Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala Criticizes Kerala Government Over Hema Committee Report on Malayalam Film Industry

Kottayam (Kerala) [India], August 24: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala for its inaction on the Hema Committee report. The report revealed rampant sexual exploitation, illegal bans, and inhuman working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.

“After the publication of the Hema Committee report, the film industry in Kerala is under a cloud. I don’t think that everyone working in the film field is guilty, but from the inaction by the Kerala government for 4 years, it is very clear that they want to hide something and protect some people involved in it,” Chennithala said.

The report was submitted to the government in December 2019 but made public only this week. Chennithala demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team to investigate the issues raised in the report.

“My request to the state government is to go ahead with an inquiry. After the revelation of this report, the government wanted to cover up the whole issue. As opposition, we demand to constitute an SIT and probe the whole issue,” he added.

Earlier, Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan also demanded an investigation into the shocking allegations detailed in the Hema Committee Report. The report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, revealed details about the exploitation of women, including the existence of casting couches and poor working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.

“The government knows the fact that a series of offences have been committed. Despite knowing all this, the government is not taking any action. They are not ready to make an investigation team. We demand the government to constitute an investigation team,” Satheesan said.

Satheesan also alleged that Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian was “trying to avoid” an investigation and demanded his resignation. “Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian is trying to avoid an investigation into the recommendations and revelations of the Hema Committee. He has been trying to make some changes to the report. He is now violating his oath and trying to protect all the culprits in this case. So he has to resign. The opposition UDF demands his resignation,” Satheesan said.

Last week, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public. It recorded shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women professionals. The 235-page report, published after redacting the names of the witnesses and the accused, notes that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors.

The committee’s report confirms the existence of the practice of “casting couch” in the industry. It is based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals and reveals shocking details about the exploitation of women, including the existence of casting couches and poor working conditions. It states that harassment begins at the outset, with women being asked to make “adjustments” and “compromises”—euphemisms for sexual favours—to secure roles. The Committee also found that women are denied basic human rights, such as access to toilets and changing rooms, even on sets. Women often have to find secluded spots to change or use the bathroom during outdoor shoots, with no access to water or basic facilities.

The Hema Committee was formed in response to a 2017 sexual assault case involving an actor and submitted its report to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019.