Justice Hema Committee, formed in 2017, has released a detailed report on August 19, 2024, on the horrifying tales of discrimination and sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee comprises retired High Court Justice K. Hema, former actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari.

The committee was officially formed after a petition from the Kerala-based Women in Cinema Collective’s (WCC). The committee studied issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam film industry. WCC also came into existence after a Malayalam actress spoke about being abducted and sexually assaulted in Kochi. The subsequent investigation by Kerala Police focused on Malayalam actor Dileep.

The Hema Committee report also notes that sexual favours have long been perceived as a means of gaining access to the Malayalam film industry. It also suggests the presence of a ‘power group’ with the ability to influence the entire industry and highlights the alleged prevalence of the ‘casting couch’ practice. This isn’t limited to actors, but also affect women who work as makeup artists, dancers, technicians, and support members.

After the release of the Hema Committee report, several actresses have opened up about sexual harassment that they have faced. Many actors and film technicians in the industry have been accused of behaving inappropriately. The industry has also witnessed two high-profile resignations. Director Ranjith resigned as chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy and actor Siddique stepped down as general secretary of AMMA, or the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists.

Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra has accused Ranjith of misbehaving with her during the initial discussions for the movie Paleri Manickym, while junior artist Revathy Sampath has accused Siddique of sexual assault.

Now, the Kerala Film Body has demanded probe into ‘power group’ allegations. Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA)’s  general secretary B. Unnikrishnan sent a letter secretaries of the 21 unions of the federation. He noted that the federation had no prior knowledge of the “power group”. He asked for a thorough investigation of the matter. “As a workplace, we have to travel a lot to ensure gender justice and women’s safety. Deep-rooted patriarchal habits and approaches should be shed. Though a lot has changed since the days the Hema committee functioned, continuous course correction is needed,” a part of the letter reads.

The letter also opens up about women’s hesitation to complain to unions about sexual and work-related issues due to fear of the patriarchy persisting in workplaces for decades. The federation also learnt that the members of WCC have been often denied opportunities. “This is a criticism that the directors’ union, writers union and production executives union should examine in detail. The number of films in which the members of WCC worked from 2018 to 2024 should be taken. If a director or writer has wished to work with a member of WCC and was prevented just because she is a member of the collective is a matter of serious concern and actions should be taken,” the letter further read.