Indian Actors Under Scrutiny Amid New Sexual Abuse Claims in Southern Cinema

Women actors in India are leading what is viewed as the country’s second MeToo movement following revelations of widespread sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. This wave of disclosures was ignited by the Justice Hema Committee report, a comprehensive 296-page document. Commissioned by the Kerala government in 2017, the report aims to understand the working conditions of women in the industry.

The Malayalam film industry, central to Kerala and producing films in the widely spoken Malayalam language, came under significant scrutiny. A female actor from the Bengali film industry in West Bengal recently filed a complaint against renowned Malayalam director Ranjith. She disclosed on August 24 that he had inappropriately touched her and made unwanted sexual advances. Subsequently, another female actor from the Malayalam film industry accused veteran actor Siddique of sexual misconduct. Siddique is also the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

The committee, led by a former Kerala High Court judge, submitted its findings in December 2019, but the report was only made public on August 19, 2023, due to various legal challenges. This committee was formed following the 2017 sexual assault of a prominent female actor, who was attacked while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi. Dileep, a leading actor with ties to the assaulted actress, was charged with criminal conspiracy. Although he was released on bail, the case is still unresolved.

The report is a damning indictment of the Malayalam film industry, stating that it is controlled by a powerful clique of male actors, producers, distributors, exhibitors, and directors. This group has accumulated immense fame and wealth, creating an environment where no one dares to contest their authority. The committee found that sexual harassment is “shockingly rampant” and goes unchecked. Women frequently face open demands for sex, often feeling they have no choice but to comply or risk their careers.

Women new to the industry are pressured to “adjust” and “compromise,” being expected to be available for “sex on demand.” Those who stay overnight for shoots are particularly vulnerable, often facing aggressive advances. The report describes instances of men trying to forcefully enter women’s rooms, causing many women to ensure they have family members present for protection.

The fear of retaliation keeps many women silent. They dread not only the backlash from industry powerhouses but also the online harassment from fan clubs. Some incidents were so severe that the victims couldn’t even share them with close family members.

The report also highlights the lack of basic facilities for women, including toilets, changing rooms, and essential amenities like food and transportation. Women often have to resort to relieving themselves in bushes due to the absence of restrooms. During menstruation, the inability to change sanitary products or use a restroom causes significant physical discomfort, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

Members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) have faced challenges finding work since advocating for better working conditions. A 32-year-old female actor told Indian news daily The Indian Express that reporting incidents to the committee worsened her work boycott, forcing her to leave the film industry.

The AMMA has denied the allegations. Siddique stated, “There is no such power lobby. No lobby can control the cinema in any manner.”

Since the report’s release, more women have come forward with allegations. Seventeen cases have been registered against some of the industry’s biggest stars. The Bengali actor said she met Ranjith in 2009 to discuss a film role, during which he allegedly attempted to sexually harass her. She wrote to the police, stating he clutched her hand and tried to touch her inappropriately. Ranjith denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and baseless. He resigned from his position as chairperson of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and announced plans to clear his name.

The Malayalam actor described her encounter with Siddique, which began under the guise of a professional meeting but quickly turned into a situation where he allegedly locked the door and made sexual advances. Siddique resigned as AMMA’s general secretary and filed a complaint against the female actor, accusing her of a conspiracy to spread false allegations. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Siddique for rape and criminal intimidation.

Adding to the list of accusations, another female actor alleged that she was sexually harassed by actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Edavela Babu. She stated that she fled the industry due to these “bitter experiences” and relocated to Chennai. Following her complaint, Mukesh and Jayasurya were charged with sexual assault.

All office bearers of the AMMA, including president Mohanlal, a major star of the industry, resigned after allegations were levied against three AMMA members. The Kerala chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasized that the government would take strict action against those named in the report, forming a seven-member police panel to investigate.

“No matter how big they are, they will be brought before the law,” Vijayan declared.

Source: The Indian Express, NDTV, ANI