The Hema Committee, formed in 2017 after a WCC petition, was tasked with investigating sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
Published Aug 29, 2024 | 11:46 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 29, 2024 | 5:52 PM
Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Hema Committee report. (Instagram)
Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has voiced her support for the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) after the explosive findings of the Hema Committee report.
Released on 19 August, the report uncovers pervasive discrimination, exploitation, and sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, sparking widespread outrage.
Samantha praised the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) on her Instagram stories on Wednesday, 28 August, for their unwavering advocacy for a safer, more equitable industry.
“I’ve followed the WCC’s incredible work in Kerala for years. Their journey has been far from easy, and with the serious implications of the Hema Committee report now emerging, we owe them our gratitude,” she wrote.
The Hema Committee, formed in 2017 after a WCC petition, was tasked with investigating sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
Though submitted to the Kerala government in 2019, the report was only recently made public with minimal redactions. It uncovers a disturbing industry culture, including the influence of a powerful group and the expectation of sexual favours as an entry point.
Samantha applauds WCC. (Screengrab)
Samantha’s support comes at a pivotal moment, as the report has reignited the #MeToo movement within the Malayalam industry. Several actresses have accused prominent figures, leading to the dissolution of the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), including its president, Mohanlal, on 27 August.
In her message, Samantha highlighted the significance of WCC’s efforts and expressed hope for lasting change, stating, “A safe and respectful workplace should be the minimum standard, yet many still have to fight for it. I hope this is just the start of a much-needed transformation.”
Samantha’s last film appearance was in Kushi (2023), where she starred opposite Vijay Deverakonda. Written and directed by Shiva Nirvana, the film underperformed at the box office.
Samantha’s upcoming projects include Citadel: Honey Bunny and Bangaram, the latter being the first production under her banner, Tralala Moving Pictures.
In Bangaram, Samantha will both produce and play the lead role. Details about the plot, cast, and crew remain undisclosed.
Samantha launched Tralala Moving Pictures in December 2023.
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