August 26, 2024: The harrowing extent of systemic sexual exploitation within the Malayalam film industry submitted by the Hema Committee report, released on August 19, 2024, is creating a huge furor . The report’s opening line, “Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar,” sets the tone for the disturbing findings that follow. The report, submitted in December 2019, has remained dormant under the Kerala government’s watch, raising serious concerns about the state’s commitment to justice.
Despite the damning evidence, the Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has been accused of inaction. The five-year delay in releasing the report has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and activists alike. V D Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, condemned the government’s inaction, accusing it of protecting the industry “mafia.” BJP state president K Surendran echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of deliberately covering up the names of the perpetrators.
The Hema Committee, formed in the wake of a high-profile sexual assault in February 2017, was tasked with investigating the pervasive sexual abuse faced by female actors in the industry. The Committee, led by retired Kerala High Court judge K Hema, included actor Sarada and bureaucrat KB Valsala Kumari. Over two years, the Committee interviewed hundreds of industry insiders, uncovering a culture of unchecked exploitation and harassment.
Hema Committee Report Findings Highlight Existence of Powerful Lobby in Kerala Film Industry
The report reveals that sexual demands are often made as a condition for securing roles in films, with female actors frequently forced into compromising situations. The accounts are grim, with women recalling instances of men banging on their doors in the middle of the night, demanding sexual favors. The findings highlight the existence of a “powerful lobby” within the industry, which silences victims and perpetuates abuse.
The government’s announcement of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the issue, coming only after the report’s release, has done little to quell public outrage. Critics argue that the delay in addressing these serious allegations has allowed the perpetrators to evade justice, further victimizing the women who bravely spoke out.
The Hema Committee report’s publication has reignited the conversation around sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, with more actors coming forward with their stories. However, the question remains: will the Kerala government finally take decisive action, or will justice continue to be delayed—and denied?