Saturday, 14 September 2024
Saturday, 14 September 2024
The phrase casting couch dates back to the early twentieth century when Hollywood producers like Goldwyn, Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, Jack Warner of Warner Brothers gained infamy for allegedly molesting their way through many actresses during that time in return for a role in movies.
By the early 1920s, a film was made titled the “Casting Couch.” The plot revolved around an actress giving into the sexual demands of the casting producer.
Jump cut 100 years. The Harvey Weinstein scandal blows open in Hollywood. A producer known for Pulp Fiction, Gangs of New York and the Lord of the Rings franchisee was found to be a serial sexual molester.
In India, such controversies are usually a hush-hush affair. But the latest Justice Hema Committee report has split the Malayalam film industry wide open.
The Telegraph Online breaks down the controversy that has shaken the Kerala film industry.
The need for the Hema Committee report
The CPM-led Left Democratic Front formed the Hema Committee was formed in 2018 due to the growing allegations about sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry. This decision was the direct outcome of an October 2017 controversy where a prominent actress was harassed by a well-known industry figure.
Chaired by retired Justice K Hema, the committee had professionals from legal, psychological, and the film industry. The report covered a wide range of issues, from harassment on film sets to the abuse of power equations in the industry. The committee's objective was to propose actionable recommendations.
Key findings of the Hema Committee report
The Hema Committee submitted its report on August 19. The report said rampant sexual harassment and casting couch is a reality in the Malayalam film industry. Harassment and abuse are not limited to film sets; they also occur during travel to the sets and in places of accommodation, where women are often vulnerable and unprotected.
“pervasive gender discrimination, including disparities in remuneration and the exclusion of women from technical roles in cinema. Junior artists, in particular, are subjected to extreme exploitation, often working long hours without adequate compensation. The failure to execute contracts properly, along with the non-payment of agreed remuneration, further highlights the industry's exploitative practices,” says the Hema Committee report.
Minu Muneer's allegations
Malayalam actor Minu Muneer has brought forward accusations against several industry colleagues following the release of the Hema Committee report.
"I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of 1, Mukesh 2, Maniyanpilla Raju 3, Edavela Babu 4, Jayasurya 5, Adv Chandrasekaran 6, production controller Noble and Vichu, in the Malayalam film industry, " Muneer detailed her experiences in a Facebook post. She claimed that the abuse led her to quit the industry and relocate to Chennai.
Parvathy Thiruvothu on report's impact
Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu shared her skepticisim about the Hema Committee report. Reflecting on the long delay in its release, she commented, “The sense of achievement is extremely bitter-sweet for us, mainly because the first deposition happened sometime in 2018 and the report was submitted sometime in 2019." She also pointed out how the report has been sensationalised.
Revathy Sampath's experience
Actress Revathy Sampath has talked about a distressing experience with actor Siddique.
“He physically assaulted me without my consent. I was numb. He even went for a press conference while I was locked. I tried to call somebody but nothing worked.” Revathy told ANI.
Ramesh Chennithala's criticism
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has expressed strong disapproval of the Kerala government's handling of the Hema Committee report on Saturday. He told ANI, "After the publication of the Hema Committee report, the film industry in Kerala is under a cloud...I don't think that everyone working in the film field is guilty but from the inaction by Kerala govt for 4 years, it is very clear that they want to hide something and protect some people involved in it. My request to the state govt is to go ahead with an inquiry...after revelation of this report, govt wanted to cover up the whole issue. As opposition, we demand to constitute an SIT and probe the whole issue."
V D Satheesan calls for minister's resignation
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has demanded the resignation of culture minister Saji Cherian. Satheesan criticised Cherian for allegedly siding with the perpetrators, saying, "It is better that he (Cherian) tender his resignation from the post. He is not fit to remain a minister...the government is standing with the perpatrators."
Government's response to allegations
The Kerala government formed a Special Investigation Team on Sunday to investigate the reported abuses highlighted in the report. The investigation will be led by IGP G Sparjan Kumar and includes senior women IPS officers, aiming to address the serious allegations of harassment and exploitation revealed in the report.
“In light of recent interviews and statements from several women working in the film industry, detailing the hardships they have faced, the Chief Minister convened a meeting of senior police officials today. It was decided to form a special investigation team,” said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday.
