She highlighted the need to set up an Internal Complaints Committee with the right people and address the issues openly.
Published Aug 21, 2024 | 2:11 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2024 | 2:11 PM
Actor Revathy reacts to Justice Hema Committee Report. (Facebook)
On 19 August, the Kerala government released the long-awaited Justice Hema Committee Report, which reveals the widespread sexual assault and harassment experienced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
The Commission, chaired by former High Court judge Justice Hema, with veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari, was formed in 2017 after a sexual assault case involving actor Dileep. The report uncovers the disturbing realities within an industry renowned for its quality cinema.
Actor-filmmaker-dubbing artist Revathy, a member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), called for collective efforts to create a safer environment for women in the industry while addressing the Justice Hema Committee Report. She has been actively engaging with various media outlets to address the ongoing issue.
The versatile actor shared her initial reaction to the report with a blend of relief and determination. “I’m happy. It’s the first time a state government has achieved this, despite the delay. A study like this has never been done for the film industry, which is a positive step. But there’s still a long way to go. We must now collaborate with the government and film bodies to make the industry safer.”
Revathy recognised the challenges caused by the government’s five-year delay in releasing the Justice Hema Committee Report but remained committed to moving forward. “I’m sure they had their reasons,” she noted, acknowledging the delay.
“I don’t dismiss the pressure and mental stress we’ve all faced. But what’s done is done. Reading the entire report will be difficult—I haven’t even opened the first page yet. We already know the kinds of things that have been happening.”
Revathy insisted that the industry must collaborate with film bodies and educate workers. “It’s crucial to address these issues openly. Ignoring them won’t make the workplace safer. Confronting them is the only way to achieve real progress.”
The Kerala government started implementing changes. Revathy emphasised the importance of a court order requiring every production company in the Malayalam film industry to set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
“This is unprecedented in any Indian industry. Many still don’t grasp the potential power of an ICC if it’s formed correctly with the right people,” she observed.
Justice Hema Committee Report further examines the absence of basic facilities like women’s toilets and changing rooms, pay disparity and gender-based discrimination.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
