Highlights
It is worth to note that the Malayalam film industry, which is regarded as one of the most talented industries in India in terms of the quality of the movies it produces, is facing a very severe problem at the moment. The Hema Commission report that was commissioned to look into the various allegations of sexual harassment and other vices in the industry has revealed a rather shocking reality. This has created a lot of controversies in the society hence creating the need for change. This article seeks to discuss the main findings of the report, the aftermath that ensued and the important events that have since unfolded due to the release of the report.
Hema Commission Report: The Bombshell
Justice Hema Commission was set up to look into the cases of sexual harassment, gender discrimination and workplace sexual abuse that women in the Malayalam film fraternity encounter. In the report after conducting series of interviews and research it revealed the high levels of sexual harassment exploitation and discrimination in the industry. It also revealed the strong circles and gangs that reign in the industry and who persecute and harass anyone who tries to stand up for themselves. The report’s findings were quite alarming and this sparked a lot of uproar from the general public and within the industry.
Consequences and Industry Reactions
The shake up occasioned by the Hema Commission report has been immense. Prominent personalities in the industry such as actor Prithviraj Sukumaran have also criticized the industry’s approach towards these matters. Out of all the states, Prithviraj has been critical of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for not doing enough about the revelations in the report. He also stressed on the importance of conducting an investigation and for those involved to suffer serious consequences. The report has also sparked a leadership crisis at AMMA as many leaders have been forced to resign and there have been demands for structural changes in the organization.
Ongoing Events And The Call for Reform
Since the release of the report, there have been strings of resignations and public showdowns in the industry. Some of the leading members of AMMA have resigned citing the fact that a change of direction is needed. On the other hand, debates continue as to how to go about the implementation of the recommendations of the Hema Commission. It is widely believed that the industry needs to act more proactively to enhance the safety of women’s workplace and change the culture of sexual harassment. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has been very vocal in the fight for change and demanding for more women in decision making positions in the media industry.
The Malayalam film industry is in a crucial juncture now and the Hema Commission report has been the trigger for the change. It is therefore up to the industry how it will respond to the report and the future processes of enacting change. That is why it is high time for the industry to acknowledge the problems that are rooted in it and to start the process of regaining the trust of its customers.
