Hema Committee Report: Why None From Industry Approaching Police

The long-awaited Justice Hema Committee report revealed shocking information about the Malayalam film industry. The report was highlighted by the widespread casting coach, sexual exploitation and abuses prevalent within the industry. The report disclosed that the women artists, especially the newcomers had to “compromise or make adjustments” to secure and maintain their future roles in the field. It also revealed the culture of fear and intimidation within the industry kept potential resistance away, giving no space to complain or seek help.

Notably, as the committee made the report public, many questioned that why cannot those who were subjected to exploitation complain to the authorities or police. Netizens while reacting to the report, ask why cannot the victim or the one who knew the abuses approach the police and raise their voice against the atrocity when they encounter them.

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The report attributed the silence of the victims to the culture of fear. The powerful few who control the industry would turn against them, which would imperil their future, career and opportunities. report also mentions the men who knew such incidents in the industry are also silent due to the fear of exclusion and unauthorised banning. It said that many of the committee called for testimonies were reluctant to speak and skipped the communication attempts. Some junior artists submitted that they were scared if the information they provided before the committee gest leaked, they would not get further work.

The report noted that some men including prominent artists also suffered issues. If they speak up against the powerful, they too will invite their wrath and will have to face the consequences. “Therefore, men generally were hesitant and scared to speak against the industry, fearing that any leaking of the information given by them will adversely affect their future chances in cinema,” the report noted, adding that still, it is encouraging that certain men spoke impartially, and they even said the formation of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was for the good so that industry will improve.

Read Also: ‘Adjustments’ ‘Compromises’: Hema Committee Report On ‘Casting Couch’