In 2017, a high-profile case of sexual assault sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. A prominent actor accused five men of sexually assaulting her, with actor Dileep allegedly orchestrating the attack. This incident wasn't an anomaly but a stark revelation of the systemic sexual abuse that female actors had long endured within the industry. The public outcry was intense, and the Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was compelled to act, leading to the formation of the Hema Committee to investigate these allegations. However, the state’s subsequent inaction and its delay in releasing the committee's report for nearly five years have sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of being as culpable as the perpetrators by effectively denying justice to the victims.
The Hema Committee, named after its head, retired Kerala High Court judge K Hema, was established in response to the increasing demands for a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, which also included renowned actor Sarada and seasoned bureaucrat KB Valsala Kumari, embarked on a comprehensive probe, interviewing hundreds of individuals connected to the industry. The findings were shocking, revealing a deeply entrenched culture of exploitation, where women were routinely harassed, coerced into sexual relationships, and silenced if they attempted to speak out. Despite the gravity of these revelations, the report was submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019, only to be shelved for almost five years, leading to serious questions about the government's intentions.
When the Hema Committee report was finally made public on August 19, 2024, it painted a disturbing picture of the Malayalam film industry. The report detailed how women in cinema often felt compelled to take their parents along to shoots, fearing sexual advances from their colleagues. It also described how doors of female actors’ homes were frequently knocked on in the middle of the night by men from the industry, with such intensity that it seemed they would be forced open. The committee’s findings highlighted the pervasive nature of this exploitation, noting that many male actors and directors openly demanded sexual favors as if it were their right. The report also underscored the difficulties women faced in filing complaints, as those involved in the exploitation often belonged to a "powerful lobby" that could ruin careers with a single word.
The delay in releasing the report has been met with widespread condemnation. The Kerala government, which had initially appeared responsive by setting up the committee, now stands accused of complicity due to its inaction. Critics argue that by withholding the report for nearly five years, the government effectively protected the powerful figures implicated in the exploitation, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked. The opposition, led by Congress’s V D Satheesan, has been vocal in its criticism, accusing the government of attempting to shield the "mafia" within the industry. BJP state president K Surendran has also condemned the government's actions, stating that the suppression of the report was a betrayal of Kerala’s women and a stark indication of where the state’s loyalties lie.
The original assault in 2017, where a well-known actor was abducted and assaulted in a moving car, was a catalyst for the formation of the Hema Committee. The subsequent arrest of Dileep, a major figure in the Malayalam film industry, only added to the gravity of the situation. Dileep’s influence extended far beyond his acting career; he was also a prominent member of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a powerful organization with significant sway in the industry. His alleged involvement in the assault brought to light the deep-seated issues within AMMA and the broader industry, where power dynamics often allowed such heinous acts to go unpunished. Despite his arrest, Dileep’s associates within AMMA attempted to reinstate him, further illustrating the protective mechanisms in place for those with influence.
The delay in releasing the Hema Committee report has not only delayed justice but has also perpetuated the culture of silence and fear within the industry. Many believe that had the report been released sooner, it could have led to significant reforms and protections for women in cinema. Instead, the delay has allowed the cycle of abuse to continue, with many women likely suffering in silence over the past five years. The contents of the 295-page report, of which 65 pages have been redacted, are a scathing indictment of both the industry and the state government’s failure to act. The report’s release has reignited the debate over the rights and safety of women in the entertainment industry, with more actors coming forward to share their experiences of abuse.
The Kerala government, in response to the growing outcry, has announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the systemic exploitation within the Malayalam film industry. However, given the government’s track record of inaction, this announcement has been met with skepticism. Critics fear that the formation of the SIT is merely a cosmetic measure, designed to placate public anger rather than bring about real change. The question now is whether the government will take meaningful action to address the issues highlighted in the Hema Committee report or whether it will continue to protect the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.
The broader implications of this case extend beyond the Malayalam film industry. It raises serious concerns about how systemic abuses are addressed—or ignored—by those in positions of power. The situation in Kerala serves as a grim reminder of the importance of timely justice and the devastating consequences of governmental inaction in the face of widespread abuse. The delay in releasing the Hema Committee report has not only denied justice to the victims but has also sent a dangerous message to perpetrators: that they can act with impunity, protected by their connections and the inaction of the state.
As the Malayalam film industry grapples with the fallout from the Hema Committee report, the broader issue of how to protect women in the workplace remains a critical concern. The revelations in the report have sparked a renewed conversation about the need for systemic change, not just in the entertainment industry but across all sectors where power imbalances can lead to exploitation. The Kerala government now faces a critical test: will it take decisive action to protect women and ensure that justice is served, or will it continue to prioritize the interests of the powerful over the rights of the vulnerable? The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications, not just for the women of Kerala but for all those who seek justice in the face of systemic abuse.
Â
