"Worse Than Slaves": Hema Committee Report On Treatment Of Junior Artists
The Kerala government finally released the highly anticipated Hema Committee Report on August 19 redacting some portions, following a brief delay after a plea from actress Ranjini. The report sheds light on the appalling conditions faced by junior artists in the Malayalam film industry, revealing an array of issues including exploitation, mistreatment, and financial hardships. Despite their essential role in film production, these artists are neither recognised nor protected, leaving them vulnerable to various forms of abuse. The report, although only partially released to protect the privacy of individuals, paints a grim picture of the industry’s treatment of its most marginalised workers.
The Plight of Junior Artists
Junior artists, often overlooked yet crucial for crowd scenes, endure severe hardships in the Malayalam film industry. Despite their importance, they are not recognised as official members of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) or FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala), excluding them from any form of industry protection or benefits. These artists, many of whom come from Tamil Nadu and other distant regions, are hired through agents and coordinators who often exploit them.
According to the report, junior artists are subjected to inhumane working conditions, including long hours without basic necessities like food, water, or toilet facilities. Some are forced to work up to 19 hours straight, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., without even the provision of shelter from the scorching sun. On some sets, junior artists are not even given access to drinking water, while others enjoy better treatment. The report cites an instance where artists were made to stand in the sun for extended periods without being provided any food or drink, a stark contrast to the treatment of other crew members who were allowed to use umbrellas and were better cared for.
Exploitation and Abuse
The report reveals that junior artists are often treated “worse than slaves,” subjected to extreme neglect and abuse. On some sets, hundreds of junior artists are brought in, though only a few are selected to work, and only those selected receive food coupons. The rest are forced to stay on set without any provisions, highlighting the industry’s blatant disregard for their well-being.
Financial exploitation is another significant issue. The report indicates that although junior artists are supposed to receive daily wages ranging from Rs. 1800 to Rs. 5000, many are paid as little as Rs. 450 to Rs. 500 after intermediaries take a large cut. This financial manipulation leaves the artists struggling to survive, often having to beg for their rightful earnings. The lack of direct payment into their bank accounts exacerbates this problem, leading to further exploitation.
Moreover, the report highlights the sexual exploitation faced by female junior artists. Some coordinators and managers create WhatsApp groups to facilitate inappropriate relationships between male and female members, leading to cases of sexual harassment and even trafficking. The lack of government regulation in the film industry has left these women with little recourse, making them easy targets for such predatory practices.
Lack of Support and Safety
The report also details the complete lack of support and safety for junior artists on film sets. In one instance, a 70-year-old woman suffered burn injuries from hot oil on set, yet she received no financial assistance for her treatment from the production unit. Similarly, another artist sustained a fracture due to an accident involving an elephant, but the production team did not cover his medical expenses.
The lack of basic amenities like transportation and accommodation further endangers these artists, especially women, who are often left to find their way home late at night after shoots. Some have had to sleep in railway stations due to the lack of transport, risking their safety in the process. Despite working long hours, often until 2 a.m., junior artists are not provided with overtime pay, nor are they given adequate rest periods during shoots.
Call for Reform
The Hema Committee Report concludes with a series of recommendations to address the issues faced by junior artists. It suggests that all financial transactions be documented and audited by the government to prevent misappropriation of funds. It also calls for the registration of junior artists’ associations and the issuance of identity cards to ensure that only legitimate coordinators can send artists to film sets. The report also emphasises the need for a proper grievance redressal mechanism on sets, where junior artists can voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
Additionally, the report recommends that agreements between producers, coordinators, and junior artists be made mandatory, with clear documentation of the wages to be paid. Direct transfer of wages to the artists’ bank accounts is also advised to prevent financial exploitation. The implementation of these measures, along with stricter regulation of the film industry, is essential to protect the rights and dignity of junior artists.
The Hema Committee Report has unveiled the harsh realities faced by junior artists in the Malayalam film industry. The treatment of these artists, who play a vital role in film production, is nothing short of exploitative and dehumanising. The report calls for urgent reforms to address the systemic issues within the industry, ensuring that junior artists receive the recognition, protection, and fair treatment they deserve.
