gender-based barriers prevent women from entering key occupations, and those aspiring to be hairstylists, make-up artists, and junior artists face additional challenges.

The Influence of a Powerful Lobby

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the report is the existence of a powerful lobby—described by some as a “mafia”—that controls almost every aspect of filmmaking in Mollywood, as the Malayalam film industry is known locally. This group, reportedly comprising a small number of producers, directors, actors, and production controllers, wields immense power and has created a climate of fear within the industry. Many women who have experienced harassment or abuse are too afraid to speak out, fearing for their lives and the lives of their family members.

Unauthorised Bans and Retaliation

The report also highlights the unauthorised and illegal bans imposed on artists who fall out of favor with this elite group. Even prominent male actors have been blacklisted for inadvertently offending powerful individuals. The fear of losing work opportunities has silenced many within the industry, including members of the WCC, who have faced boycotts due to their activism.

Legal and Policy Recommendations

In response to these findings, the committee has proposed several legal and policy changes. Justice Hema has called for the enactment of a new law, the Kerala Cine Employers & Employees (Regulation) Act, to address the issues identified in the report. She has emphasized the need for written contracts, gender equity in remuneration, and mandatory gender training for all industry workers. K.B. Valsalakumari, another committee member, has outlined the importance of a comprehensive film policy with a focus on gender balance in decision-making bodies.

Wider Implications and the Shift Focus Report

The issues highlighted in the Hema Committee’s report are not unique to the Malayalam film industry. A two-year project by the WCC and Sakhi Women’s Resource Centre in Thiruvananthapuram revealed similar challenges faced by women in the film industries of other South Indian states. The Shift Focus: Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment report, published in 2020, found that the problems of sexual harassment, inequity, and gender-based barriers were pervasive across the southern film industries, with indications that Bollywood faces similar issues.

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Conclusion

The Hema Committee’s report is a groundbreaking document that exposes the rot within the Malayalam film industry and provides a roadmap for addressing the challenges faced by women. The recommendations, if implemented, could bring about much-needed changes not only in Mollywood but across the Indian film industry. The report, together with the Shift Focus report, offers a comprehensive blueprint for improving the working conditions for women in cinema and ensuring their well-being as they continue to contribute to the magic of filmmaking.

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