Thiruvananthapuram, August 19: The Kerala government has made public the Justice K Hema Committee report on the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. However, 63 pages of the initial 295-page report have been redacted before its release under the RTI Act. The report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, 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. "According to women in cinema, harassment starts from the very inception. It is revealed from the statements of various witnesses who were examined before the committee that the production controller or whoever gives an offer for a role in cinema first approaches the woman/girl or if it is the other way and a woman -approaches any person in cinema seeking a chance in cinema, she is told that she has to make "adjustments" and "compromise" to takeher in cinema. "Compromise" and "adjustment" are two terms which are very familiar among women in the Malayalam film industry and by doing so, they are asked to make themselves available for sex on demand," the report said. ‘Malayalam Film Industry Ruled by Mafia’: Justice K Hema Committee’s Report Exposes Abuse, Casting Couch, and Discrimination Against Women.

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. "Almost all the women who were examined before the Committee stated that there is no toilet facility or changing room on the set, especially while shooting is done in many outdoor locations, which will be in remote places. Mammootty Reacts to Malayalam Film Industry’s Clash With Online Critics; Kaathal the Core Star Says ‘Allow Reviews and Cinema Go Their Own Way’ (Watch Video).

"What is being done now is, the women themselves will find some space in a nearby interior place, like a forest or behind bushes or a fat tree, to pass urine while on an outdoor shoot. At times, some cloth is being held by one or two persons to help the other change dress or to pass urine. No water will also be available at the site," the reporters said. 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. The report's findings highlight the need for urgent reforms to protect women in the Malayalam film industry.

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