What's Shaking Up Kerala's Film Industry?
Allegations, resignations, and police complaints have dominated headlines, drastically upsetting the active Malayalam cinema scene in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The publication of a historic study has set off a frenzy of claims and measures changing the sector.
What Did the Groundbreaking Report Unveil?
The upheaval started when the Hema Committee—a three-member body established by the Kerala government in 2017—released a 290-page report. Under the direction of a retired Kerala High Court judge, the team looked into the many problems women in Malayalam films encountered. With sections deleted to preserve the identity of both survivors and the guilty, the study underlined severe issues, including poor working conditions and extensive sexual harassment.
How Have Accusations and Public Outcry Emerged?
Following the publication of the study, other women have come forward claiming sexual assault and harassment; some of them have left the business as a result. Actor Mala Parvathy underlined the seriousness of the matter by saying, “This is simply the tip of the iceberg. Up until recently, just a tiny number have voiced opinions. More grave problems could surface.
What Are the Reactions and Resignations?
The disclosures in the paper caused a major upheaval in the sector. Following the departure of its president, superstar Mohanlal, the whole governing board of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the biggest cinema group in the state, was split. After being accused alongside other members, Mohanlal resigned on “moral grounds.”
How Is the Government Responding Legally?
Hailed initially for setting up the committee, the Kerala government came under fire for the delayed publication of the report, which was completed in 2019. Still, it has only been made public lately because of legal issues. Although the government said it would not independently follow instances outside those reported to the police, it assembled a special team to investigate the claims as demand grew. The Kerala High Court has insisted on submitting the report, including the 54 deleted pages.
What Are the Accusations Against Prominent Figures?
The paper has spurred several accusations directed against well-known people. Actress Bengali Sreelekha Mitra charged eminent filmmaker Ranjith with sexual harassment. Denying the allegations, Ranjith stepped down from his post as chairman of the esteemed motion picture academy for the state. Mitra has a police report pending.
Minu Muneer has also claimed that during a movie shoot, an actor kissed and held her without permission. She has revealed additional incidents of misbehaviour involving well-known personalities, including actor and legislator Mukesh, who has refuted the accusations and said Muneer was blackmailed. “I welcome any probe into charges made against myself and others in the film business,” Mukesh said.
Two actresses also say that a director knocked on their hotel room doors in the middle of the night. This filmmaker has not yet answered these allegations. One actress has also accused well-known actor Siddique of the 2016 rape of her. Respected as AMMA general secretary until accused, Siddique has refuted the allegation and charged the complainant of trying to “tarnish his reputation.”
How Are Industry Reactions and Future Outlook Being Shaped?
The sector’s reaction to the report has differed. Confident performers and film crew members welcomed the study, but they also demanded more research. One well-known film worker’s federation has insisted on revealing the identities of those charged. On the other hand, some worry that the study would unfairly label every man working in the sector as an abuser.
Founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective, a group created following the 2017 attack, actress Parvathy Thiruvothu offered a nuanced perspective: “I am not okay with people saying, ‘Malayalam industry is so rotten inside.'” We are correcting it since we are good within. She advised sectors not under such scrutiny to be more of a focus of attention.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for the Future of the Industry?
The turbulence in Kerala’s film sector draws attention to a pivotal point for responsibility and change. Ensuring justice and creating a safer environment for women in movies always comes first as the industry works through these disclosures.
