Amid Justice Hema Report, Writer Kanika Dhillon Calls For Change Across Industries

Author, screen writer and producer Kanika Dhillon, speaking at the SheThePeople Women Writers' Fest, highlighted significant industry issues, particularly the remuneration and credit gaps faced by writers, with a focus on the challenges that female writers encounter in receiving their rightful recognition and compensation. 

Writer-Producer Kanika Dhillon Advocates For Writers’ Due Credit In Every Industry

Addressing these issues, Dhillon also praised the release of the Hema Committee report, stating, "The spotlight is on certain very crucial issues around women's safety and making the work environment more conducive for women. That is a great start but how far will it go? No one can tell. But definitely conversations like this, reports like this, and spotlights on issues like this have to continue for change to happen eventually."

The writer remarked, "I've always been very vocal about writers getting the due credit or, you know, writers' remuneration. And the thing is that I make it a point to speak about it on public platforms as well, because, you know, when it is spoken out in the public forum, it kind of also goes into your people's heads. It is kind of acknowledged to a certain extent."

Dhillon acknowledged the progress being made, highlighting the role of organisations like the Screenwriters Association in setting up guidelines for new writers. "So I feel like we still have a good space already that we're in. SWA is doing some stellar work. They are setting up certain guidelines to help out new writers. And there is a lot more awareness. And I think we're headed in the right direction."

7 Other Shocking Allegations Emerge

1. Dubbing Artist Criticises Hema Committee Report For Overlooking Broader Issues 

Earlier, dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi on September 3 raised concerns over the recent Hema Committee report, accusing it of neglecting a significant portion of women working in the film industry. Bhagyalakshmi, who also leads the women's wing of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), criticised the report for focussing solely on sexual abuse complaints and ignoring other critical issues faced by women in the industry.

She said, "We have lost faith as the media is now focusing only on the sexual harassment angle in the report. Sexual abuse is not the only problem women face in the film industry. Issues such as access to bathroom facilities and adequate food were overlooked."

She also claimed that the commission only considered statements from a select group of women, primarily actors and prominent figures, and failed to include a wider range of voices. She noted that only four women from their union were consulted by Justice Hema, which she believed was insufficient for capturing the full spectrum of issues.

2. Radhika Sarathkumar Exposes Use of Hidden Cameras in Actresses’ Caravans

Actor Radikaa Sarathkumar on August 31 shed light on troubling issues faced by women in the film industry, revealing that the challenges extend beyond Malayalam cinema to Tamil and Telugu industries as well. 

In a recent statement, Radikaa recounted her unsettling experiences, saying, "The ordeals of women actors aren’t restricted only to Malayalam cinema, which has been in the spotlight in recent days after revelations in the Hema Committee Report, but also in the Tamil and Telugu industries." She described how she had witnessed men secretly recording actresses using hidden cameras in their vanity vans. "I have seen this. I have seen videos of women changing clothes in caravans," she revealed.

Radikaa mentioned that she had seen these illicit videos being watched by men at a shooting set. However, she chose not to disclose specific details, including the names of the film or the actors involved. Despite this, she was clear about her response: "I reacted strongly and warned the person in charge of the caravans of severe action if hidden cameras were found inside vehicles again."

3. Minu Muneer Alleges Abuse by Industry Figures

Actor Minu Muneer publicly accused several prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry of physical and verbal abuse. Among those named were Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA and actor M. Mukesh, actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju, actor and former AMMA general secretary Edavela Babu, and actor Jayasurya, as well as a production controller. 

Maniyanpilla Raju has denied the allegations, while the others have not yet responded. Protests by the Mahila Congress and Yuva Morcha were held at Mukesh’s residence in Kollam in response to the accusations.

4. Anonymous Writers and Actresses Accuse Prominent Filmmakers

A young female writer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has accused a well-known filmmaker of making inappropriate advances towards her in 2022 during a meeting at a hotel in Kollam. 

Additionally, actresses Geetha Vijayan and Sridevika have accused filmmaker Thulasidas of harassment. Geetha Vijayan alleges that Thulasidas knocked on her door late at night during a 2007 film shoot, a claim Thulasidas has denied. Sridevika has stated her willingness to provide a statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and has urged AMMA leadership to address these issues.

5. Junior Artist Accuse Actor-Producer Baburaj 

Malayalam actor-producer Baburaj has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of sexual assault by a junior artist. The woman claims the incident took place at Baburaj's residence in Aluva, where she had been invited under the pretence of discussing a film role. However, upon arrival, she discovered that only Baburaj and his assistant were present, despite being told that a director, scriptwriter, and production controller would also be there.

In her account, the actor describes the distressing encounter, alleging that Baburaj later entered the room where she was resting, used abusive language, and sexually assaulted her. "When I arrived at his home, only Baburaj and his assistant were there. He offered me a room to rest, but after a while, he knocked on the door. When I opened it, he came in, closed the door, used offensive language, and attacked me, sexually abusing me. I didn't report it at the time because he's a well-known actor, and I didn't have any support," the woman recounted.

6. Two Actors Accuse Filmmaker Sajin Baabu 

Two women in Malayalam cinema have accused filmmaker Sajin Baabu, known for his film Biriyaani, of sexual abuse during their early days in the industry. The women came forward after being triggered by a Facebook post where Sajin praised the Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic harassment in the Malayalam film industry.

One of the women, referred to as Alli, recounted an incident where Sajin entered her room under the pretext of discussing work, touched her inappropriately, and apologised only after she resisted. The second woman, Kavitha, revealed a more traumatic experience involving a rape attempt and further abuse by Sajin while she was working on translating one of his scripts.

Sajin has admitted to "mistakes" and apologised to both women. He claimed that his behaviour stemmed from patriarchal conditioning and has since sought medical help to improve himself. However, both women believe his apologies are insincere, seeing them as part of his efforts to maintain a progressive image rather than genuine remorse

7. Parvathy Thiruvothu and Chinmayi Sripaada On Hema Commission Report

In an interview with NDTV, Parvathy Thiruvothu who recently won Best Actress for her film Ullozhukku at the International Film Festival of Melbourne shared her views on the much-discussed Justice Hema Commission report, and addressed the sensationalism surrounding the report.

Calling the release of the report "a beginning," Parvathy emphasised the importance of continuing to speak out on these issues. She acknowledged that while the findings are difficult to read, they are crucial in bringing seriousness to the matter. She also clarified that the report is not an "expose" on the Malayalam film industry, asserting that "the industry is good from the inside" and that the real concerns lie in "the places where you don't hear anything about; that's where we should be worried about

Renowned singer Chinmayi Sripaada, a prominent figure in India's MeToo movement, has also voiced her hopes that the revelations from the Hema Committee Report about Kerala's film industry will encourage more women survivors of sexual violence to come forward and report their experiences. In an interview with NDTV, when asked why many women do not come forward to file police complaints, Chinmayi explained, "Most of it is circumstantial evidence. Even bruises heal within a few days."

She emphasised the need for a "swift and sensitive legal system" from the outset, noting that incidents of molestation can occur in an instant, making it unrealistic for women to constantly carry evidence such as body cameras.

The Kerala government released the Hema Committee report on August 19, revealing numerous instances of sexual harassment against female actors in the Malayalam film industry. The report highlights the pervasive and ongoing abuse, with many women reporting that they faced unwanted advances before even starting their work.

What Is The Justice Hema Committee Report?

The Justice Hema Committee Report is a detailed investigation into the issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report was compiled by a three-member panel led by High Court judge Justice Hema, veteran actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari and it sheds light on the alarming levels of sexual harassment that female professionals in the industry endure. 

The report was released to the public under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, five years after its submission to the Kerala government in 2019.

Why Was the Report Commissioned?

The committee was established by the Kerala government in response to growing concerns about the treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry. These concerns were brought to the forefront after the high-profile 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep. 

The report aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by women in the industry, particularly focusing on issues of sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender inequality.

Hema Commission Report Unveils Disturbing Harassment in Malayalam Films

The findings of the Justice Hema Committee are shocking and deeply troubling. The Hema committee's findings highlight the deplorable working conditions on film sets, particularly for junior artists. The report reveals a severe lack of basic facilities, including toilets and changing rooms, leading to significant physical discomfort for women. 

It details instances where women, due to the absence of proper sanitation, are forced to relieve themselves in bushes or behind trees. The situation is especially dire during menstruation, with some women unable to change sanitary napkins or access restrooms for extended periods. This has resulted in serious health issues, with some cases requiring hospitalisation.

In addition to these issues, the report also points out the poor pay, lack of food and water, and the absence of accommodation and transport facilities for junior artists. The findings shed light on the urgent need for reform in the industry to ensure the safety and dignity of its workers.

The report also reveals that sexual harassment is widespread in the Malayalam film industry, with many women being subjected to unwanted advances even before they begin their work. According to the report, female actors who are willing to compromise are assigned code names, while those who refuse to do so are forced out of the industry.

The report also quoted an expert panel saying, "It has come out in evidence that certain men in cinema, who are well-known and well-reputed for their ability as artist, director or whoever he be in the film industry have shocked certain women in cinema by sexual harassment and physical advances made by them towards them.”

The report also highlights that sexual harassment is the most significant problem women face in the industry, and many are reluctant to report these incidents due to fear of retaliation.

Why Do Affected Women Stay Silent?

The report emphasises that women at all levels of the film industry are affected by these issues. From aspiring actresses to established professionals, the fear of sexual harassment and exploitation is a constant threat. 

One of the most concerning aspects of the report is the culture of silence that surrounds these issues. Many women are afraid to speak out due to the potential consequences, including threats to their safety and that of their family members. 

The report mentions that an artist revealed that if they take the issue to court or the police, they could face even graver consequences, including threats to their lives. The threats wouldn’t just target the survivor but could also extend to their close family members. The artist also noted that the day after filing a complaint, the victims would likely be subjected to intense cyber attacks on social media.

Kerala-based Sreelekha Menon, an HR professional and one of the Malayalam film industry's avid followers, expressed to us how addressing this issue is important in more ways than one, "This issue has come to limelight at a time when the whole country is talking about injustice to women and with the Hema committee report it seems like even the creme-de-la-creme of the society - the film stars of the so-called " progressive Kerala" are also not exempt from the harassment and correlating all these cases makes this a PAN Indian issue."

What Is the Role of the Industry’s Power Nexus?

The report alleges that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by a "criminal gang" with a strong "power nexus" consisting of a few influential producers, directors, actors, and production controllers. This group is said to manipulate the industry, protecting perpetrators and silencing victims. 

The committee's findings suggest that this nexus is responsible for creating an environment where sexual harassment and exploitation are not only tolerated but also enabled.