Neither the 2017 attack case nor the fate of the Hema committee report inspired confidence
Malayalam films are going from place to place with fresh new narratives and experiential filmmaking. But it defies the rot that has plagued the industry, a glimpse of which emerged in 2017 when a popular female actor stood up bravely against those who kidnapped and sexually assaulted her in Kochi.
The investigation team soon reached for actor Dileep, who was Case registered for conspiracy to commit sexual harassment, The in-camera case has taken several turns since the victim’s unsuccessful demand for a change of judge and the resignation of two special prosecutors affected the trial proceedings. A new case has also been initiated against Mr. Dileep in the wake of allegations made by a former acquaintance of his threatening to harm the police officers probing the sexual harassment case.
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Back in 2017, solidarity with Survivor was evident in the misrepresentations of members of the Malayalam film fraternity and the collusive silence of industry bigwigs. Standing by Survivor, a group of women working in Malayalam films come together A ‘Women in a Cinema Collective’ (WCC) with a vision of “Equal Space and Equal Opportunities for Women in Cinema” and sought Chief Minister’s intervention to tackle the issues of gender bias and workplace harassment in the industry. The move was widely welcomed when the government asked former High Court judge K. Hema constituted a three-member committee headed by veteran actor Sharda and former civil servant KB Valsala Kumari to study gender issues in the industry. Committee submitted its report at the end of 2019, this is done kept secret since then.
Two years later, the government’s reckless disregard for the issues raised in it has angered many women. Culture department officials are reportedly looking into the committee’s findings and recommendations, but what will happen is anyone’s guess. The government has been largely circumspect in its responses.
Meanwhile, the plea to keep the report confidential has angered many, who mustered the courage to appear before the committee to narrate their horrific experiences. Actor Parvathi Thiruvothu leaves no stone unturned to invoke apathy and systemic oppression in the face of an endless wait for justice. He told a news channel that if the report is released many skeletons like the existence of sex racket-assistants in the industry will fall. If an actor of his standing fears for his life, the magnitude of the danger is conceivable.
Amazingly, disparity in compensation, an unsafe working environment, demands for sexual favors in return for work and refusal of work if not met were some of the issues women in the industry hoped for through an institutional mechanism. tribunals like other industries, perhaps after a HEMA committee report.
But speaking up has had consequences, as many of them realized when they faced a loss of livelihood. This is one reason why many others have chosen to favor the eloquently silent and superstar-run cine association that acts like a group of domineering men.
Neither the attack case nor the fate of the Hema Committee report inspires confidence among those who want gender justice and equality in the film industry. But the fight will continue, as the attack survivor who, a few days ago, broke her five-year silence to thank those who stood by her during the time of trial, and WCC members have pointed out.
anandan.s@thehindu.co.in