The Hollywood Reporter India Roundtable: Top Filmmakers Speak Out on Hema Committee and Me Too Movement in Indian Film Industries (Watch Video)

The Hema Committee Report, which exposed several cases of sexual assault and casting couch incidents involving some of the biggest names in Malayalam cinema, has become the centre of attention in the country. Since the report was released, many women have felt confident enough to come forward and share similar experiences. This movement is no longer restricted to Mollywood but has spread across other industries as well. Even some of the biggest filmmakers in the country, like Karan Johar, Vetri Maaran, Pa Ranjith, Zoya Akhtar and Mahesh Narayanan, recently shared their thoughts regarding the recent events. Justice Hema Committee Report: Amid Fallout of AMMA, Director Aashiq Abu and 4 Others Lead Formation of Progressive Film Makers.

The Hollywood Reporter India (THR India) recently hosted a round-table conference with visionary filmmakers from Bollywood, Kollywood, and Mollywood. Led by host Anupama Chopra, these talented filmmakers engaged in a discussion about everything related to cinema. The conversation began casually with Anupama Chopra highlighting the Hema Committee Report. She then asked each filmmaker for their views on it and the changes needed within the industry.

Watch THR India’s Roundtable Discussion With the Directors Below:

Mahesh Narayanan on Creating Better Work Conditions for Women

Mahesh Narayan shared his thoughts, emphasizing that atrocities against women are not limited to cinema. He stated, "I always feel like you give a person a mask, and the person will tell the truth. Anonymity is very important. That's the reason why the commission is so important." The Malik director further stressed that it's not just about reports being released but about creating a better work environment that can eliminate these issues.

Anupama Chopra then asked others about the possible resolutions we need to have. To this, Zoya Akhtar replied, "Firstly, these women need to be saluted. I hope that five years from now, their efforts don't go to waste and, in fact, open up a larger conversation." Zoya stated that the issues are not restricted to Malayalam cinema alone. She then took a bold stand on male entitlement, asking, "We need to open a conversation about what is wrong with certain men, why this is so pervasive, and why people feel this entitlement. Where are you getting this entitlement that women owe you something?" Zoya emphasised the need to discuss these matters in order to tackle such issues.

Karan Johar on Male Entitlement

Karan Johar addressed the issue of patriarchy, stating, "Unfortunately, we are a patriarchal society, and the sense of entitlement must change." He shared how he changed the language at home while raising his twins, Roohi and Yash, to avoid gender labels. Calling male entitlement a "disease," Karan emphasized that conversations are crucial to combat it. He mentioned how the #MeToo movement in Bollywood "derailed" and voiced his support for the Hema Committee Report to improve work conditions for women across all sectors.

Vetri Maaran, on the other hand, highlighted a major issue: not lending support to the victims who come forward while instead portraying them as the perpetrators. "When someone comes out and says a guy did this to me, we as a society should side with the person making the accusation. Let’s not defend the accused just because of their status." Vetri Maaran also expressed the need to teach the meaning of consent to individuals. Pa Ranjith explained that for situations like these, changes should be made in the initial stages. Education, societal behaviour, personal relationships, everything plays a vital role. "The movement that started in the Kerala film industry has become a major movement, and I wish it spreads to other industries." said the Thangalaan director in Tamil. Chiyaan Vikram Expresses Gratitude to Team Thangalaan for Making His 58th Birthday Special With a ‘Fiery yet Beautiful Tribute’ Video From Pa Ranjith’s Film – WATCH.

The Kerala government established the Hema Committee Report in February 2017. After the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) filed a petition to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, the government of Kerala set up a three-member committee headed by Justice K Hema. The committee included retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari and veteran actress Sharada. The report was submitted on December 31, 2019, and its findings were made public on August 19, 2024.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2024 01:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).