Hema Committee Report: 5 Ways It Can Reform Indian Cinema

You wake up, open your phone, and there it is—another prominent figure in Malayalam cinema being called out for inappropriate behaviour, well-known organisations being dismantled (coughs “AMMA”) and news houses vying for attention with click baits and more. The Hema Committee Report has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, shocking and resonating with ardent movie-loving Malayalis, me included. 

What is the Hema Committee Report?

The Hema Committee Report, commissioned by the Malayalam film industry, has recently brought to light a series of troubling revelations regarding misconduct and exploitation within the industry. Named after its chairperson, Hema, the committee was formed in response to growing concerns about gender disparities and unsafe working conditions faced by women in cinema. The report details various instances of harassment, sexual misconduct, and systemic issues that have long been hidden behind the glitz and glamour of the film industry. Its release has sparked a significant upheaval, challenging the status quo and calling for accountability and reform.

It took more than 5 years for the report to be finally out and today it’s a watershed moment for Malayalam cinema and, potentially, the entire Indian film industry. While news portals are busy sensationalising the report, let’s take a pause and check the impact this report will have on show business. 

A call for accountability on film sets

The deeply ingrained sexist nature of the film industry has long been an open secret. The shocking part isn’t just the behaviour itself, but how it was normalised for years. Sexual favours in exchange for roles, opportunities, and advancements became almost a standard practice, with perpetrators moving up the ranks while victims suffered in silence. But the landscape is changing—finally.

Today, even the smallest misbehaviours are being scrutinised. Nothing is being overlooked anymore, whether it’s an uncomfortable question, an inappropriate touch, or a so-called ‘harmless’ comment. The industry is waking up to the realisation that the culture of silence and acceptance that allowed such behaviours to fester is over. Those who once operated with impunity are now being held accountable. The old norms that protected them are being dismantled. This is the beginning of real change—a change where respect is non-negotiable, and everyone knows that misconduct, however small, will have consequences.

Separating the art from the artist

In India, we have an almost sacred relationship with our film stars. We idolise them, sometimes blurring the lines between their on-screen personas and their real-life actions. The Hema Committee’s findings serve as a powerful reminder that we must learn to separate the art from the artist.

Yes, we admire their work, but this admiration should not blind us to their off-screen misdeeds. These individuals must be held accountable for the allegations they face, and if those allegations are proven true, they should not be allowed to escape the consequences. The question that remains is: will we stop watching their films altogether? Perhaps not.

Movies will continue to be made, and they will continue to be watched. However, our collective conscience will be more vigilant. There may be a dip in the industry's reputation as people view it through a more critical lens, but this won’t last long. The moment a truly good, entertaining film is released, audiences will return. The art will endure, but our idolization of those behind it will be more measured and thoughtful.

Inspiring change across Industries

The Hema Committee Report isn’t just a wake-up call for Malayalam cinema; it has implications for the entire Indian film industry. The report has exposed how talented and aspiring individuals are exploited in the quest to make a name for themselves. Inspired by the revelations, celebrities across other film industries are demanding similar committees be formed to address the gender gap and safety concerns within their domains.

Tamil actor Vishal has called for a committee to be established in Tamil cinema, while similar requests have arisen in West Bengal. The Telugu film industry, too, has demanded the release of their 2022 report on sexual misconduct. While these are just expressions of interest at the moment, the call for action is clear. The industry is at a crossroads, and the potential for widespread reform is on the horizon.

A new era of female representation in cinema

With the release of the Hema Committee Report, we can anticipate a significant cultural shift in how women are represented in films. Unsafe working environments have long discouraged women from entering the industry, let alone telling stories where women have agency. Now that the report has shaken the space, we can hope for improved working conditions that allow women to focus on their craft.

This, in turn, will likely lead to more narratives where women are portrayed as equal individuals, with stories that reflect their experiences and perspectives. As these changes take root, we may witness a transformation in the industry where women become equal competitors to their male counterparts, not just on-screen but behind the scenes as well.

Fostering the right conversations on Gender Disparities

The Hema Committee Report has already sparked crucial conversations about gender disparities in the film industry. People are discussing these issues more openly than ever before, paving the way for a deeper understanding of what needs to change. This dialogue is essential for progress.

However, the road is not without its challenges. Responses to the report have varied widely, from ignorance to outright hypocrisy. Jomol’s dismissive comments were rightfully criticised, as was the silence of the Big Ms.

A male survivor’s recent expose revealed troubling allegations involving actor Revathi and Ranjith, further complicating the narrative. The expose alleges that Ranjith took explicit photos of the survivor and shared them with Revathi, who, shockingly, responded favourably. This incident has called into question the integrity of even those who were once seen as champions of change.

The Hema Committee Report has forced the Malayalam film industry to confront its darkest secrets, and its impact is already being felt. It’s a moment of reckoning that could lead to lasting change. As the industry grapples with the fallout, it’s clear that the old ways are no longer acceptable. This is a time for accountability, for separating art from the artist, and for ensuring that the film industry is a safe and respectful space for everyone.

Anjali Pillai is a movie and pop-culture enthusiast who writes on Indian cinema, from indie films to mainstream hits. You can find her writings here. Views expressed by the author are their own.