The Hema committee report, which studied the problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry in the wake of the attack against an actor in 2017, found shocking details about the exploitation faced by women in the industry.
The report found that sexual exploitation is rampant in the industry.
"Was shocked to hear accounts of sexual abuse, harassment faced by victims in Malayalam film industry," the report, which runs into 233 pages, read.
READ MORE: Justice Hema Committee report released. What does the controversial report say?
The report said: "Women in cinema frequently feel unsafe going to work alone. Numerous testimonials reveal that sexual demands are commonly tied to employment opportunities, making it vastly different from other professions."
"...in the film industry, the casting couch remains a troubling reality," the report said.
According to the committee, testimonials have revealed incidents of harassment, including knocking on hotel doors where artists are staying at night and some men forcefully entering the rooms, making the workplace extremely unsafe for women.
ALSO READ: Casting couch exists in Malayalam film industry, reveals Justice Hema Committee report
Despite the sexual harassment and abuse, women are reluctant to report these incidents as they fear this will lead to reduced work opportunities. The stigma attached and the names involved often prevent women from approaching the police as they fear retaliation, including denial of work, the report noted.
The report further found that both women and men face cyberbullying, public threats, and defamation. There are vulgar comments against actors posted on social media platforms like Facebook. Besides, female artists often receive threatening messages, including rape threats and images of male genitalia. Such acts are meant to intimidate and humiliate the women.
