Mumbai: The Hema Committee report, originally assigned to the Kerala government five years ago, has recently come to light, coinciding with a time of growing unrest in India following the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata. Released on August 19, 2024, the report sheds harsh light on systemic issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry, particularly relating to the treatment of women. Although the findings are focused on a specific industry, they resonate with women from different sectors, reflecting a broader, wider reality, Hindustan Times reported. On August 23, Malayalam actor Siddique publicly welcomed the report’s findings, and urged the government to take swift action on its recommendations.
However,
just two days later, on August 25, Siddique resigned from his post as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). His resignation, which came on the same day as filmmaker Ranjith resigned as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy following allegations of misconduct, is a watershed moment in the ongoing battle for accountability and reform within the industry. The Hema Committee report is inspired by a tragic incident that took place in February 2017, when actress Bhavana Menon was abducted and assaulted by a group of men while travelling from Thrissur to Kochi. Actor Dileep, a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, was charged with criminal conspiracy in connection with the attack. Despite the allegations, Dileep maintained a thriving career, highlighting deeper issues of power and impunity within the industry.
