A wave of #MeToo allegations has swept through Kerala’s film industry, Mollywood, following the release of the Hema Committee report detailing rampant sexual abuse and workplace violations against women in the Malayalam film industry. The report highlighted issues such as denial of human rights, casting couch practices, online harassment, and contract discrepancies faced by women in the industry.
The report led to a flood of new allegations, with actresses coming forward to report instances of sexual misconduct. Calls have been made for the names of alleged perpetrators identified by the report to be made public, and activists are pushing for structural changes in the industry to create a safer workspace culture for women.
The establishment of a judicial tribunal, as recommended by the report, has been delayed, but a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to address the new allegations. This includes cases involving prominent actors and directors, leading to a shake-up in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), whose executive committee resigned due to members being implicated in sexual misconduct accusations.
As the industry grapples with the aftermath of the report and subsequent allegations, there are growing calls for a broader reckoning and reform within Mollywood. The #MeToo movement in Kerala’s film industry is not just about exposing predators but also about restructuring the industry to create a safer and more equitable environment for women. The movement seeks to address systemic issues and pave the way for a more inclusive and respectful industry culture in the future.
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