Prolonged Silence & Path Forward: Experts Examine Hema Committee Report

If you’ve been following the escalating revelations from the Malayalam film industry and feel like the focus is more on shocking headlines than real progress, you're in the right place. To truly grasp the profound implications of the Hema Committee Report that has shaken the industry to its core, SheThePeople sought the insights of seasoned journalists and writers who have long navigated these complex cinematic worlds. Their deep expertise and experience provide a critical lens through which to understand the depth of this unfolding drama.

Experts Examine Hema Committee Report

With each new revelation, claim and statement emerging daily, the lingering question is: Why was there a prolonged silence if rampant sexism and sexual assault were well-known within the industry?

Subha J. Rao, a freelance journalist from Mangalore who covers Tamil and Kannada cinema, explains, “This sexism and harassment are not unique to the Malayalam film industry, and neither is a sudden outburst. It has come out in the open here because a committee was constituted, and its findings have been published. It is the anger and frustration of many, many years.” Rao underscores that the current wave of revelations is part of a broader pattern of discontent that has finally found a formal outlet.

“We don’t know who all knew within the Malayalam film industry as to what was going on, but the 2017 kidnapping and sexual assault of an actress in Kerala was a shocker and triggered women in the Malayalam film industry into action,” adds Lata Srinivasan, a Chennai-based journalist with extensive experience in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, discussing the origins of this formal outlet. 

Srinivasan added that Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) played a pivotal role in focussing attention on sexual harassment. However, she highlights the bureaucratic delay, stating, “Though the report was ready in 2019, the Kerala government took 5 years to release it because a lot of prominent industry names were mentioned by the women the Committee spoke to.”  

The 296-page study, finally released on August 19, included anonymous testimonies from at least 80 women, ranging from well-known actresses to junior artists. Since then, the industry has seen a flurry of activity, disapproval of legal actions, new allegations, and resignations from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists. Amid this storm of information, how do journalists truly gauge the real impact of the Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry?

The Hema Commission report has had a notable impact on the Malayalam film industry, though opinions on its effectiveness vary. Rao points out one of the key impacts: the backlash against women who are speaking out. She stresses, "The goal isn't to name and shame but to cleanse the system and establish rules that ensure a safe workspace for everyone."

Lata Srinivasan believes that the report marks a "welcome move" and could lead to a shift in the industry’s power dynamics. She notes,  “As we know, most film industries here are male-dominated and there are very few women in positions of power or authority within the industry. The present AMMA committee members have resigned and hopefully, the new committee will see an equal number of men and women and a resource in place, like the POSH committee, for women in the film industry."

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo, a Hyderabad-based journalist with deep insights into the Telugu film industry feels that it is "too early to say if the report has had its intended effect." She emphasises the ongoing nature of the situation, noting that "we are all tracking the news, reading and observing as events unfold."

When discussing the viability of the Hema Committee report, journalists have voiced concerns about the industry's power dynamics, the investigation process, and the judiciary. 

Rao criticised the industry's reaction, saying, "Laugh Worthy, but for a few vocal voices. Some say they cannot be questioned in public spaces about this; some insist they don’t know about any Hema Committee; some make it about themselves. The few sane responses are not enough to make up for the damning silence from the majority."

Srinivasan elaborated on these issues, noting, "Someone said that the women could file false complaints, and one actor stated that the actress who filed a complaint against him actually tried to blackmail him. The question is, why would women talk to the media and reveal their identities when they know the repercussions?”

“It’s unfortunate that instead of saying let’s get together and find a resolution, most of the men in the industry are trying to escape from that responsibility. They are just keeping mum rather than speaking up."

Srinivasan also expressed concerns about the investigation process, stating, "The Kerala government has stated that it will take no action, but victims can register a complaint with the Special Investigation Team and they will investigate. Now, how long will these investigations take? In India, we know that cases and investigations can drag on for years with no resolution in sight. Ultimately, the women who have filed complaints will lose work and even their careers over this. I think this is the beginning of a long fight."

She questioned the influence of powerful groups within the industry, saying, "When you are on a committee that represents the film industry, you can be called and questioned. Since some members of AMMA were also named by some victims, the other members probably did not want to take sides and thought it best not to take any responsibility or get involved in this issue. Obviously, every film industry has numerous powerful groups, and I think it becomes a question of everyone—especially the men—having each other's back."

While acknowledging the positive aspect of voices being raised, journalist Bindu K Prasad remained sceptical, remarking, "Honestly, I'm not very hopeful about the Hema Committee report. A seven-year-old case of abuse by a film actor remains unresolved. I'd be happy if those responsible were punished."

However, Dundoo remains optimistic, noting that the publication of the Hema Commission Report and the subsequent outpouring of women's grievances could pave the way for lasting changes. The issue has gained widespread attention, which could sustain momentum for reform. She expressed hope for significant improvements, saying, "I believe that the report's revelations have deeply unsettled those who have abused their power, not just in terms of sexual exploitation but also regarding unfair wages and poor working conditions for female junior actors."

Lastly, Subha J Rao emphasised the essential goal: "The eventual hope is that the film industry will not just remain a place where great art is created, but a place where this art is created in a space where everyone feels safe and valued." Meanwhile, Prasad underscores that beyond rules and regulations, personal self-awareness and confidence are crucial for women. 

Prasad shared her perspective, saying, "I think the best solution is for women to be aware and take care of themselves. Of course, rules and regulations are necessary and helpful to a great extent. They give women confidence and make men more cautious. However, I believe women's common sense and self-awareness also play a crucial role in this context."

Overall, discussions with journalists reveal that the Hema Committee report calls for more thorough attention from the relevant authorities to address these issues comprehensively.