Casting Couch Epidemic in Malayalam Cinema: Female Actors Face Sexual Harassment and Harsh Conditions -

The report by Justice K. Hema on the status of women in Kerala’s Malayalam film industry has been released, revealing several shocking findings that highlight the challenging environment faced by female actors in the industry.

The report sheds light on severe discrimination and exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema. Key issues include the prevalence of the casting couch, lack of basic amenities on set, pay disparities, and blacklisting of those who refuse to meet demands from powerful figures.

Mafia Influence

According to the report, a “mafia” operates within the male-dominated Malayalam film industry, involving some top actors, creating extremely difficult working conditions for female performers.

The committee members were reportedly shocked after hearing the testimonies of female actors. The report indicates that the internal complaints committees set up for each film are ineffective, suggesting the state government needs to find new ways to address the concerns of women in the industry.

Reports and Restrictions

The Kerala High Court granted permission to release the report last week under the condition that no names of individuals would be disclosed and all sensitive information would be omitted.

Harassment and Intimidation

The 289-page report, released on August 19, reveals that a segment of directors, producers, and male actors controls the “mafia” in the industry. Those who complain are often sidelined and face numerous difficulties. One actress testified that she had to take 17 shots with a person who harassed her, leading to frustration from the director and others involved.

Another actress reported that despite multiple requests for details about intimate scenes, the director refused to provide information. After shooting, she was threatened with having the scenes made public when she asked for their removal.

Casting Couch Practices

The report also exposes the rampant practice of the casting couch, severely affecting women who are seeking prominent roles. New female actors are often pressured to engage in sexual favors to secure roles, with “compromise” being a common term used within the industry.

The committee pointed out that harassment starts as soon as a project begins, with production controllers or those offering roles being the first to make such demands.

Normalization of Exploitation

One actress noted that any male actor or crew member could demand sex, and women are expected to comply. This normalization of exploitation is reinforced by claims that renowned female actors achieved their status through such compromises.

The report also highlights how some men believe that all women enter the industry solely for sexual favors, a misconception that trivializes the issue. Many men attempted to downplay the sexual harassment in cinema, arguing that it happens in other fields as well, thus normalizing these severe and heinous acts.

Female Resistance and Discomfort

Many women have resisted such practices, stating that harassment in cinema often begins even before they start working in the industry. They argue that such demands are not common in other sectors. Women involved in cinema face open demands for sex based on the assumption that their willingness to perform intimate scenes on-screen implies consent off-screen.

Unsafe Work Environments

The report reveals that female actors often feel unsafe traveling alone to work and usually bring family or close relatives with them to the set. Nighttime harassment includes door-knocking by individuals who become violent if not answered.

Industry Misconceptions

The report addresses the common misconception that women enter the film industry purely for financial gain, leading them to tolerate unacceptable behavior. It concludes that even well-known figures in the industry are involved in sexual harassment.

Delayed Report Release

It took five years for the report, initially prepared in 2019, to be made public, with some details and names still withheld. The report reveals that it was only after the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) that women began sharing their experiences of sexual harassment.

Overall, the report portrays a grim picture of the Malayalam film industry, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and dignity of female actors.