Only young women willing to engage in physical relationships get opportunities in the Malayalam film industry

• Report of the Hema Committee established by the Kerala Government released

• A gang of 15 including directors, producers, and leading actors is active in this

Symbolic photo

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – A case of sexual exploitation of actresses in the Malayalam film industry has come to light. It has been found that a gang of 15 people, including film directors, producers, and leading actors, is involved. This gang decides which actress to cast in films, according to the report submitted by the Justice Hema Committee, which was established by the Kerala Government to investigate the exploitation of women in the film industry.

What does the report say ?

1. ‘Only young women willing to engage in physical relationships are given roles in films. To survive in the film industry, one must agree to various ideas and compromises,’ revealed an actress.

2. This 233-page report was released under the Right to Information Act, causing a stir in the State. It exposes the existence of a “casting couch” (sexual exploitation of actresses for film opportunities) in the Malayalam film industry. Those who cooperate are included in a group.

3. At night, the doors of actresses’ rooms are repeatedly knocked on. If they do not open the door, the knocking becomes more aggressive. In some instances, it is so forceful that the door breaks, as reported by the actresses.

4. The Malayalam film industry is filled with criminals and misogynists. The gang of 15 mentioned above has the power to ruin the future of those who speak out against them.

Victimized actresses do not file Police complaints due to fear of serious consequences

Actresses who have been sexually exploited refuse to file complaints with the Police. If someone complains, the repercussions can be severe. The complainants are silenced, and their families are also targeted. (This reflects the state of law and order in the communist-ruled State of Kerala. The Union Government should intervene in this matter to ensure justice for the concerned actresses – Editor).

Enquiry report suppressed for four and a half years

In 2017, a film actress was sexually assaulted by a group led by actor Dileep, leading to a major uproar. Consequently, the Kerala Government established the Hema Committee to investigate sexual exploitation in the film industry and submit a report. Interestingly, this report has been made public four and a half years after it was submitted by the committee. (Why was this report suppressed for so many years ? The Communist Government in Kerala should answer this. The public should put pressure for it. If no action is taken against those involved, what is the point of such enquiry commissions ? The money spent on them will be wasted – Editor).

Editorial Perspectives

• Such a film industry, which does not educate people, instead there is a strong presence of perversion and immorality, must be banned.

• Why are the Women’s Commission and other pro-women organisations silent now ?